Our Staff Team

Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG, Chief Executive and Founder

Jane Plumb co-founded Group B Strep Support with her husband Robert in 1996 after their middle child died from group B Strep infection, and is its Chief Executive.

Outside of GBSS, Jane is the Women’s Voices Lead and Chair of the Women’s Network for the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Jane contributed to the development of the WHO’s Defeat Meningitis by 2030 Road Map. She is Acting (and past) chair of the Advisory Council for the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations and a European representative. She is also Chair of the Pregnancy & Baby Charities Network. Jane was on the Scientific Committees for the International Symposium on Streptococcus Agalactiae Disease for 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2026. Jane was a member of the Department of Health’s priority-setting workshops for group B Strep research, and has sat on several National Institute for Health & Care Excellence guideline development committees. Jane has been a co-applicant on many group B Strep research projects, including the GBS3 trial, where she co-leads the Patient & Public Involvement work. Jane was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to child health and a Fellowship Honoris Causa of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in 2021.

Jane says: “After losing our son Theo to group B Strep infection at just 17.5 hours old, my husband and I decided to start charity Group B Strep Support. We wanted to do everything we could to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

My background in HR consulting gave me some handy transferable skills, but the real credit for all we’ve achieved so far goes to the amazing team behind GBSS – our trustees, our clinical advisory panel, our staff team and of course, our supporters and volunteers. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some awards over the years, like the Tesco Campaigning Mum of the Year, an MBE, and an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. These accolades are a testament to the hard work of our team and supporters.

There’s still more to be done, as babies are still suffering from preventable group B Strep infections. But we’re making a difference, and that’s something to be proud of. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that healthy children are thriving because of the work we’ve done. Each of us can make a difference, and what could be more rewarding than that?”

You can connect with Jane on LinkedIn here

Jane Grout, Fundraising Manager

“I have been working at Group B Strep Support since January 2013. Working with my colleagues, I support our community fundraisers by developing their ideas, offering advice/guidance, providing materials to enhance their fundraising, and on behalf of the charity, reminding them how incredible they are for helping us to save babies’ lives!

Fundraising is vital to GBSS to help us to achieve our vision of ending preventable group B Strep infection in babies. We are always thinking of innovative new ways to raise vital funds and awareness of our life-saving work. I thoroughly enjoy working for the charity and have been really inspired by the amazing passion of the staff and community to support such a worthy cause.

Outside of work, I really enjoy my exercise classes and have two wonderful teenage girls, who keep me very busy.”

Oliver Plumb FRSA, Advocacy & Information Manager

“I joined the team in 2014, straight out of university and into the ‘family business’. Having grown up seeing the impact my brother’s death from group B Strep infection had on my family, I have a passion for improving things for other families in the UK.

I’m privileged to work with amazing families affected by group B Strep and support them to become effective and influential advocates for change in the NHS.

My overall focus is to influence UK policy and strategy at various levels, which involves interacting with NHS bodies, parliamentarians, and stakeholders at all levels. There have been significant steps forward in GBS prevention over the years, notably in 2017, when national clinical guidelines recommended all women be informed about GBS by their doctor or midwife. However, there is still more to do, as too many families only hear about GBS after their baby is sick.

It’s a pleasure working with the small and passionate group of staff who are so committed to improving the lives of families across the UK.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, podcasts, TV, film and novice DIY.”

Anna Dunning, Information and Support Services Officer

“I am the Information and Support Services Officer here at Group B Strep Support, where I manage helpline enquiries and oversee the distribution of literature to medical professionals. 

I am often the first point of contact for families seeking information, reassurance and support, and I take great pride in helping people feel heard and informed.

My connection to Group B Strep Support is also deeply personal. I am a parent to two children, and I first became aware of group B Strep during my own pregnancies. I also experienced a traumatic birth, and these experiences have shaped my understanding of how vital clear information and compassionate support can be. 

Being able to use my lived experience to support others is something I find incredibly meaningful, and I am very pleased to be working for such a worthwhile cause.

Outside of work, most of my time is happily taken up by my children and their many clubs and busy social lives! When I do manage to find a moment to myself, I love catching up with friends over coffee, getting to the gym, and planning new places to visit on the next trip away!”

Sophie Powell, Finance & Operations Officer

“I truly enjoy working for the charity and feel incredibly fortunate to have joined Group B Strep Support in May 2024. At the time, I was looking for a role that would further my accounting skillset while allowing me to contribute to a meaningful cause. It was an amazing bonus to find that opportunity in a cause I was personally affected by and passionate to support.

Before my sister tested positive for group B Strep after giving birth, I hadn’t heard of the infection or the risks it poses to newborn babies. It was through her experience that I first learned about it. Thanks to her journey, I was informed and prepared when I had my own children. That knowledge, which I am incredibly grateful for, meant that my daughters were protected from what could have been a very different outcome.

I strongly believe that raising awareness and sharing information is vital and should never be left to chance. No family should ever be in a situation where it takes their baby getting sick first to find out about group B Strep.

I can’t fully put into words the pride I feel working alongside such an incredible group of individuals. Their dedication is inspiring and drives me to support the team as best as I can. I look forward to many more years with GBSS and witnessing all the positive changes they’ll continue to make.

Outside of work, I love expressing my musical side through piano and singing. I love to learn, Spanish is my latest challenge. I also enjoy making arts and crafts with my children and proudly hold the title of family games master.”

Sam Jones, Digital Content Specialist

“I joined Group B Strep Support in January 2025, after spending a few years as a freelance graphic designer. I’ve worked with charities in the past and knew I wanted to move back into that space. Having a good cause to channel my creativity into makes my work so much more rewarding. Knowing that my colleagues all feel the same about putting their skills towards a meaningful cause makes being part of this team even more special.

I’ve always been a creative person with an itch to make and design… it’s just how my brain is wired. At GBSS, I put that creativity to work by designing the charity’s visual materials, from campaign graphics and printed resources to social media posts and digital content. My role is about helping to bring the charity’s voice and message to life, making sure that our information is not only clear and accessible but also engaging and memorable.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me hiking, going to gigs, making art, or on a charity shop treasure hunt.”