Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA, 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 Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists’ Women’s Voices Lead and Chair of their Women’s Network. Jane led the team in contributing to the development of the WHO’s Defeat Meningitis by 2030 Road Map through participation at consultation meetings. She chairs the Council for the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations and is a trustee for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Jane was on the Scientific Committees for the International Symposium on Streptococcus Agalactiae Disease for 2018 and 2021 and is again for 2023, leading the Patient Voice Stream. 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 of 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, a Fellowship of the RSA in 2020 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 medical 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 follow Jane on Twitter at @JanePlumb
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, 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.”
Amanda Luckett, PA to CEO and Office Manager
“I joined GBSS in July 2023 as PA to CEO and Office Manager. I enjoy the busy office life in this varied role with a very forward-thinking company. It is rewarding to work for such a good cause and be part of an enthusiastic caring team.
Outside of work, I enjoy landscape painting in acrylics, walking in nature and spending time with my family.“
Emily Robertson, Accounts Assistant
“I joined the GBSS team in February 2018 as a part-time Accounts Assistant after moving to the UK from Australia with my family.
I really enjoy my time in the office – the small team and the amazing work they do make it a very rewarding place to work.
Outside of work, I am kept busy with my two boys.”
Jess Fuller, Helpline and Information Officer
“I joined the team in September 2023 after searching for a role in which I can truly make a difference. I enjoy working at Group B Strep Support as I feel I do just that while working in a supportive environment where your ideas matter. There is no better feeling than helping someone when they are scared and knowing that what you do will directly help thousands of others.
I am looking forward to a long career at GBSS where I will play my part in helping to stop group B Strep infections.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends (equine and human!) as well as colouring, watching TV and movies and writing stories.”
