Biography
Dr Ricky Hellyar is a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Birmingham Newman University. He is a highly experienced academic leader, adult nurse, and researcher with over two decades of combined clinical and academic experience across the NHS, higher education, and the charitable sector.
Ricky began his nursing career in critical care, spending almost a decade working in intensive care at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. He went on to serve as a Clinical Research Nurse and later as a Haematology Clinical Trials Manager, leading multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-profile clinical studies. This strong foundation in frontline practice and applied research continues to shape his teaching, scholarship, and leadership in higher education.
Before joining Birmingham Newman University, Ricky held senior roles within Cardiff University’s School of Healthcare Sciences, where he contributed extensively to undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. He has led on curriculum design and delivery, held multiple academic leadership positions, and championed inclusivity as Disability Lead. His leadership in international placements resulted in a 250% increase in student opportunities, and he has also led skills and simulation learning across programmes.
Driven by his passion for maximising the student experience, Ricky has a reputation for innovation with a clear focus on empathetic and student-centred education. He has developed award-winning educational resources and practices, prioritised international collaboration, supervised MSc and PhD students, and campaigned on vital issues at both the UK and Welsh Parliaments.
Ricky has worked collaboratively with institutions across the world and has experience teaching in multiple countries. His commitment to championing key health issues led to his appointment as a trustee for Believe Organ Donation Support, a charity dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting those affected by organ donation.
Profile
Qualifications
- Doctor of Advanced Healthcare Practice (2022) – thesis on neural cell transplantation for Huntington’s Disease
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Education (2015)
- MSc Critical Care, Cardiff University (2011)
- General Intensive Care Double Credit Diploma (2005)
- Foundation Diploma in Adult Critical Care (2003)
- Diploma in Nursing (Adult) (2002)
- Registered Adult Nurse (NMC, since 2002)
- Teacher Registration (NMC, 2015)
Teaching and Academic Interests
- Adult nursing
- Research Methods
- Clinical science
- Critical care medicine
- Curriculum design and student-centred pedagogy
- Simulation and digital learning innovation
Professional Engagement
Ricky maintains his registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and is a member of the Royal College of Nursing. His work has been recognised by:
- RCN Wales Digitalisation and Innovation Award (2021)
- Finalist, Student Nursing Times Educator of the Year (2022)
- Enriching Student Lives Award for Outstanding Use of Educational Environment (2024 & 2025)
Personal Statement
“My work as a nurse and educator is grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and innovation. I believe nursing education should prepare students not only to deliver safe, effective care but also to think critically, reflect deeply, and lead with compassion. At Birmingham Newman University, I am committed to nurturing the next generation of nurses who will transform healthcare and make a meaningful difference to patients, families, and communities.”
Selected Publications & Media
Hellyar, R, et al 2023. Capturing international nursing experiences via digital mediums INHWE/AoME Conference, Cardiff University.
Hellyar, R, 2023 Sepsis In: Hughes S and Mardell A (eds) Oxford Handbook of Perioperative Practice Oxford University Press
Kelly, D. Hellyar, R. Poole, R and Smith, P. Living with Prostate Cancer. 2021. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Floyd, M. Wolkins, E. Hellyar, R. Smith, P. Being Trans. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., Owen, J. and Smith, P., 2021. Baby Loss. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Anstey, S. Job, C. Smith, P. and Hellyar, R. Secondary Breast Cancer. 2021. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Cowpe, L. Smith, P., Hocking, K. Hellyar, and Hellyar, R. 2021. Ellen and Karl: Lymphoedema. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Twycross, A., Kelly ,D., Hellyar, R., Smith, P., Floyd, M., 2021. Long Covid: Lived Experiences Part 1. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Gill, L., Hellyar, R., Smith, P., Floyd, M., Gill, P., 2021. Long Covid: Lived Experiences Part 2. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Rawlinson, C., Edwards, M., Britten, V., Smith, P. and Hellyar, R., 2021. Behind the Health Statistic: Clinical Research and the Role of the Nurse – part 1. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., Cowpe, L. and Smith, P., 2021. Lara: My Endometriosis (Parts 1, 2 & 3) Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R. and Brimble, M., 2021. Mandy: Dad, Epilepsy and me. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R. and Bundy, C., 2021. Russ: Living with Psoriasis. Behind the Health Statistic.
Hellyar, R. and Emile, G., 2021. Rob: Gambling. My Hidden Addiction. Behind the Health Statistic.
Hellyar, R. and Parry, A., 2021. Mike and Harry: A Transplant Story (Parts 1 & 2). [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., 2021. Becky: A Heart Defect Story. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., 2021. Debbie: My COPD. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., 2021. Lyndon: Arthritis and Me. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., 2021. Rhiannon: My Life with Anorexia. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R., Nathan, M. and Cowpe, L., 2021. Lara: My Childhood with Cancer. Behind the Health Statistic. [Podcast].
Hellyar, R. 2017. Exploring understanding of neural stem cell transplantation (NSCT) as an intervention for Huntington’s Disease (HD) – TRIALS.
Morley, T., Subin, S., McLean, A., Johnson, J., Hellyar, R., Berry, L. and Rucklidge, J., 2017. Emergency Scenario Training Guidance Document. National Institute for Health Research/Chief Scientist Office.