This month, we’re pleased to introduce Stephanie Alexander. Find out more about Stephanie’s background, role, and interests.
What is your role within the NHS Workforce Alliance, and what does it involve?
I am the Assistant Director for Workforce within NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP), managing the London regional usage of the NHS Workforce Alliance frameworks.
I am involved in a number of NHS WA sub groups, including the Joint Working Group, Communications Group, Audit Group and Framework Implementation Group. I am also the Supplier Relationship Manager for NHS LPP’s allocated suppliers.
Within each of these areas, I work closely with WA colleagues to ensure everything is on track with upcoming projects, procurement exercises and alike. I bring with me 12 years of NHS Workforce experience within Procurement and Temporary Staffing.
Why are you passionate about this?
I am extremely passionate about the NHS, not just about cost savings, but about working together as one, ensuring patients are the priority and trusts are safely staffed.
I have seen first-hand the brilliance of nurses, doctors, AHPs, non-medical personnel, etc. This has pushed me to work within the NHS to show my gratitude.
What is the greatest challenge you face at work?
No two days are ever the same and never have been in my 8 years within NHS LPP, especially this last year working throughout the pandemic; I returned from maternity leave in spring 2020 and within two weeks we were in the depths of something we have never seen in our lifetime.
The NHS Workforce Alliance also was formed whilst I was away from the business, so I had the challenge of introducing myself to everyone I would be working with via video call.
I am missing those face to face interactions, especially as my WiFi is not the greatest!
What was your first job and how has this impacted you in your career?
I worked for Dinnages Ford Dealership in Haywards Heath (West Sussex) as a Service Advisor. I had just left school and was determined to work and earn towards the car I wanted. This role helped me in more ways than they could imagine. It required interacting with different teams and departments, answering phones, responding to emails and ensuring I researched or questioned the outcome of a car’s service to be able to relay information to a customer.
This role taught me everything I needed to know to be a great Customer Service Advisor, which I hope shows to our lovely NHS customers today. The role also gave me the confidence and can-do attitude that I pride myself on.
Can you tell us something surprising about yourself?
I am an online shopper… I should have shares with delivery companies! I need to learn to return items when they don’t suit me; I often find them a few months (or years) later stuffed in the back of the wardrobe with labels still on, my reasoning is I will fit into it one day.
I am also a huge football fan and a season ticket holder for my hometown Brighton & Hove Albion, yet since moving I need to invest in a West Ham United ticket.