What is your background?
Originally, I am from the North but moved to London in 2006 after spending a few years being based overseas having worked in the travel industry. I then worked in various sales and recruitment roles before taking on my first role working as a supplier to the NHS.
I started working with the NHS back in 2009, managing a Master Vendor contract at a recruitment agency supplying non-clinical staff to a couple of large NHS Trusts and then progressed in healthcare recruitment and spent several years working in Account and Contract Management for some major healthcare recruitment agencies in the market. I’ve worked on various projects focussing on workforce solutions for various NHS trusts in London and nationally. I then progressed to an Account Director for a healthcare workforce solutions specialist, providing various managed and digital workforce services to trusts, so the last 15 years of my working life has been dedicated to providing into the NHS, working with both trusts and across ICS.
Over the years I have forged some great relationships with trusts and have built up an abundance of market knowledge. It was always on my career agenda to eventually work directly for the NHS to utilise my commercial knowledge and skills from a different perspective, to directly impact MHS members.
What is your role within the NHS Workforce Alliance and what does it involve?
My role is a Senior Category Manager in the London regional team. I will be using my agency and solutions background and market knowledge to support trusts in the London region with their workforce challenges. My focus is on finding solutions and to lead on specific projects to assist trusts deliver their workforce strategy and priorities.
Why are you passionate about this?
I’m passionate about making an impact for trusts and ensuring that they use public money effectively to achieve their workforce strategy. Having previously worked as a provider into the NHS, I’ve had first-hand insight into how some organisations may not be as effective at managing costs effectively — often due to inefficiencies, inconsistent processes, or where more strategic support is required. That experience has encouraged and motivated me to be part of the solution. I’m passionate about using my external commercial experience to drive better value for the NHS. I think we are extremely privileged in the UK to have a leading public health service, and I want contribute to more sustainable, cost-effective solutions and help achieve savings that ultimately free up resources for frontline care.
What is the greatest challenge you face at work?
The NHS has many challenges, and resource is the biggest one. My role requires a lot of engagement with customers, so my personal challenge is around gaining commitment from customers to give their time to projects when they are also managing other priorities. The Alliance supports customers with their challenges and takes a strategic approach, so its ensuring that they gain full benefit and achieve the desired results.
What was your first job and how has it impacted your career?
My first job was a part-time role in a clothes shop when I was 14, working on Saturdays. From a young age, I was encouraged to have a strong work ethic, so after leaving school, I went straight into my first full-time role as a junior secretary at a solicitors’ practice. I specialised in conveyancing, – so reviewing lots of contracts and terms! However, the role that’s had the biggest impact on my career was working overseas for a travel company. It gave me extensive experience in customer and supplier engagement, and that’s where I discovered my passion for delivering great service. Since then, every role I’ve taken on has centred around people—whether it’s customers, clients, or colleagues—because I genuinely care about building relationships and making a positive impact through the service I provide.
How would you spend a perfect day off?
I don’t exercise as much as I’d like to due to lack of time, so I’d have a nice gym session or go for a run, followed by spending the rest of the time with my three year old son and husband and go to our favourite brunch place and then doing something fun. I like entertaining/hosting so I’d have our friends over for food and drinks in the evening too. The day would basically revolve around the people I love.