Why did you want to chair this network?
A number of fellow human resource directors had previously asked if I would put myself forward for the role of chair, for the NHS Providers human resource directors network. I agreed to apply as I considered then, and still do, that from a professional human resources and organisational development perspective, as well as a wider workforce perspective, the NHS is facing challenging times ahead and through chairing the network I hoped to make a valuable contribution to that agenda, which would, in turn, support us all. Following my first two year tenure, I was again asked if I would continue to chair for a further two years and with the supportive nominations from other human resources directors (HRDs), I was successfully reappointed.
Why would you recommend members to attend this network?
Long before I became the network chair, way back as a first time HRD, I personally benefited from the network, as this gave me the opportunity and space to think through and understand some of the challenging workforce issues, as well as the chance to learn from other more established HRDs and hear about many of the great initiatives that other NHS Trusts had implemented. In the early days it was also an opportunity to learn from others on the path to foundation trust status! Even though I am now in my 11th year as a HRD and little is said about foundation trust pipelines anymore, I still recommend this network to both new and experienced HRDs and I continue to benefit from the network, given our fast changing environment. Let's face it, the job of a HRD does not get any easier in these challenging times and I am always keen to learn from others.
What do you hope to achieve with the network over your tenure?
Over my tenure, I aim to ensure HRDs are kept well informed about the challenges we face, as well as having the opportunity to learn from others on how we can best meet these workforce needs. I also aim to bring to the fore and provide a forum to discuss openly, many of the national workforce related issues and obstacles that are faced by provider organisations. In doing so I hope to have our network meetings focus on three key areas:
• A focus on topical and policy related issues
• learn from other NHS trusts and related NHS organisations on the latest updates
• Hear from speakers from outside the NHS to help stimulate new thinking around the wider human resources and organisational development agenda.
Term in office: January 2019 – January 2021