In this month’s feature we Get to know Mark Kevlin, Procurement Specialist – Estates, Digital and Transport.
What is your role at the Hub?
As procurement specialist, I’m part of a team that helps individual or groups of trusts in the East of England to run tender exercises across the Estates and Digital categories. We have the experience and expertise to run complex, high value and perhaps most importantly, multi-trust procurements. These can cover a huge variety from equipment to implementation to support and maintenance services. Every day is different but each involves building relationships.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Helping trusts document precisely what products or services they require – trusts often have so much knowledge that it takes time to crystallise this into a specification document. It is also human nature to be easier to identify what you don’t want than what you do and that can make it a challenge to facilitate a procurement exercise which ensures maximum benefit for trusts.
What do you find most rewarding about your role, or working in the NHS?
For me it is about feeling part of a wider team that delivers patient care. I don’t have direct patient contact but I do help facilitate a small part of the care they receive and that is very rewarding.
What was your first job?
Specialist financial head-hunter in the City of London. This was in the swashbuckling nineties. It was very fast paced but hugely fun.
Tell us about your hobbies
I’d definitely call myself a wannabe marathon runner, so running is high on the list, as is any time spent in the outdoors enjoying nature.
What would your dream holiday be?
Horseback riding in southern Chile; camping, experiencing the wildlife and vistas off the beaten track. Nothing could be better.