In our new ‘Get to know’ series, we will introduce a different member of staff each month, to give our customers insight into the different roles and expertise at the Hub and the people that perform them.
We would like to introduce Ruth McColl, our Assistant Director of Procurement for Clinical and Corporate Services.
What is your role at the Hub?
I have recently become the Assistant Director of Procurement for the newly merged Corporate and Clinical Services team with a further responsibility for procurement regulation and Sustainability and Social Value.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?
With the current changing landscape of public procurement, we are facing a lot of changes in terms of new legislation, spend controls being rolled out, as well as framework accreditation. Each poses new requirements and ways of working and it is important we adapt to these. The relatively short timeframe these are coming in with is also a big challenge.
What do you find most rewarding about your role, or working in the NHS?
Within my role and previous roles within the NHS, it’s clear that often procurement is not understood, but utilising procurement correctly it can help to improve processes, create savings, and to create better outcomes and drive efficiencies. I think what I find most rewarding is being able to share my knowledge to support this.
What was your first job?
My parents own a catering company, so I started working for them as soon as I got my national insurance number. I haven’t quite managed to leave yet though as they often pull me in on busy weekends, but it does mean I have managed to serve many of the Royal family, a few MPs, and some cricket players!
My first real job, that I chose as opposed to being guilt tripped into was the DHL procurement Graduate Scheme where I was based at NHS Supply Chain.
Do you have any hobbies?
If I’m not playing with/looking after my niece and nephew who are currently four and one, I’m more than likely watching a Disney film or rewatching Greys Anatomy for the millionth time. However, since the age of three, I’ve always danced, so I still do ballet and tap a couple of times a week.
What is your dream holiday?
I am very fortunate that my Granny lives in Antigua, so I often get to visit her in the Caribbean, though as a young child I was always disappointed I didn’t get to go to Centerparcs and Butlins like my friends. In hindsight I was definitely getting the better deal. Anyone at the Hub who knows me, knows I love anything Disney so my dream holiday would be to visit every Disney Park in the world – currently I’ve only visited Paris and Orlando so another four to visit. A Disney cruise and a visit to the Disney Hawaii resort would also be great!