What is your role at the Hub?

I recently started with the hub as a Procurement Specialist in the Corporate, Clinical and Regulation division.  I will mainly be responsible for the development and management of clinical frameworks and supporting members through clinical procurements.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?

I think the biggest challenge initially was understanding what the division is responsible for and how my role fits within the wider team. I am nearly three months in now and am up to speed, learning new things every day. Now with the introduction of the new Procurement Act in February, I am also working to consider the implications of the Act, what it will mean for us as a division as it may lead to some new challenges over the next few months.

What do you find most rewarding about your role, or working in the NHS?

I have worked in the NHS for nearly 10 years now and even given the wider system challenges, I still love being a part of it. I have worked in a number of different NHS organisations and I find it most rewarding knowing that what I do impacts the care of my family and friends, by ensuring that what money is available is being used most effectively.

What was your first job?

My first actual job was in a fish and chips shop when I was in school.  Worked most weekends and this is largely responsible for my absolute hatred of Tartare Sauce.  What I would call my first ‘proper’ job was as an apprentice administrator for a driver training company which had the amazing benefit of driving lessons on my lunch break!

Tell us about your hobbies

I am an avid reader and spend most of my free time with my nose in a book. I also collect special edition hardbacks and have a small but pretty collection of some of my favourites. I love music and theatre, having originally trained in performing arts many moons ago and try to get to a few gigs and shows in a year. I have five lined up already for this year and can’t wait. I try to get to the cinema as much as I can and both my kids share my love of films. I especially enjoy horror movies despite me being a complete chicken!

What would your dream holiday be?

If I could travel by blinking and not on an actual plane, I would love to visit Japan and New Zealand but I hate flying, so those might stay as dream destinations.  I would also love to go to Salem for Hallowe’en and see all the witches’ parades and spooky shops.