“I joined the then CHoC team back in 2012 when I was 24 years old, starting initially as an Admin Team Leader, managing the Rota and Admin functions for the organisation. I was fortunate to have such great colleagues and a dedicated team, as well as a manager who fully supported my ambitions. I was given a promotion to Office Manager in 2014. Whilst working full time I commenced on a master's in leadership and management at Lancaster University in 2015 which I completed in 2018 gaining a distinction grade. My master's really taught me about myself, my leadership style and underpinned the important role we play in managing other people. I learnt a huge amount by working on the ground and gained so much knowledge from working across all teams in the organisation. In 2017 I gained the role of Head of Business Management, whereby the focus was to seek out business opportunities, work with key partners, third sector organisations and our commissioners. In April 2024 I was given the position of Associate Commercial Director, and I feel so privileged to hold this role. My role supports Susan Blakemore (CEO) as well as the Executive and Board by co-ordinating and contributing to strategy, development and business planning. I do often sit back and reflect back to 2012, when I was 24 years old and until that point, I had never been 100% sure what career I wanted, but I would always say "follow what you love doing", and that is exactly what I did.
My role is very varied, and no day is ever the same! A large focus of what I do relates to seeking out business opportunities, and working with key partners, third sector organisations and our commissioners. I deal with all aspects of procurement and applying for contracts and services for Cumbria Health to deliver, all whilst still overseeing the Business and Rota teams alongside Phil and Rachel.
I am surrounded by intelligent and talented people at work every day who are also kind, caring and supportive. I have a huge passion for Cumbria Health and all the people within the service, who are dedicated and deliver excellent health services to the Cumbrian populations. For me it is important to inspire, lead, motivate and encourage talent and ability when we see it, we all need to generate self-confidence and belief in those who are lacking. It is so important to share the concept that anything is possible, and anyone can achieve great things.”
