Question: Can you describe your career story to Regional Director of Finance (RDOF)?
Answer: I am NHS through and through – I joined as part of the Financial Management Graduate Training scheme. I hadn’t ever intended on becoming an accountant and actually had a university place to train as a teacher but came across the advert for the scheme and was attracted to that. During my time on the scheme, I was based in north west London and while there I had a baby as a single mother, which was an extra challenge but the training scheme was very supportive to enable me to finish my training and qualify.
I then went on to get my first job at Northwick Park hospital and learnt my trade there as a divisional accountant. This gave me a real understanding of how a hospital works and how to build relationships with clinical staff. I then worked at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ for 4 years, learning more about how a large teaching hospital works before I relocated to Sussex.
I took my first CFO role at Western Sussex Hospitals ten and a half years ago. The Trust then merged with the nearby Brighton hospitals to create University Hospitals Sussex. More recently I led the new hospital redevelopment programme in Brighton, which taught me it’s always possible to learn something new even as a CFO. I learnt that you need an adaptable skill set, a good team and that asking the ‘silly’ questions but knowing how to get assurance even if you’re not the expert is key.
10 years later I wanted a change, so I applied to be the Regional Director of Finance (RDOF) at NHS England in the Southeast region. I knew Anne Eden (the Regional Director) and had already built up some good relationships across the region which was key to me bringing in a provider perspective to this role .
Question: What do you enjoy most about being a RDOF?
Answer: It’s an absolute privilege to be in a role across a large geography with many organisations as you get a perspective of all the amazing things going on, as well as learning different approaches and challenges for organisations. It has been great to meet so many new leaders across the Southeast region, including getting to know more of the CFOs. The region has a great Executive team, and it’s fantastic working with the other RDOFs across NHSE. I’ve also enjoyed working with national colleagues and having the opportunity to contribute to the formation of national guidance and support to NHS organisations, as well as helping with how sometimes difficult messages can be communicated to the wider NHS finance community.
Question: What do you find most challenging in being a RDOF?
Answer: The negatives are linked to the positives – being part of a large geography means that I cover around 40 organisations, so I’m very thinly spread, and it is a challenge to keep up to date with what’s going on in all areas. I would like to be out and about more. I have also joined at a challenging time around the money, so it has been difficult to get alongside the CFOs while also delivering a very tough national ask. Having a strong network is helpful for that.
Question: How do you cope with the pressure of your role and some of the tough decisions that you must influence others to take?
Answer: Peer support is incredibly beneficial – from my RDOF colleagues, other CFOs and also my regional director. It is so important to build relationships and have trusted people you can seek advice from. Credibility is key when you’re having conversations with other CFOs – I have found that having been a provider CFO myself for long time does help. I therefore speak the language and can share my experience.
Question: Were there any role models who gave you a sense of what it is to be a leader or helped you on your journey?
Answer: I have been fortunate to work with a lot of amazing people – both men and women. They all had in common a sense of purpose and clarity of what they’re about. They’re also clear on where their values shine through. I have worked with people who have encouraged me beyond what my limits are – they pushed me to do what I thought I couldn’t, and they gave me the opportunity but in a safe way e.g. at Northwick Park and then when I moved to Sussex I worked for an amazing CEO. My Regional director has been great as I’ve transitioned into this role– I always make a point of choosing who I work for carefully as you need to trust them to have your back – this can be a lonely job, so I need that support.
Question: When interviewing candidates for senior leadership roles, what are the top 3 attributes you look for?
Answer: Not in any order:
- I look for someone who has a strong sense of curiosity, who is open to learning and a good listener and acknowledges that they don’t have all the answers
- People focused – someone who puts a lot of value into investing in relationships and recognises why you need good people around you and can build trust and confidence. You can only be successful if you work well with others and take people with you, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you.
- Someone who has a sense of fun, particularly as some of these jobs are lonely and difficult and relentless so you need someone who can put things into perspective and lighten a day and bring a bit of joy to it with positive energy
Question: What one piece of advice would you give to those aspiring to senior finance leadership roles, knowing what you know about the barriers you faced?
Answer: Surround yourself with good people, people who can be better than you. Both working for you and who you work for. Try and have fun at work and maintain your work/life balance – keep perspective.
Question: The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #InspireInclusion – How are you inspiring inclusion?
Answer: I hope in my role I can act as a good role model. I’m always keen to support women into leadership roles and am particularly interested in how we support our apprentices who are often a diverse group of people. I’ve just started as exec sponsor to a working parents network in the south east region which I want to support in a meaningful way. Sponsoring, mentoring, supporting One NHS Finance and the development of finance professionals and the South East Finance Academy.