Describe a typical day. Every day is different, which is what makes the job so interesting. However, I try to spend time "walking the area" - going to see people on the wards and asking them how they're getting on, and to make them feel like they're not totally isolated from management.
I have a mixture of planned meetings and ad hoc meetings with staff, phone calls, reports, data analysis, and future planning.
What other agencies and who else within your organisation do you work with? I work with the county council, schools, social services, education parent groups, voluntary agencies, the Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership, other health organisations and adult services. I work with staff from support workers to directors.
How did you end up in the job? I started after doing some project work for the trust. Before that I worked in a mixture of commercial and charity organisations.
What qualifications do you need? Experience as a general manager and a degree in management.
What goals have you set yourself? To lead the directorate to provide the best healthcare we can for our children, young people and families in the boundaries we are given and to have an innovative approach.
What's the biggest challenge? It's not so much a challenge but more the excitement of dealing with the constantly evolving children's agenda, both nationally and locally. It's keeping within our resources when we see more could be done.
What advice do you have for others wanting to do this kind of work? Be prepared to give in terms of time and commitment to help children and families. You need to have a professional general management approach and plenty of experience.
