I’ve worked for People First since 2000, I’ve done a number of different jobs while I’ve been here and I’m now lucky enough to lead the organisation.
My role includes working with our Boards to decide what we do next, setting the vision for the organisation and making sure that everything we do is of high quality. I chair our Senior Leadership Team meetings, and Extended Leadership Team meetings, and represent People First and Healthwatch at Strategic external meetings such as the Health and Well Being Boards and Safeguarding Boards. I have a team of outstanding and brilliant staff who support thousands of people to live better lives; our staff are supported by knowledgeable and ambitious managers.
I live in the Northern Fells with my partner and 3 children… boys… teenagers!!! Needless to say there’s never a dull moment. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful friends who make me laugh until my sides hurt, weekends away, walking and occasionally when I find time Yoga!
Despite a short period in Hospitality Management, I’ve spent my whole professional life working in Healthcare, starting in elderly care when I left school. I went on to train in Psychotherapy with the University of Lancashire, whilst studying I worked within Psychological Services and Learning Disability services for the NHS, providing one to one and couples therapy. I’ve completed lots of management qualifications over the years, most recently I studied ‘Leading Transformational Change in Health and Care Services’ at masters level with Teesside University, graduating in 2018. The programme was funded by the NHS and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, I love learning new things!
My hope for the future is that People First continues to be a values driven organisation that continues to reach out and support more and more people to lead healthy fulfilling lives. I feel honoured to be doing this amazing job!