UKAS Academy Training Specialist
Why did you choose a career with UKAS?
Before joining UKAS I worked within the NHS for 14 years; developing from a support role early on, then undertaking further training onto a Biomedical Scientist within Haematology and Blood Transfusion with a term as a Lab Manager for Haemoglobinopathy diagnostics. This involved the successful delivery of the nationalised requirements for the screening program and Antenatal screening for Sickle cell and Thalassaemia and then my final role in Training and Standardisation.
At UKAS I immediately liked the team I was working with and the way they thought, they took a person-centred approach with everything they did! It massively helped that all of UKAS’ assessment teams were and are made up of current or previously practicing assessors, so they understood the challenges, empathised with processes and were always willing to start with an open conversation in a common language.
Having been an Assessment Manager and technical assessor in the field myself over the last 2 years I spotted lots of themes in the gaps that services were experiencing, as well as gaining feedback from customers and assessment teams on what they have observed. When this opportunity came up within UKAS I realised not only were they hearing my ideas on addressing these common issues, but UKAS wanted to proactively work with me to develop them, so I’m looking forward to seeing some of those ideas being brought to life soon.
Why have you decided to go into this area of training?
The potential in developing our customers to be more aware is huge and I’m passionate about getting them better value in the accreditation process through the delivery of training. I love seeing customers going further and I could see the benefits and value of what UKAS was offering to medical labs, other organisations and most importantly to the patients and end-users.
Finally, tell us about some of your interests and/or hobbies?
One of my escapes is running, as well as helping me stay fit, it’s also a great way of managing stress. This summer I’m planning to run the Seven Bridge Half Marathon and will be raising money for Blood Wise and Mind. Fantasy fiction is another one of my favourite escapes, be it within books, graphic novels or film!
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