I didn’t always work in tech. A year into a maths degree, I decided it wasn’t for me and followed my interests instead. I graduated with a degree in philosophy, which led me into politics.
I was elected as a councillor in Wirral Borough Council at the age of 27 and became a board member for Merseyside Fire and Rescue, where I had responsibility for city-wide strategic planning, and financial auditing and monitoring for budgets in the tens of millions. I can’t explain why, but I really love managing finances.
I joined the organisation 8 years ago in the programme management team, helping to make sure governance and controls were in place for large national projects such as NHSmail, the NHS website, the Electronic Prescription Service, Summary Care Records and the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).
Now, I work with around 100 other people in the NHS App team. My role as programme manager is to do the behind-the-scenes-stuff that allows the teams at the front line of delivery to get on with what they do best. Need budget? Need people? Need something approved? I’m the person to speak to. I always say that if I do my job well then it looks like I haven't really done anything at all.
