Tell us about your role
The role of the Programme Director is varied but as a rule we oversee the delivery of the workstreams and programmes for the Provider Collaborative.
This includes commissioning, contracting, finance management, supervision, workforce and service development and planning, as well as much more.
How long have you been in your role/working for the Provider Collaborative?
Nina: I have worked in the Collaborative since it started in February 2020. Prior to being appointed as Programme Director, I held other posts in the Provider Collaborative. This year is my 20th year working for the NHS and prior to joining the PC, I worked as a service manager in CAMHS crisis services and all age eating disorders service. I am a nurse by background.
As the Programme Director for the HSK CAMHS PC, I cover Kent and Sussex. I am also the Programme Director for the Adult Eating Disorder Provider Collaborative.
Louise: I joined the Provider Collaborative in March 2021 from the National Specialised Commissioning Team where I worked for five years as a lead for Children and Young People's Mental Health Services. Prior to that I worked in the Regional Specialised Commissioning Team as the Mental Health Lead for Hampshire, IOW, Dorset and Thames Valley. I worked in this post, which encompassed adult and children and young people's mental health services, for seven years.
As the Programme Director for the HSK CAMHS PC, I cover Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
What's the favourite thing about your job?
Nina: I really enjoy commissioning new services that meet the needs of our young people and their families, such as Spring Tide Eating Disorder Day Service in Sussex, which is now up and running. The feedback from families and young people has been really good and it is clearly having a positive impact on people's lives.
Louise: Working with a great team that is so committed to improving pathways for young people. I enjoy the variety of the role and the opportunity it brings to work with young people, parents, carers, families and all partners to develop and implement new services and changes that will make a positive difference.
How did you get into the role?
Nina: I saw the role advertised and I wanted a new challenge. The advertisement drew me in as the PCs are a new way of working in terms of commissioning. I liked the idea of saving money to invest back into local services.
Louise: In my previous role at NHSE, I was involved in the development and preparation for the national roll out of PCs. The potential for what PCs could achieve in local CYPMH services and particularly in developing alternatives to admission felt exciting and then this role was advertised and applied. The rest is history!!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Nina: I love running, cycling, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends. You will most likely find me training for an event of some kind.
Louise: I have two labradors so I spend a lot of time walking with them which is great. We live near the coast and the forest, so lots of lovely walks to do. I enjoy travelling and recently visited South Korea which was fascinating.
Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?
Nina: I am a proud armed forces veteran. I served in the Royal Air Force prior to becoming a nurse and even went away to the Gulf with the Navy on a war ship for six months.
Louise: I have recently started working in the national Quality Transformation Team for two days a week to work on the new clinical model for CYPMH Intensive Services. My main role will be to support the PCs across the country to implement the new service spec and model.