The ‘Get to Know’ series showcases staff from around the NHS Workforce Alliance to give you a glimpse of the variety of roles in our organisation, and the people who perform them.
This month, we’re pleased to introduce Andy Rouse, Workforce Senior Category Manager at NHS London Procurement Partnership.
What is your background?
I’ve been in the NHS since 2004 working in a variety of roles within commissioning, contracting and procurement.
What is your role within the NHS Workforce Alliance, and what does it involve?
I’m a ‘new starter’ having just returned to work for the NHS Workforce Alliance again after a career side move. For the past 18 months I completed an operational role within an International Recruitment consortium in London called CapitalNurse which was challenging and rewarding. It was great to work ‘post procurement’ and make a contract work in a consortium environment of 27 hospital trusts and seven agencies.
I’m now working with Capital AHP to procure International Recruitment services, and supporting the tender of a new International Recruitment Framework. I also hope to work within the alliance to promote complete workforce solutions for all of our customers.
Why are you passionate about this?
NHS workforce has become an unintended but extremely satisfying vocation for me personally. The success of the NHS hangs on its people; whether that be the innovators inventing new technologies, or the frontline staff who tirelessly work to provide the best care for their patients, or the unsung back office workers who keep the wheels turning in the background. Attracting, utilising and retaining the best talent is a central challenge of the NHS and it’s something that I take pride in contributing to.
What is the greatest challenge you face at work?
We are all still adapting to a post COVID-19 way of working. I enjoy working from home but also miss the spontaneous conversations and interactions of face to face working. Finding a balance ‘best of both worlds’ is currently a balance that I’m striving for.
What was your first job, and how has it impacted your career?
My first proper job was for Natwest in retail banking. I loved the interaction and banter with regular customers and it was a great job during university holidays. During sixth form I also worked for Sainsbury’s and Tesco at the weekends.
Whilst I loved retail banking, I knew that it wasn’t a lifelong career path for me as I craved to work in a charity or public sector organisation. The local branch I worked at (Farnham) is closing later this year, so perhaps not such a bad move to be an NHS lifer? Customer service, people and delivery have remained with me from those days and that is something that probably will remain with me for the rest of my career.
How would you spend a perfect day off?
I always like to keep my days off as unplanned as possible. That way I can just wake up and just do what I feel like. Sometimes that’s going out for day – Southsea is a favourite day trip of mine. Other times it’s embarking on an ambitious DIY project or perhaps learning a new song on my guitar.