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 Chris Goody. Find out more about Chris’s background, role, and interests.
Q: What is your role within the NHS Workforce Alliance, and what does it involve?
I am the Head of Workforce at the East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub and a member of the Joint Working Group (JWG) for the NHS Workforce Alliance (WA).
My role includes managing my local team to ensure they are offering excellent support to the trusts in the East of England, and to work through all WA initiatives and procurements as a part of the JWG. I also represent WA with the regulator (NHSE/I) and manage the relationship with H.T.E.
I’m currently running the procurement for the new Workforce Improvement Services Framework on behalf of WA.
Q: Why are you passionate about this?
I believe the NHS is something to be cherished and nurtured.
We are incredibly lucky to live in a country that enables free healthcare to all and we need to ensure that the NHS is able to continue to care for the nation as efficiently as possible.
Q: What is the greatest challenge you face at work?
Numerous, but probably balancing the operational (literally) needs of the NHS against the need for considered spending activity.
In Workforce, we constantly walk the tightrope between patient needs, which are priority number one, and how we can support the NHS in delivering those needs in a sensible and measured way.
Q: What was your first job?
I was worked in a warehouse during school holiday from 13 to buy computer games but my first proper job (with an associated rent liability!) was in a high street bookmakers. Back then the shops were thick with cigarette smoke and frequented by some of the most colourful characters I’ve ever met! I did spend one memorable summer working in an abattoir too – that was an eye-opener!
Q: Can you tell us something surprising about yourself?
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I was a bit obsessed with breakdancing (it was all the rage in the 80s!) and became semi-capable of spinning around on my knees and generally flailing around on the floor. The skills have been long since lost I must add!