Building connections: Helping organisations find the right solutions
This month we're focusing on the Customer Engagement team, who work closely with colleagues across NHS organisations and the wider public sector, providing support, guidance and access to procurement expertise.
Lisa Broster, Business Development Manager, works with customers across the NHS and public sector to understand their challenges and objectives, raise awareness of the support available through NOE CPC and NHS LPP frameworks, and help organisations identify compliant routes to market for their projects and services.
“When people ask what I do, I often say that my role is about connecting people, ideas and solutions.
“I work in the Customer Engagement Team, supporting organisations across the NHS and wider public sector. Some customers come to us with a very clear requirement, but often they're still working out what they need, whether that's a new technology project, estates programme, consultancy support or something completely different.
“The part I enjoy most is getting to know the people behind the projects. Understanding what they're trying to achieve, what's keeping them awake at night, and where we might be able to make life a little easier. It's never about selling something that isn't needed. For me, it's about being a trusted sounding board, sharing experience, and helping people find practical solutions to often complex challenges.
“Building trusted relationships is a big part of the role. Every organisation works differently. Some have detailed workplans stretching years ahead, whilst others are juggling competing priorities, limited resources and constantly changing demands. Taking the time to understand those differences is really important.
Healthcare in the family
“Healthcare has always been part of my life.
“I originally trained as a nurse and spent many years working in workforce solutions supporting healthcare organisations. My dad was a children’s nurse and my mum worked as a Practice Manager in a GP Surgery, so conversations about healthcare and patient care were pretty normal around our dinner table growing up.
“That background has stayed with me throughout my career. Whilst I'm not on the frontline, I still feel very connected to the people delivering services every day. Ultimately, if I can help make procurement simpler, quicker or less resource-intensive, that's time and energy that can be focused elsewhere.
It's about the journey, not just the destination
“One thing I've learned is that procurement projects rarely follow a perfectly straight line.
“Customers often come to us with an initial idea and, through discussion, market insight and collaboration, that requirement evolves. Being part of that journey is something I really enjoy. Sometimes it's sharing lessons learned from similar projects, sometimes it's introducing the right specialist colleagues, and sometimes it's simply being a sounding board.
“I spend a lot of time bringing people together across NOE CPC, NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP), and our wider network because no one person has all the answers. We have fantastic category specialists and subject matter experts, and one of the strengths of our partnership is being able to connect customers to that expertise when they need it.
Looking ahead
“The NHS and wider public sector are facing significant challenges, but also exciting opportunities.
“Whether that's digital transformation, new technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability, workforce pressures or changing service models, there's a huge amount of innovation happening. My role is helping customers navigate those opportunities and access the support available to them in a way that feels straightforward and practical.
“Most importantly, I want people to know that we're approachable. If someone has a question, wants a second opinion or simply isn't sure where to start, that's exactly the kind of conversation I enjoy having.
“I've been incredibly fortunate to join such a supportive team at NOE CPC, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with customers and colleagues to help them get the most from the support, expertise and frameworks available to them.”