Tenacity in Procurement: My Four Decade Long Journey and Proudest Moments
When I started my NHS career back in 1982, I never imagined I’d still be here more than 40 years later, reflecting on the journey I’ve been on. A lot has changed since then, from the systems we use to the way procurement is managed, but one thing has stayed the same: the determination it takes to get things done in procurement.
I began as a temp in the finance department at South Tyneside Hospitals. Not long after, I moved into procurement and that’s where I found my home. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working across several NHS organisations, including the NHS Northern Regional Health Authority, the NHS Logistics Authority, and now here at NOE CPC as part of the category management service provision team.
Looking back, I’ve been lucky to work alongside some incredible colleagues who’ve taught me lessons I carry to this day, like the importance of going the extra mile and always treating people with kindness and respect. Those values have shaped how I approach my work, especially when the challenges feel bigger than the resources we have to meet them.
When I started, procurement looked very different. There were no computers, no Atamis, no Jaggaer. Tenders were handwritten, stock cards were updated manually, and yes, we even stocked typewriters. Over the years, I’ve seen countless small changes build into the huge systems we now rely on, and I’ve seen how technology is reshaping the way we work.
Some of my earliest projects still stand out even now. Years ago, I helped introduce self-seal envelopes to replace gum-seal ones, which are now used as standard. At the time, it solved a real issue because the heat in the warehouse used to affect the gum, and I’m proud to know that small change has made such a lasting difference. Very early on, I also worked on a small ward fit-out, which was my first capital project. I remember how proud I felt seeing it completed, and it gave me a real sense of what procurement could deliver when done well.
But one thing hasn’t changed: procurement still demands tenacity. It’s about solving problems, often with tight deadlines and limited information, and making decisions that impact real people, real patients, and real services. That responsibility has always driven me.
Of all the projects I’ve worked on, the NHS Healthcare Uniforms framework is one of the highlights of my career. Back in 2018, we had the idea to create a nationally recognisable uniform for clinical staff, following the lead of the devolved nations. At one point, the team joked about calling it “Project Finch” after me, which still makes me smile when I think about it.
What started as an idea turned into one of the most complex frameworks I’ve ever been involved in. From engaging with stakeholders and designing the garments, to running a competitive dialogue process and trialling uniforms in trusts, it’s been a long and challenging road.
We faced more than a few setbacks along the way, from supply chain disruptions to delays none of us could have planned for, but what I’m proudest of is how our team kept going. We found solutions, supported each other, and refused to let obstacles stop us from delivering something meaningful.
The first time I visited a trust and saw staff wearing the new uniforms, I felt an enormous sense of pride. After years of effort, late nights, and unexpected hurdles, seeing that impact first-hand made it all worth it.
One of the best parts of my time at NOE CPC has been working in such a strong and supportive team. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with some incredibly talented people, and it’s been rewarding to help develop future talent by sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Seeing colleagues grow in their careers and take on new challenges has been just as fulfilling as delivering major projects.
Working in NHS procurement teaches you patience. The NHS is nearly 80 years old, and many of the processes we work with today have their roots in systems created decades ago. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence, collaboration, and an understanding of what’s at stake.
That’s why the NHS Healthcare Uniforms project means so much to me. It proves that even when progress is slow and the path is challenging, we can achieve something significant when we work together.
I know the pressures our colleagues in trusts face, and while our challenges aren’t always the same, we feel them too. As an NHS trust ourselves, we understand just how complex it is to deliver change on this scale, and we bring that insight and experience to every project we deliver.
Away from work, my family has always been my greatest source of pride. I have two grandsons already and another on the way in February, and spending time with them is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. They remind me why the work we do matters, because ultimately, it’s about supporting the NHS for future generations.
As I move closer to retirement, I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved on this framework and of the role I’ve played in it. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it, and I hope it inspires others to keep going, even when the road ahead looks tough.
If you’d like to learn more about the NHS Healthcare Uniforms project, you can find out more here.