- Can you tell us about the work you have been involved in before the relaunch of ACT, to help me further with the development of your profile for the website?
I have always been involved with Healthcare in support roles, mainly around Technology and Information Governance. This included leading IT and IG for many years and becoming a Data Protection Officer which I carry to this day for St Nicholas Hospice Care. Before this time I led projects, worked as a Change Manager and a clinical systems SystmOne Trainer. Every role has been about bringing change and improvements to healthcare.
- What have been your biggest achievements in your career to date?
Supporting staff in Tendring during the Covid Pandemic. Being onsite with them, seeing their struggles and doing what I could to help. Also the roll out of the General Data Protection Regulations in May 2018 for ACE, community healthcare organisation that started ACT.
- What were your biggest achievements when working for ACE?
I would like to think anytime I assisted in the use of technology or training staff made a massive difference.
- How have things changed over the years, that have led to this point, with ACT on the verge of relaunching?
Health and Social Care has dramatically had to change to cope with not only continued austerity measures, but Covid, Brexit and the cost of living crisis. This has increased the need for innovation and support to come from private organisations, charities and volunteer groups. A relaunch of ACT this year seems to be perfectly timed.
- How much have you enjoyed the journey with ACT in the build up to this relaunch?
Its an amazing project to be part of. I am already seeing the difference even small amounts of money can make and working closely with local groups and organisations. So I’m really loving it.
- How excited are you about what will happen following the reinvention of ACT?
Really excited. The day ACT is seen as a ‘go to’ charity that gets things done in the North East Essex area, helps me get up in the morning.
- What do you hope will be achieved in the future through this reinvention?
Recognised name, associated with supporting innovation to help people in North East Essex. No crazy ideas only Health and Social Care improvement.
- What are your ultimate hopes and dreams for the organisation long-term?
ACT grows to be a recognised charity, possibly even a provider of certain services. The important thing is assisting people with a focus on wellbeing. No focus on share holders or profits. Only stakeholders.
- How would you like the funder to help people ideally within the community of North East Essex?
To start with, 100%. The main reason is organisations can get to big, to quickly. Also the current money was raise by ACE which was focussed on North East Essex. But never say never.
- How unique do you think ACT will be as a funder within the local community?
I should say, very unique. But I hope there will be lots very similar as that is what people need. If we find a winning formula, I hope we will share it so it becomes infectious.
- How will its ethos and philosophy set it apart from other funders in the area?
Due the the knowledge and experience of the trustees, it gives us a unique focus on Health and Social Care and a responsibility to achieve something great. I personally still think of all the hard work the clinical staff delivered in ACE to achieve the funds we currently have. This gives me a pressure to meet their expectations.
- How much is the support of ACT needed in North East Essex?
I would like to say North East Essex is the only area in need in the UK, but every needs support. That said, we do have deprived areas, people with alcohol and drug dependency, education needs, housing issues, groups that need support and so much more. But we can’t help everywhere. We can only help as much as we can.
- What kind of projects would you like to see supported over the next few years?
I love innovation. But in truth, as trustees we shouldn’t be telling you what we want, we should be listening to the people in the area. The best ideas are often those who know the area best.
- How would you like to see ACT partner with other organisations in the area?
I would like many partners to come together to achieve a goal. We can not only achieve a lot more, but remove the risks of failing the people we serve. Also, one partner may have amazing experience in a particular area. Another, experience in that. The more joint working, the more sharing of knowledge and the more we can share innovation.
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