My career journey - Paula

This National Careers Week we took the opportunity to catch up with colleagues on their career journey and what they love most about working here at the NHSBSA. This is Paula's career journey.

Hey, I’m Paula, I’m delighted to share my journey within Primary Care Services at the NHSBSA. In 2008, I graduated from the University of Aveiro with a BA in Public Administration. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, that very year saw me embarking on another adventure, moving to England!

I started at the NHSBSA as a Type 1 Team Member, processing prescriptions at high volume allowing pharmacy contractors to be paid correctly. At the NHSBSA, it’s all about putting people first, what I truly loved about the role was the flexibility. It allowed me to balance my work and home life in a way that worked for me.

After 12 years, the role had become second nature, and I sensed it was time for a change. Unsure of where to start, a Career Pathway with Provider Assurance Ophthalmic came my way, presenting a new challenge in a different area. The transition was a learning curve, but the support I received from the team was incredible. We all had the same shared goal - we’re all people connected to care, working together to create better health outcomes for everyone.

After successfully completing the pathway, I applied for and secured a permanent place within the Provider Assurance Ophthalmic Contract Management Team.

My previous role didn’t involve leading meetings, conducting site visits, or engaging with stakeholders. To address this gap in my experience, I joined Springboard, an NHSBSA development programme for women who want to take control, become more assertive, increase their confidence and enhance their career prospects. This was a transformative step that not only improved my professional skills but also had a positive impact on my personal life. What made it even more remarkable was the unwavering support from our leadership and the accessibility of such programs across the NHSBSA.

Recently, I secured a formal progression opportunity within Assurance Services. It has given me the chance to apply everything I learned during Springboard in a practical setting. I truly believe that the greatest thing about any journey is not so much about how you start, or even where you are now, but how far you are willing to go.

At the NHSBSA, we care about our people, our purpose, and your progress. Join us, and let’s build a meaningful career together: www.careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk