Senior leader reflections: Anita Randhawa

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and Solihull hospitals and Solihull community services.

My first experience of the NHS was while I was at university in Birmingham. I was studying business studies, which was a generic course, and as part of the course I had to do a 12-month placement, which I did as an Information Analyst within the NHS. The role was centred around data collation and didn’t allow for as much interaction with other people, so I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue. Once I graduated, I decided to go back into the NHS, as I was more aware there were other opportunities it could offer. I was still trying to decide what I wanted to do, and luckily for me, because my degree course was so generic, I was open to a lot of fields. I joined the NHS in a substantive role as a team secretary in workforce. From there I moved into HR, where I got involved with Agenda for Change and recruitment amongst other things.?

I would say my HR career grew and developed; I got more involved and took on further responsibility across different organisations, all within HR. I did roles such as a HR administrator, HR advisor, senior HR business partner and people services manager.?

My role at UHB as Executive Team Business Manager was the first role I’ve done outside of HR within the NHS. I thought it would be a good move for me, having worked in various NHS organisations on the provider and commissioning side; and I could take all the previous experience I had with me.

The role was advertised just as I was moving back to Birmingham from Leicester, and I had returned to work after having my daughter. It was important for me to move back to Birmingham for her future really. I feel that there is so much opportunity here, and the city is growing every day; it has a diverse culture, and is a talented, energetic, and progressive place for my daughter to grow up in. There are so many things to see and do and so much opportunity to get involved. I think that’s important at a young age, and for when you’re growing up. I didn’t really have that in my early life, as my family lived in a very quiet town. I wanted something different for my daughter.

I’ve been here about three years now. In that time, I’ve really been able to make this role my own, particularly because it didn’t exist beforehand. I would say about 20 per cent of my job is to support and guide our team of executive assistants and personal assistants that work with our Executive Team in Trust Headquarters. I’m an honest person, so I like to lead with openness and transparency, and to just be myself. I’d hope that means my team are confident in approaching me for support and advice. I think it’s important to be available to others; so, I have regular catch ups with everyone in the team, where they can talk freely about what support they need from me, discuss any worries, concerns, and areas of interest in in terms of development.

The other aspect of my role involves using my skills, experience and knowledge with processes and policies to manage and lead different projects for the Executive Team; and that shifts on a daily basis depending on priorities. This could be around process improvement, completing independent reviews of a team or service, or more recently launching the Trust’s first ever Celebrating Admin Week.

When I started working at UHB I realised there was a lot of focus and support available, in terms of training, development and recognition for clinical colleagues, but I didn’t necessarily see the same for admin and clerical staff. I couldn’t really see any reason why we couldn’t do the same for them, as they also play such a vital role. Admin staff are a big part of our Trust in terms of how it runs, and without them others wouldn’t be able to do their jobs as effectively as they do. So, a few of us got our heads together to think about how we could recognise these colleagues, say thank you, and explored what other support we can offer to develop those who want to progress in the future; and most importantly how to retain the talent they already bring to the organisation?

We decided to launch our first Celebrating Admin Week, where admin focused training was made available for colleagues all week, we had an in-person conference, and ended with a fantastic awards ceremony to really recognise the amazing work these individuals and teams are doing.?

I think this is just one of the ways that we can recognise admin staff, who don't always get that appreciation, so that they know that they play a very important part in in what we do and how we deliver the best patient care.?

I feel very honoured to be in a position where I could contribute to making that happen. A lot of colleagues in the organisation are big advocates of admin staff, which has come across from conversations I have had in arranging the week. There has been a real positive buzz and excitement around the place.

The way I approached the week is in line with my leadership style; it was very bold, probably the boldest thing I have done! I try to be a leader that takes people along on the journey with me. That means I am inclusive when it comes to making decisions that impact others when I can be. I know that if you haven’t got individuals coming along the journey with you, it’s not going to be successful. You need to listen, be respectful and keep an open mind. I believe that to be a good leader you must be able to lift other people up around you. It’s not just about you as an individual; it’s about working alongside others and helping them shine! So, for Celebrating Admin Week, I was in a position where I could help support others and lift them up.?I’m happy that I can do that and help them along the way, whether it’s a little bit or a lot! If I can do my bit, it will all be worth it.?

So, my advice to admin staff is that while you’re out there looking after everyone else, don’t forget about yourself and your development. Go outside your comfort zone sometimes and believe that you have the confidence, skills, and ability to do what you want to do. Always take the advice you’d give to someone else and push yourself!

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