Hello, my name is Craig. I’m a senior Business Analyst in the Business Intelligence Unit. I’ve worked at the RUH (and the NHS) since 2013. I started as the Theatres Analyst, and was based in the Theatres department for 4 years. I quickly learnt all about the pressures, challenges and fulfillment the clinical and non-clinical staff experienced.

I soon realised that all the staff in the RUH had one thing in common – that they are all passionate about the care our patients’ experience. It felt amazing to be a part of a team across the Trust that all felt this way. I love working at the RUH, and even with a non-clinical role, I love feeling part of something that has been worthwhile, when I come home at the end of my working day.

I’m passionate about fairness, and everyone feeling they have a voice that will be heard. I hope my experience both from a non-clinical side, and from working closely with all varieties of clinical staff, will mean I can bring lots of understanding and a good listening ear to the Staff Governor role.

I was a Registered Nurse working in both Palliative Care and Mental Health for young people and am also a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor, Supervisor and Spiritual Director, particularly working with those who have experienced loss. I lead workshops and retreats, as well as pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

I have previously been a Staff Governor at a secondary school while I was leading a Counselling Service for students and a Governor for a primary school while I was parish priest. Since my appointment at the RUH as Lead Chaplain, in addition to offering and enabling Religious and Spiritual Care for all our patients, their families and all visitors ,my role involves offering support and being there for all staff.

My hope is to be the voice for staff and their wellbeing and raise awareness to offer appropriate support while they continue to deliver the high standard of care for our patients and their families in a society that demands so much with often such little resources. I am passionate about raising awareness of cultural, racial, faith and gender issues and seek ways to celebrate our differences and share our common humanity.

Being a governor means I can help build a much stronger and diverse work environment. Having been in the Trust for a long time, I feel I have gained many skills that I will be able to utilise within in the Governor role.

I have been lucky to be part of many projects over the years at the RUH that have helped shape the future for myself and my colleagues. I believe in our Trust values and more importantly that everyone matters, regardless of your banding or role.

My passion allows me to stand up for what I believe in and for my colleagues, I aim to support my colleagues and I have a drive for change and new challenges. What I can promise is, I will be a voice that will be heard, I have the passion and drive for change and the ability and time to support my colleagues.

I believe that all of the people that work at the RUH represent what is good about the organisation as, like myself they are caring, considerate and supportive. I am really pleased to have been elected as a Staff Governor as I am passionate about helping others and I want to make a difference.

I started my career as a student radiographer in 2002 and have been working for subcontracted companies within the NHS for more than 20 years so I have been witness to many changes. For the last 5 years I have worked for the NHS directly and currently work in the Medical Equipment Library Service (MELS) as a band 2 Healthcare Science Assistant. I spend a lot of time walking around corridors and departments collecting equipment and most people that have met me say that they hear me before they see me. I’ll make sure I continue to stop and try to make you smile or laugh if I see you around.

I wanted to represent staff as I felt I owed it to the NHS, having worked for it for almost 25 years now. I am keen to give something back to both the RUH and NHS as a whole and to be a voice and source of support for the real assets of our organisation – our staff members. I intend to use my years of experience as a clinician, member of staff and member of the local community.

I continue in my endeavour to be a positive influencer, to be fair, honest and a true advocate of my fellow colleagues and staff. I am sincere in my aspirations to work with people from all walks of life with differing backgrounds, from different cultures, countries, identities and I strongly believe that with this array of skill-sets and rainbow like uniqueness we will contribute towards a brighter, future for the RUH and everyone. I respect everyone and think it’s important that we listen to and learn from each other to improve and achieve our potential in a dynamic way. I believe I am a constant learner, I take suggestions and advice with sincerity and act with humility. I hope to be a fresh pair of eyes.

I have worked in various roles in the NHS over the last 25 years from clinician to Clinical Lead and Network Chair. During this time I have developed people skills and an ability to see the bigger picture. My experience has also included working under pressure with limited time and resources which has taught me to be resilient and focus on key issues and priorities. Having moved to the UK from India I have a different perspective and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in the NHS. I have practiced the art of perseverance as life learning and hope to bring a positive, meaningful skill-set and kindness to the Staff Governor role going forward.