For the private sector, Robin’s main roles were working for Wolseley UK where he worked in branch management, IT training, and as Training Programme Manager working in Central and Eastern Europe.
Having worked within the NHS for over 6 years, Robin has gained a good understanding of how organisations and teams work, encountering first-hand the impact of change and the challenges it has presented to NHS services and their staff. His experience includes supporting a variety of community teams with the design & delivery of bespoke system training courses throughout Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland, North Tyneside, County Durham and Darlington. Working with GP practices in the migration to new clinical systems has also provided valuable experience. In addition to this, when working in Process Improvement and Project Management, Robin was able to assist services to become more efficient to cope with increasing patient demand and aid managers in reducing costs.
By joining the Alliance, Robin is aiming to progress his career within Primary Care, utilising the skills and experience gained in both the NHS, and private sector. By building on that experience and working closely with the Practice teams within Sunderland, Robin will be aiming to forge the good working relationships that are so important to successful projects.
Since joining the Alliance, Robin has primarily been leading for the implementation of the pharmacy pilot and the Career Start GP scheme. More projects are currently being planned.
One of the most exhilarating experiences Robin has had was the time he spent in Africa in the late 90s.
Whilst there he managed to visit several countries seeing some amazing places, along with getting to know many wonderful people. It wasn’t all play though, as he spent 6 months working both for Plessey Telecommunications, and a small manufacturing company. One of his most unusual and ‘never again’ experiences was whilst in Africa where he took part in Ostrich riding, an experience he also shares with Bernie Clifton.
Since Africa, he has found many better ways to spend his spare time, cycling being his lifelong passion. Being a Yorkshireman, he is very proud of the part the county has played in the Tour de France and also it’s now standalone race. Robin only hopes that one day Leeds United could aspire to such heights again, but he also acknowledges that may well be wishful thinking.