Eastern Candidates

Helen Hardy

I have worked for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) since 2008, initially as a Student Paramedic, registering as a Paramedic in 2011. I have been involved in education roles as a Clinical Trainer, Lecturer Practitioner (UEA) and Clinical Practice Supervisor. The rewards of working with students and networking with those in academic roles have been immense, contributing to my critical thinking and understanding of the Paramedic profession within our complex healthcare systems. 

I currently work in the role of Quality Improvement and Professional Standards Officer – privileged to have the opportunity to meet and engage with EEAST’s staff, our partner NHS Trusts, charities and CCGs. This strategic view of change and direction across the Eastern region gives me some perspective of Integrated Care Systems and how we all contribute in various Paramedic roles. 

The diverse opportunities that present themselves to us as paramedics, reflects the evolving nature of healthcare in the UK. Our professional identity is personal, recognising our purpose across the four pillars of Leadership, Research, Clinical and Education, is important and relates to individuals feeling valued and being valuable in what we do. 

Integrity is one of the seven principles of public life, having moral and ethical instincts to do what is right, it shouldn’t be a ‘shop front’, or something that can be switched on at work. I believe that the purpose of our professional and clinical guidelines is to support decision making from ethical, moral and clinical perspectives, creating learned behaviours that may provide integrity as instinct. 

One of the Objects listed in the College’s Articles of Association is to develop the paramedic scope of practise – not necessarily expanding, but evolving and needing direction. Undertaking appropriate CPD can be challenging and often the support of employers is lacking. Within the role of CoP representative on the College’s Council, I would like to promote the sharing of good practice as part of a solution.  

Networking amongst the diverse roles that members undertake, would produce an opportunity for a range of CPD events that showcase the varied talent we have as paramedics across the Eastern region. Identifying gaps in knowledge and experience, particularly for those who are NQPs, having registered at a time of compromised placement experience due to the pandemic, and acting to establish a way forward to enable interactive CPD to facilitate enhanced clinical, ethical and moral skills.  

Leadership skills are required as autonomous practitioners, particularly where change is upon us. We have to understand our bias and the effect on leadership decisions, supporting those in management roles by asking ‘why’. Hearing from members who are within management teams can give us perspective and understanding, you need our support. 

Members’ voices need to be heard and their presence felt to meet the collaborative needs of this diverse profession. Providing a consistent message and communication between all members and the College, I can facilitate this with clinical, ethical and moral discussion across all areas of paramedic employment in East. 

Benjamin Haselwood 

I hold the position of Higher Education and Clinical Practice Lead for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. My experience spans operational and regional tactical leadership roles as an established clinical educator, senior manager, and project lead. I have extensive experience of Chairing and Member Representation across governance committee and strategic levels. Recently, I have been seconded with NHSE&I and HEE refining my systems/ICS leadership through developing and embedding the AHP Faculty and Councils and enhancing the voice and credence of the Paramedic profession. My interests focus on human factors, leadership development and strategic transformational change. 

My portfolio reflects the enhancement of cultural growth across the Paramedic profession and our learner and patient experiences. I specialise in delivering regional initiatives to improve the quality of clinical leadership, supervision, and education for clinicians and learners. Specifically, designing and embedding effective quality assurance, clinical safety and governance processes. My work forms an advocate for the voices and innovative ideas generated by our passionate clinicians. This role – in alliance with the Student Council Representative – will act as a catalyst for closer regional collaboration, engagement and tangible action between members and the College. 

My energy complements the strong values, behaviours and ethos that underpin my character. I lead with compassion, integrity and appreciate the importance of continued personal and professional improvement. Expert clinicians relish opportunities to finesse and stretch themselves and rejuvenate from the unrelenting pressures. To that end, our recent workstreams involve the implementation of a clinical supervision framework and the successful Mentoring, Support & Training Team (MST-Team) concept. Plus the design and delivery of a Transition To Practice Programme (TTPP) for BSc students; a virtual Practice Educator (PEd) course with extensive CPD modules; and extra-curricular training sessions/exercises. Furthermore, supporting the NQP preceptorship framework, availability of AET level 3 courses, and the design and delivery of the revamped annual professional update. 

The principles of public life are engrained within my practise and reflect my credibility. I feel integrity, honesty and accountability are currently most poignant, and recognise the work ahead to improve the equality and diversity issues within charity leadership. I am actively advocating cultural change within my Trust and via my AHP Faculty and Council work. My interpersonal skills and ability to motivate, influence multi-professional collaborations and drive transformational change are essential here. 

I continue to evolve my theoretical and experiential learning developed via my NHS leadership coaching and mentoring. This has enhanced my personal insight, impact and adaptability as a leader. I recognise my intrinsic motivation and values stem from tangible purpose – and creating mechanisms and environments that nurture a succession of increasingly greater clinicians. This opportunity will augment that fulfilment and build on my College Liaison role, whilst providing a strong presence and influence to develop our family further. Engaged and energised members are vital to the College’s continued growth and I relish the opportunity to be that conduit for our region. Ultimately holding your interests and future aspirations at our core as we navigate our strategic journey. 

Kieran Robinson 

I’ve always had an interest in Leadership and advancing the profession & have gained experience in implementing meaningful change, representing colleagues and being their advocate across the NHS, voluntary, private, education, and international sectors.  

Most of my work has been for an NHS ambulance service where I completed a course in “Quality, Service Improvement & Redesign” and took on the additional voluntary role of ‘change agent’ where I represented frontline staff to senior management & voiced their concerns. 

In the voluntary sector, I volunteered with St John Ambulance for several years in a variety of roles but most recently as an Area Manager. This involved representing & managing a wide range of volunteers from brand new first aiders to experienced healthcare professionals. 

More recently I have taken on a new role in a private ambulance service as a ‘Clinical Team Educator’ which is a mix of frontline, educational and management responsibilities. I oversee the training and assessment needs of our staff. I also work on a ‘bank’ basis as a lecturer with a couple of local universities & have been successful in creating lasting partnerships with one of them in order to provide placement options for their Student Paramedics and explore CPD & development opportunities for our staff. 

I recently worked in Qatar on a temporary basis for the FIFA Arab Cup as a Senior Operations Manager. Here I tested the working practices and recruitment & onboarding processes of their healthcare system and in liaison with senior management instigated several changes to prepare for the recruitment of Paramedics from the UK for the world cup this year. Going forward I’m also exploring a partnership with a company there to help them create a new patient transport service. 

Outside of work I’m involved in the Healthcare Leadership Academy where I first completed the one-year scholarship program and have subsequently gone on to lead my own cohort of scholars each year and facilitate their learning. Alongside this I’m the project secretary for the PHEM Feedback project which aims to improve the feedback available to ambulance staff regarding patients they’ve attended such as the outcome, treatment, and diagnosis. I strongly believe in both these organisations and think they offer great opportunities for learning & development for Paramedics. 

Having gained experience in many different areas that Paramedics work in I think I’m well positioned to understand and represent the interests of local members working in different areas. I feel my broad range of experience will help me to represent the views of Paramedics working in different roles/sectors. 

If successful I would be excited to champion the views & concerns of local members. I hope to contribute to advancing our profession and the college by using the skills I’ve developed to help build close links with key stakeholders and other organisations and continue to build on the services and CPD that the college offers its members. 

Twitter: Kieran_Robinson