Behind the scenes: Nicky Ward

Our ‘behind the scenes’ feature, where we highlight a person or team from within the Trust, continues. This week is the turn of our Head of Business Development Nicky Ward who has worked with the ambulance service for 11 years.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I joined the NHS as a national graduate trainee in 2000 and have enjoyed working across the NHS as a manager in specialist services, commissioning, urgent and emergency care (including front door emergency department), and research before joining the ambulance service.

There are so many highlights; I did a research study as part of my MSc on ambulance services and supporting staff which allowed me to travel and work with ambulance services in New Zealand, which was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed being general manager and locality chief officer for Cambridgeshire. I loved working with the team and people there.

What do you do as part of your job role?

My job is extremely varied. I negotiate the main 999 contract with our 19 commissioners; I deal with the interactions with our clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) on a day to day basis and any requirements from the NHS and NHS England. I am leading on persuading CCGs and sustainability transformation plan (STP) groups to buy into our new operating model and support it financially, and my team project manages tenders that the Trust wishes to bid for.

When it comes to my job, I enjoy showing our commissioners and health system partners the vital role we play as an ambulance service, the difference staff make to patients and that we can be part of the solution to some of the NHS challenges.

What kind of things should people get in touch with you about? What can you help them with?

Business ideas, understanding commissioning and business development and if they are interested in a career in this field. I like to try and support staff and manager development wherever I can.

Which of the Trust values (respect, care, teamwork, quality, honesty) is most important to you, and why?

This is a really tricky one! I value all of them as a person but if you forced me I would say care. We should all care about each other and the people we serve. It matters a lot!

What is your favourite thing about working here?

I value the ambulance service massively which I think is why I have stayed here. Our service matters to the public enormously and I feel proud when I recall things that my colleagues have done for patients and each other that have made such a positive difference to people’s lives.

Tell us something people might not know about you?

I was ‘invited’ to join the Ministry of Defence when I graduated. It’s a family joke as to what they wanted me for! I talk too much for the role they had in mind I am sure!

Want to be our next behind the scenes, or know someone that would? Contact us and let us know!

Published 27th June, 2016