#BalanceForBetter – Why, 21 years later, I’m still working for the NHSBSA

When I started working for the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) I told myself (like so many other people) it would only to be short term job. Fast forward 21 years and here I still am!

This is largely down to how much I enjoy the diverse work I’m involved in, and the opportunities the NHSBSA has provided me to progress my career and personal development.

I originally started my employment with the organisation as a Claims Assessor on the Low Income Scheme, later progressing to a Senior Assessor and then moved onto the Contact Centre as a Supervisor, Team Manager, Operations Manager and then Contact Centre Manager.

During this time I also worked as an Operations Manager for NHS Prescription Services and have had the opportunity to work across multiple locations.

For the past five years, I’ve been working in Loss Recovery Services and I’m now in the role of Head of Loss Recovery Services. This role gives me a great sense of achievement; everyone involved is dedicated to making a positive impact to the NHS as we work to reduce fraud and error.

While I developed my career I was lucky enough to work for an organisation that both encouraged and supported me through part-time education. I achieved a BA Hons degree in Business Management, which gave me the confidence to push myself even further.

Years later, my decision to reduce my working hours after I had my little boy was also supported. The NHSBSA offer a generous adoption and maternity leave packages and two weeks paid paternity leave. The shared parental leave policy allowed me to choose how to share the care of my child with my partner during his first 12 months. We were also given the option to take an additional 18 weeks unpaid parental leave up till his 18^th birthday.

Balance is something that’s at the heart of the NHSBSA’s culture; a balanced work-life and a gender-balanced work environment where everyone has access to the same opportunities and support.

If you have a goal, the determination, and the support from your employer to achieve it, you can do whatever you set your mind to. This is the motto I have adopted over the years.

I’ve been lucky enough to work for an organisation that made this possible. Now, the race is on to accelerate the gender balance across more organisations and sectors of employment that are underrepresented by women.