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Starting Fresh and Rising Fast: Beckii’s UHS Story
For Beckii, joining UHS was initially about finding stability during a challenging time. But what started as a practical decision quickly turned into a rewarding career in Medical HR. Through her dedication, curiosity, and commitment to growth, Beckii has risen from an apprentice to a trusted Medical HRTeam Leader. Her story showcases the growth potential within UHS and how an open mind can lead to unexpected, meaningful career paths.
What motivated you to pursue your career path?
Before I started at UHS I had worked in numerous sectors, doing very different roles, never really knowing what I wanted to do. When COVID began, I was furloughed from my job but I still wanted to work—I’m not someone who can just sit around. At the time the NHS was recruiting for all sorts of roles, and I came across an apprenticeship role in which I could gain a nationally recognised qualification. I was keen to work for the NHS, mainly because it was highly unlikely that I would be furloughed again, at the time I didn’t expect to be here long-term, but I liked the idea that even if I didn’t stay, I would have gained a qualification as well. Within a few months of joining UHS and the Medical HR team, I knew I had made the best choice, and it was somewhere I saw myself staying long-term.
Were there any specific experiences or individuals who significantly influenced your decision?
I studied law and psychology at college, subjects I always found interesting. I also had a few friends who were in HR, which helped give me a glimpse into the area. I’ve always wanted to help people, and I saw HR as an opportunity to make a difference in people’s work lives, which felt meaningful.
Can you highlight some key milestones in your career that have shaped your professional journey?
One of my biggest milestones was earning a distinction in my CIPD Level 3 apprenticeship. After working so hard, it felt amazing to achieve that. The qualification gave me such breadth experience and foundational knowledge from all aspects of HR. As well as gave me confidence and a broad foundation in HR, which I think helped me earn my first promotion within Medical HR.
Then, I independently studied for my CIPD Level 5, gaining a degree-level qualification in just eight months . I never thought I’d be able to achieve a degree and especially in short space of time, along with a family and starting my first management role.
Another highlight that may seem small but I truly treasure, was when someone had first recommended me to another colleague as a Medical HR specialist. I would have consultants, Care Group Managers and DDO’s contacting me directly to ask for my advice on medical contracts. I’m fortunate this continues to happen and makes me feel so valued and pride in what I do.
What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I was a Medical HR Co-Ordinator, we went through a difficult period, where the team was restructuring, reviewing workflows and covering absent colleagues. This meant that for 7 months I was responsible for 7 care groups across 3 divisions. This was a challenge as I had to make myself familiar with new areas, build relationships with key stakeholders and manage conflicting priorities and cycles of recruitment including ensuring 200 doctors were cleared to start within 6 weeks of each other. This meant I had to be organised and hone my time management skills. I would use diary reminders, time blocking and quickly found ways to make processes more efficient to help speed up tasks. I was also fortunate to have a support from my managers and team members when at time it became too overwhelming. Having someone just to listen and help you see through the current challenge was a massive help and one I continuously grateful for.
When I was promoted to my first managerial role as Medical Team Leader, I took on responsibility of line managing colleagues who were more senior to me just a year prior and many I class as friends. This shift presented challenges in establishing ‘authority’ and navigating the dynamics of peer relationships, especially when it came to having difficult conversations with the team. To overcome this effectively, I ensured open communication, actively listened to the teams’ insights and showed respect for their experience. I was also lucky enough to have a hugely supportive manager myself who helped me with suggestions especially on how to handle difficult situations. However I found the more times I had to have those difficult conversations the better I became with handling them. Sometimes just doing is the best way to improve.
How have you enhanced your skills over time?
I’m passionate about learning whether that’s learning new things or building on my current skillset. I always love to know why we do something and the impact it has, it helps me improve my problem solving and process mapping skills. I’m always keen to nominate myself when there’s some new coming up to gain new experiences and skills. I’m also a huge advocate for undertaking apprenticeships and qualifications not just from the credibility side of things but the genuine practical knowledge they provide.
Are there any specific courses, training, or experiences that have had a significant impact on your development?
I started at UHS as an apprentice, I did my CIPD level 3 which gave me a great foundational knowledge and exposure of HR wider than my job scope would have given me. Enabling me to gain that ‘bigger picture’ thinking which has been imperative as my career has developed. I also completed the UHS Team Leader Development Programme that showed me different types of ‘manager’ that is needed for different situations, this programme also allowed me to network and share experiences with others in the Trust who were starting out in management roles.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
I love the variety that this role has, from creating and delivery training to working with other departments to improve efficiencies or work on new ideas and projects. As Medical HR Team Leader, I love being involved in the decision-making process, to have the ability to decide and implement change and improvements with co-operation from my team.
How does your role align with your long-term career goals?
This is my first managerial and leadership role, so it was an important step for me to gain those essential skills in leading a team. I do believe leadership and management roles are one of those roles you just have to try before you know if it’s right for you. Luckily, I am really enjoying it and I can see this in my long-term career aspirations.
What are your future career aspirations or goals?
I would love to progress further and I’m open to different opportunities, looking at more of the strategic side of things and getting involved in more projects. My main goal is to continue to learn and gain more experience and I expect my career goals will naturally evolve. I didn’t expect to be where I would be in 3 years so who knows where the next 3 years will lead.
Are there specific areas you wish to explore or develop further?
Though I’m enjoying taking a break at the moment from studying, I’m sure at some point I’ll be eager to do my Level 7 CIPD qualification. I’m also always keen to learn about other aspects of Trust, we’re lucky to work in a huge organisation that has teams and roles that I didn’t even knew existed.
What advice would you offer someone just starting in your field?
My advice for someone just starting in HR is prioritise developing strong communication skills, it’s key when interacting with various stakeholders. It’s essential for quickly building trust with managers and employees, giving them confidence in your ability to guide them smoothly through HR processes. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions, you can never ask too many and listen to others. The people around you have a wealth of knowledge that you can learn from.
How can others effectively navigate challenges in their career journeys?
Find and build a support network, whether that people in your team, others in your field or a mentor. Especially with medical staffing the busy periods can be very intense, having a support network where you feel safe to express your feelings and ask for advice can be life changing.
Looking back, is there anything you would have approached differently in your career?
I would have believed in myself more, believed in my skills and that I was capable of whatever I put my mind to.
How do you define success in your professional life?
For me, I define success as enjoying what I do and feel valued for the skills and contribution I give.
Inspired to learn more? Explore our careers site to learn more about the various careers we have to offer and hit 'apply here' to see our open vacancies. Be apart of delivering expectational patient care even behind the scenes and lead the way with UHS.
