NOE CPC celebrates International Women's Day 2023
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to highlight our four female Senior Category Managers, who oversee and manage the procurement process in each of our four categories, Healthcare and Pharmacy, HR & People, Technology (ICT), and FM, Property and Business Services categories. Here is why they believe it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Michelle Walker, Senior Category Manager, Healthcare and Pharmacy
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what does it mean to you?
Whilst in my own life, I consider myself lucky in terms of my ability to live and work regardless of my gender, the same cannot be said of everyone. I think the profile of International Women’s Day is important to highlight ongoing issues which really shouldn’t be faced in 2023 and gives us an opportunity to reflect on the journey – both how far we have come and how far we must go.
What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?
This is tricky for me to answer! I haven’t really felt “held back” aside from some patronising comments and good old mansplaining from time to time! I see the ability and willingness amongst women to challenge this in a way that possibly would have been deemed completely unacceptable when I was younger – I hope that’s progress! I’m also lucky to have a group of strong women as my peers at NOE CPC, in senior positions, in a way that would probably have been unthinkable years ago, and our friendship and the support we offer each other is something I’m grateful for.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Can I have two? Never compare your life to anyone else’s – it will make either them or you unhappy. And it’s ok to take up space; there’s nothing wrong with being the loudest woman in the room if you have the belief and knowledge to back it up.
What has been your proudest achievement in your career?
Getting divorced whilst on maternity leave, and thereby becoming a single mum working part-time, I’d never have thought I’d have been able to progress in my career in a profession I love, within the best organisation in the world. But continuing my studies, developing my knowledge, and working hard have paid dividends, and hopefully also given my daughter a good role model of what a woman can achieve single-handedly. I’d have to say I’m proud of where I have ended up, thus far, under my own steam!
What do you believe can be done to address gender stereotypes?
How long have you got?! I think the answer to this probably lies in education but on an ongoing basis. It’s all well and good not having “girls’ and boys’” toys in nursery, but if these stereotypes aren’t challenged constantly well into adulthood, they’re going to stick, aren’t they? Our gender differences should be recognised and celebrated not least in the workplace, rather than being used to keep people “in their lane”. There’s a long way to go in this regard, sadly, but I hope each generation learns the lessons of the one before.
Joanne Barton, Senior Category Manager, HR & People
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what does it mean to you?
I think it is important to reflect on the important role women play in society and within the workplace, the valuable contributions we make, and how far we have come on the journey toward equity.
What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?
From generation to generation our growth in terms of independence and equality is clear, even comparing my own upbringing and the role my mum held compared to my own role as a mum is interesting to me and I don’t take the choices I have for granted. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go, however, I am encouraged that the next generation will move this forward in leaps and bounds. Despite women being represented strongly in many NHS roles now, that isn’t always the case for senior roles, and we need to build a roadmap to improving this.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Choose your battles and stay true to your personal values.
What has been your proudest achievement in your career?
I have worked in the NHS for over 30 years and have had many amazing and rewarding experiences and worked with some fantastic people. I am proud to say that after all that time I am still as enthusiastic and passionate about our profession and the contribution we can make to patient care, as I always have been (well most days anyway!) and I am fortunate to be able to share the knowledge and experience I have gained with others just starting out through my role as HCSA North West Regional Lead and to support and encourage the development of others through my role as a leader.
What do you believe can be done to address gender stereotypes?
We should continue to challenge what has gone before us, and absolutely encourage this and future generations to think beyond the obvious. Encourage inclusivity and choice and ensure legislation drives change and protects us from resistance to change.
Jackie Williams, Senior Category Manager, FM Property and Business Services
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what does it mean to you?
I have 2 daughters; one at and one hoping to go to university later this year and I’d like them to know there are no constraints in whatever their chosen careers are and to feel empowered to follow their ambitions. Both focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths) which are still studied by more men than women, so I am proud they are following their interests.
What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?
Being of a certain age I have seen more women progress into senior roles over the years which is great news! Personally, though, I did have a negative experience when I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave in the private sector. Despite this being a FTSE 100 company, the organisation did not follow due process, which caused me a lot of personal anguish at a time when I least needed it. Although this was 17 years ago, I do still hear of similar cases to mine, so there is clearly more progress to be made.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
It doesn’t matter where you start, starting is the hardest part.
What has been your proudest achievement in your career?
Probably securing my current role at NOE CPC. I came into the NHS 7 years ago having no public sector procurement experience, so it was a big learning curve for the first couple of years. I started in my current role as Senior Category Manager in 2019 having initially been unsuccessful in applying for the role. I was undeterred when the opportunity came along again a few months later and with a renewed sense of my ability to do the job and my determination, I was successful – proof that if you don’t succeed, try again!
What do you believe can be done to address gender stereotypes?
I think everyone deserves to have equal rights, opportunities, and resources in today’s society and we can work towards this by focusing on individuals’ accomplishments and abilities to build individual self-esteem, rather than focusing on gender.
Alison Petrie, Technology (ICT), Senior Category Manager
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what does it mean to you?
It is good to celebrate the roles and successes women have in society as valuable role models to young women making their way in life. To inspire fellow women to see what is possible with determination in and out of the workplace.
What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?
I started my career in male-dominated sectors however, working and dealing with people across both the private and public sectors, I have seen an increase of women in both senior positions and positions traditionally undertaken by men which is good to see.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Be yourself.
What has been your proudest achievement in your career?
My proudest achievement would be contributing significantly to concluding several complex procurements over time, one of which resulted in a senior colleague nominating me for the employee of the month award across the whole Trust which I was successful in being awarded. As a modest soul, this was humbling and made me realise the value I add as an individual to the organisation.
What do you believe can be done to address gender stereotypes?
Albeit a slow process, I personally think these barriers are broken down over generations. Through early and continued education along with positive media influences, I believe these barriers will continue to be broken down.