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Independent resettlement & recruitment guide for serving Armed Forces & Veterans

Transiting to project manager for the NHS: Gavin Jones’s story

CASE STUDY

09 Aug, 2018

Final Rank: Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer
Years Served: 24 years

Gavin served for 24 years in the Royal Logistics Corps, taking part in deployments to the former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. His last role was as a Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer. At a CTP event in June 2016 he met staff from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who shared the opportunities available for supply chain experts in the NHS. After attending a dedicated Step into Health insight day a few weeks later, Gavin secured a three-week work placement at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. During the placement, Gavin realised there was a lot he could offer the NHS, if they recognised his potential input and transferable skills. Following the placement, Gavin joined the staff bank on the last day of his Army service.

Gavin now works as a project manager (band 8) at King’s Interventional Facilities Management LLP (a company owned by King’s College Hospital). He says: ‘People who have served within the Forces are can-do people and are driven by results – we chat, plan and do (in that order), with defined deadlines. I would like to think that, in five years’ time, I will have further cemented my position in the NHS and successfully moved into a more senior position. I now understand the value I have to offer is recognised by the outside world and I feel much more relaxed about looking for new opportunities.’

If you’re thinking of a healthcare-related career, take a look at our in-depth feature at https://www.questonline.co.uk/careers/career/healthcare