“I feel that there isn’t a better NHS organisation than NECS which offers the best possibilities or opportunities.”
Peter McDonald joined NECS in February 2022 through the NECS100 programme. Having previously worked in the private sector and an NHS Trust, Peter is currently working as part of the Finance team at NECS.
“I studied Business and Financial Management at Leeds Beckett University and started in finance and project management roles within private sector companies, including Balfour Beatty, Siemens and Durham University. I joined the NHS in 2016, initially with Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust within the payroll department, then working on ESR automation projects with the Healthcare Project and Change Association.
“I joined the NECS100 scheme in February 2022 with my first placement in strategic finance on the National Covid Vaccination programme to provide support to the North East and Yorkshire regional finance team, followed by a lead role on the Foundry data team on the same programme.
“What really attracted me to working for NECS and joining the NECS100 programme was the focus on continuous improvement. I feel that there isn’t a better NHS organisation than NECS which offers the best possibilities or opportunities. NECS has a unique way in which it operates, how it helps promotes its values and how it works with key stakeholders and NHS partners to achieve a common goal, working to such high standards.
“The NECS100 programme has really helped my career progression with the opportunity to study for the CIMA qualification, complete a leadership training course and help develop and be part of the NHS One – Finance function development strategy for 2022-2026. The job has enabled me to delve deeper behind the numbers and understand the bigger picture.
“For me the highlights of joining the NECS100 programme have been the ability to design my career pathway and all the training and development opportunities, such as the leadership training. My role as HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) champion gives me great networking opportunities and the chance to work on national projects, and team managers and colleagues have been really supportive.
“The programme has helped me identify some of my future goals, including to become a Finance Manager within NECS. I’ve had inspirational managers and would love to manage my own team in a few years.”