Our team

Senior Programme Lead

I joined the NHS eight years ago following an extensive career in leadership development, learning & development, economic regeneration and business support spanning across both private and public sectors.Prior to joining the Midlands Talent Team, I was the talent management lead for the East Midlands Leadership Academy supporting organisations and systems to develop talent management practice. Prior to that I led on a range of regional programme areas including Organisational Development, NED and Chair development, Inclusion and Systems Leadership.My role within the Midlands Talent Team is wide ranging acting as senior operational lead for the team and our work. This includes supporting the career development of aspirant directors, designing and developing programmes and resources for organisations and systems to facilitate best practice talent management approaches as well as supporting and leading on national talent management initiatives.In my spare time, I enjoy long walks in the countryside with my two very energetic rescue border collies, music, books and wherever possible, travelling the world.

Talent and Leadership Coordinator

I joined the NHS in 2002 firstly working in a Trust then moving to the then Strategic Heath Authority. Over the years I’ve worked in several teams before joining the Leadership Team in 2012 as a Programme Support Co-ordinator and obtained the position of Business Manager in 2013.  My current role is the Leadership Development Co-ordinator, working in the Culture, Talent and Leadership Hub.

In an ever changing NHS I enjoy knowing our work is helping NHS staff to develop their knowledge and skills to reach their highest potential and move with the times to make a difference to patient care.

On a personal level I am an avid Aston Villa supporter, and I volunteer for a local Animal Sanctuary rescuing and rehoming mainly dogs, cats and kittens.

Talent and Leadership Officer

Talent Deputy Manager

[email protected]

I joined the NHS in 2019, initially in the NHS Supply Chain, then at Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG for a year before joining the Midlands Talent Management Team. Prior to this; I have led on projects at the Local Council and in the charity sector. My background is IT; I graduated in Computer Science with Management, subsequently spending some time working in IT Service Support before becoming a Project Manager. My passion and areas of expertise include Project Management, IT & Digital and Continual Service & Process Improvement.

My role within the Midlands Talent Team involves providing operational leadership and project management support. This involves planning and managing work streams of programmes with appropriate governance and controls in place. These programmes include managing and leading on the Midlands Talent Management Community of Practice, increasing the digital footprint and social engagement of the Midlands Talent Management team and sourcing, procurement and development of data sets and specifications. My work ultimately supports the best use of talent in the Midlands, as well as organisations to develop and implement their own Talent Management strategies and improve capability; enabling local health economies to develop their own best practice.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading inspiring books, keeping active (love HIIT workouts and lifting weights) and hiking. I have developed my passion for cooking and have recently made a healthier version of pizza (my favourite food) from scratch using cauliflower – tasted really good!

Systems Partnership Senior Programme Manager

[email protected]

I am here to support the Midlands Integrated Care Systems and the organisations within them, to be the very best they can be, for their people and patients, from a leadership perspective. 

I have worked in the private sector, higher education and have also run my own creative industry business.  I joined the NHS in 2009 at the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority, and prior to joining the team I worked at an NHS Trust as Head of Organisational Development.

I feel passionate and privileged to support people to flourish and have a fulfilling career in health and social care.  My coaching, MBTI,  Mental Health First Aider,  Transactional Analysis and organisational development skills help me to do this in a compassionate and inclusive way.

Talent and Leadership Deputy Manager

I joined the team permanently in April 2024 as a Talent and Leadership Deputy Manager in the Midlands, where I support systems through our leadership development programmes.
 
Previously, I had completed a short secondment within the team as a leadership development senior manager focusing on reviewing the senior leadership onboarding offer.
 
My 19-year NHS career has included finance manager roles supporting primary care, dental, pharmacy and ophthalmic, along with experience in contracting and procurements. My other notable achievements have included 18 years as primary school Chair and 5 years as a Trustee for a Women’s charity.
 
Previously, I worked in the private sector, leading finance and payroll teams within a catering organisation and advertising agency. I have also had roles in an automotive organisation and fire protection company. For a brief time, I ran an art gallery at Hatton Country World with my partner who is an artist.
 
My other existing role is as the Regional Chair of BAME Network for the Midlands for over 4 years, playing a key role in providing support to colleagues through change and development, but providing safe spaces to discuss issues and successes and organising quarterly meetings including Black History Month.
 
I am so glad to be working within this team, as I am passionate about supporting and empowering people on their developmental journey, hence my ambition to complete
assignments to complete the ILM7 coaching qualification.
 
To switch off, I enjoy gym workouts, cooking, music and documentaries detailing people’s stories which I find really resonate with me.
 

Talent and Leadership Coordinator

I’ve been working with the NHS since 2018, when I joined Health Education England on a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Since then, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in business support and project management across a number of functional teams, including Organisational Development, lived experience peer education and clinical mental health workforce training.
 
I have enjoyed working alongside services and organisations to identify local learning needs and support growth and retention. I’ve also been developing my coaching skills to support teams internally.
 
Outside of work, I am an experienced dungeon master! I also enjoy keeping in touch with my time living and working in Japan through an ongoing study of the language and, when possible, visiting my old home in Kobe.

Leadership Administrator

sumiya.khanam@nhs.net

Straight after college I started my apprenticeship in the West Midlands Leadership Academy as a Level 3 Business Admin apprentice in 2015, then secured a permanent position in the team whilst completing my apprenticeship and I have been with the team ever since through the changes over the years.Colleagues who know me well will know that I really enjoy cleaning and organising as I find it very therapeutic. In my spare time I like to spend most of my time with my family and friends, online shopping, watching vlogs, documentaries and reality shows.

Positive Actions Programmes Inclusion Coordinator

wendy.walker25@nhs.net

I have been with the NHS since 2003 with an improvement background in a variety of business, administrative and training roles.  During this time, I have covered areas such as event management, finance, programme and project management and support, estates, HR, marketing, and supervision, along with training of administrative staff.  Prior to this, along with other administrative roles, I have worked on a cruise ship as a programme co-ordinator visiting over 46 countries and have trained and worked as a volunteer counsellor for a national charity.   As the Positive Action Inclusion Co-ordinator for the Midlands Leadership and Lifelong Learning team my goal is to promote inclusion in everything we do and raise awareness of issues and celebrate the successes that diversity can bring.