Halle Fowler

Current Employer/Organisation Name

NHS England South West

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since graduating in 2020, I have worked across a variety of senior strategic roles within the NHS. I started working as a Governance Manager, leading patient safety investigations, divisional governance meetings and overseeing risk management for an acute hospital. Following this, I was System Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead for NHS Devon bringing together EDI strategy, projects and communications for health and care organisations across Devon. I then become System Workforce Business Partner for NHS Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, leading on their retention programme. My portfolio was then expanded to include recruitment, international recruitment and wellbeing. I was then seconded into NHS England to lead the People Promise Exemplar Programme for the South West, alongside the supporting the wider retention programme. I have also been a Trustee for The Intercom Trust and I am currently the Vice Chair of Operations and Policy and Lead Trustee for EDI for Citizens Advice Exeter. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career because I wanted to work in an industry that aligns with my values, and as I have progressed I have valued the career development opportunities available. I enjoy working at a strategic level, and the systems level thinking that the NHS demands, particularly having experienced acute hospital, two systems and now working regionally. 

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was President of Exeter Raise and Give 2019-20, and Events Executive 2018-19. 

Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?

I was an ambassador of Exeter Students Guild 

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The biggest highlight of my programme was writing my dissertation, I loved the research area of digital crime and enjoyed the deep dive into this subject area that a dissertation required. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The volunteer roles I have held throughout my time at University and beyond have always enabled me to be able to demonstrate my wider skills and knowledge outside of my paid roles, which made a big difference in particular to the first roles I was offered in the NHS. https://wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/i-became-a-trustee-at-the-age-of-23-and-its-exceeded-my-expectations-2e920352f927

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

The key advice  Identify what is most important to you (progression, development, colleagues, travel). At interview, demonstrate skills outside of paid work. Find your mentors, relationships are key. Contract and short roles open doors. Senior roles will likely require further study in the future. 

What are your plans for the future?

I will continue to develop my knowledge and skills around organisational development, potentially looking at completing a masters.