Regional Director case studies
We spoke to Regional Directors Arin Saha (Yorkshire and the Humber) and Katie Cross (South West) and asked what being a Regional Director means to them. Read their insights below, contact your Regional Director, or see our vacancies.
Arin Saha
Yorkshire and the Humber
Arin Saha
What is involved in your role as a Regional Director?
As Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber, I have been involved in a number of interesting and challenging roles which have been promoted and supported by the wider College teams. I chair the Regional Board which meets three times a year and consists of all our excellent College Tutors across our 16 hospitals and our regional Specialty Advisors. We gain valuable intelligence from all surgical specialties, and the wider medical workforce, and the Board and my role allows us to share that information around the region and more widely to other Regional Directors and the College Council. I have been able to convene several meetings with hospitals to facilitate discussions about workforce issues (such as a meeting with Financial Directors about Pension Recycling) and act as a conduit for colleagues from around the region to contact the College about any number of issues. The Regional Director also organises regional meetings, we have had some excellent and positive gatherings in Huddersfield, York and Leeds over the past few years which have been a great way for trainees and consultants to meet and connect with each other and encourage cross-specialty learning and support.
What have been the highlights of the role so far?
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with surgical colleagues and trainees from throughout Yorkshire and from every surgical specialty. The annual gatherings and meetings we have had have been a particular highlight as they allowed everyone to meet and catch-up with friends and colleagues that we don't get to see on a day-to-day basis. I have also particularly enjoyed being part of the wider Regional Directors' group and have been lucky to work with committed, enthusiastic and inspiring Directors from the other regions and nations - together, we have had a diverse and supportive group who have brought several valuable and important insights to the attention of the College and the wider surgical workforce.
Why did you decide to become a Regional Director?
I had spoken to my predecessor in the role and had also got involved in other College activities (such as teaching on courses and taking part in medical student and trainee events) prior to taking up this position and I was keen to stay involved with the College and its support of trainees and consultants. I wanted to be a strong advocate for Yorkshire and the Humber in national discussions and also wanted to bring about shared learning and encouragement throughout our region. National surgical bodies can sometimes feel remote for some surgeons and I wanted to be an approachable and accessible local representative who colleagues could contact if they wanted any advice, guidance or support.
What would be your top tips to anyone thinking about applying?
Go for it! I have enjoyed every moment of my time as an RD and can honestly say that it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The Regional committee gets regular opportunities to feed into and observe Council discussions and I feel that the career development opportunities offered in this role are incredibly valuable. I have made new friends in specialties outside my own and have had access to great ideas and innovations that I would not have had if I had not got involved in this role. The staff at the College are excellent and they are always on hand to support and guide the RD as they navigate their way through the various surgical teams and organisations. I am happy to speak to anyone considering applying for the Regional Director role and would strongly encourage it - you won't regret it!
Katie Cross
South West
Katie Cross
I am the Regional Director for the South West, and was appointed at the same time as my Deputy, Matthew Bowles. The South West is one of the largest regions, covering both Severn and Peninsula so having a deputy means we can both try to be available and share some of the roles and ideas for the region. I see the Regional Director as a conduit between the College and the surgeons in the region, providing information to Surgical Tutors and regional specialty professional advisors (RSPAs) to disseminate further, and highlighting issues from the 'shop floor' up to the College.
What have been the highlights of the role so far?
We were tasked with arranging two presidential visits to the South West with Presidents Neil Mortensen and Tim Mitchell, spending two days in Bristol with a tour of Limbs & Things factory, followed by an academic prize session and a day at Bristol University and North Bristol NHS Trust; followed by a visit to Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth, including the Dental School.
I have loved getting to know the Head of Schools better and working with the Training Programme Directors and Surgical Tutors to understand the multitude of issues, many shared around the country, but some specific to our rural, dispersed location.
One of my favourite memories is sitting at a full council meeting, surrounded by all the regalia on display, watching an award being presented.
Why did you decide to become a Regional Director?
I had two aims in mind when I was appointed. Firstly to try to pull the region together and, secondly, to help make the College more present and relevant to all surgeons. We have promoted a slide presentation at Trust governance days, showing the plethora of College services that are available to members, including projects such as the Workforce Census, Future Surgery, and Grassroots projects.
It has been so important to dispel one stubborn myth - the false assumption that you can only be involved if you are London-centric - whereas time and time again, regional involvement has been significant and is growing. The Regional Board meetings provide a much-welcomed open forum for discussing relevant topics and understanding complex issues at each Trust.
It is important to check that you will have support from your directorate team. Really check whether you have time in your job plan - remember the more you put in, the more you get out. Having a deputy is great as we all need someone to bounce ideas off, especially in a large diverse region. Enjoy it and go for it - it is a wonderful opportunity. I started as AAC and RSPA for General Surgery, which gave me great insight into ASGBI council meetings and a better understanding of the wider NHS.
To make a real impact you will need to harness the contributions of all those you come into contact with, as together, you can continue to transform your region and produce the quality of care we all strive for in our daily endeavours.