NICOR Business Manager, NHS Arden & GEM’s Bronya Glet, shares her proudest work achievements and career aspirations in this latest Q+A.
How did you get into working for the NHS?
After finishing my degree in history and politics, I wasn't sure what to do next. Eventually, I joined the BBC in local news and spent 14 years working in both live broadcast/production and managerial roles, in Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. During this time, I completed a Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) sponsored by the BBC.
In 2003, I moved to Scotland with my husband and had to leave the BBC, which was hard because I loved working there. My management skills and DBA helped me secure a role as a GP practice manager in Dundee. The job involved finance, HR, strategy, patient services, IT and much more. I particularly enjoyed interacting with patients. After moving back to Lincolnshire, I continued in practice management, then became a school business manager.
I later rejoined the NHS as a senior performance manager for CCGs and then worked as the patient admin services manager in community services. In 2022, I joined The National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) at Arden & GEM, which is a new side of the NHS for me. NICOR is principally responsible for collecting, analysing and reporting on national cardiovascular data.
I've been fortunate to experience different parts of the NHS, including primary care, commissioning, community services and now the commissioning support unit. Across all these roles, one thing remains constant – our accountability to patients. This keeps me focused, motivated to keep learning and ensuring we make the right decisions.
What is your current role?
My current role is NICOR Business Manager, I'm responsible for managing the department’s business support function, including developing and managing the team’s business plan, and supporting business planning and development. Day-to-day business management includes performance reporting, finances, contract management and secretariat for core business meetings.
If you weren’t doing your current role, what would you be doing?
I would like to have been a nutritionist, but knew nothing of such possibilities when making critical school subject choices.
What has been a recent highlight in your career?
Our practice was amongst the first in the country to go live with COVID-19 vaccination clinics in December 2020. That was a huge team effort in difficult circumstances and a big leap into the unknown, but the patients were so grateful, some of them confessing this was the first time they had been out since March. That made the sleepless nights and long days worthwhile.
What are your career aspirations?
I would love the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience before I retire. I have talked to my manager about mentoring and supporting aspiring leaders and those starting their careers.
What would you say to anyone looking to work in a similar role?
Interviews are very one-sided, so it's important you are sure it's right for you before applying. Always ask to have an informal meeting with the recruiting manager and, if possible, to spend some time with the team you're interested in joining. It gives you a great opportunity to ask lots of questions and decide if it's right for you, and it demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm.
Never give up on your ambitions. I applied and was interviewed for several jobs at the BBC before being offered one, which inevitably ended up being the one best suited to me and my interests.
We are always looking for passionate, talented people who can bring new ideas and new ways of working. Find out more about careers at Arden & GEM.