What are the benefits of your dual role with the primary care trust and Southwark council?
Put people first, and organisational arrangements will follow. I think of it as managing the complexity of different organisations, so that patients and clients can have a simple way into services. The role gives a unique perspective on the health/care interface and is never dull. How difficult do you find it to work across traditional boundaries? It isn’t difficult. It is popular with patients and staff, but getting the governance right is tricky. What are the main stumbling blocks to closer working? Human resources and finance are real issues, plus we don’t have a national model – as in children’s services – that really promotes and supports full integration. You are from a social services background. Do people resent having a boss from a different discipline? No. We have many professionals working with and for other professionals. We all learn from this. Do you have to physically divide your time between offices? No, I work from one office and have one integrated management team. Wh
