Gordon Kochane: Human Resources Project Manager

NHS Yorkshire and Humber

Gordon Kochane: Human Resources Project Manager

My background is in the unusual combination of economics and the arts and, as such, I had never considered a career with the NHS, as I had always assumed you needed clinical experience.


Eight years ago, I was offered a temporary role in publishing at NHS Estates and was surprised at the range of people, roles and activities that fed into this system. My work with NHS Estates gave me a huge insight into how patients and service users are engaged with the development of local services and I was impressed with the dedication and commitment from those that I worked with.

My role at NHS Estates inspired me to continue working in the NHS as it gave me a real sense of achievement to know I was contributing to a system that was making a positive difference to people's lives. I also felt ignorant that I had not before realised the wealth of job opportunities available and decided to apply for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme.

After successfully completing the scheme, I decided I wanted to work in an area which could help recruit, engage and retain talent into the NHS and facilitate systems to promote the effectiveness of both health services and NHS staff.

I am now working as a project manager to build capacity and capability for human resources services within the region and am looking to move into community based public health development work. Not bad for someone with a non-clinical background.