Career transition experiences – from the NHS to consulting

Jan Samuel has had a long and varied career in the  NHS, firstly as a clinician and then as a senior leader working across different healthcare settings. Since 2015 she has focused on building her coaching and leadership practice and is a member with not-for-profit consultancy Eastside Primetimers, working with a range of charities. She spoke to us about her experiences.

What led to you being involved in the social sector?

I have had a successful career in healthcare spanning over 30 years - a Chartered physiotherapist by background, before transitioning to senior healthcare leadership roles. Leading change across whole systems, I recognised the incredibly valuable contribution that voluntary sector partners made to improving population health and wellbeing outcomes through their connectedness to the people we were serving. I also believed there was potential for greater impact if they were given more health-related funding opportunities. My passion for developing capability and awareness in individuals and teams through a coaching approach is a good fit with the belief in individual resourcefulness that many charities I work with hold.

I now manage a portfolio career – serving on a Board of Trustees, and running my own coaching and leadership consultancy which incorporates work with both the charity and public sectors. A portfolio career is a huge opportunity to work across multiple settings, following your interest and learning, while being flexible with your time and utilising all of your skills and experiences.

What differences have you found between the public and social sectors?

The NHS can be bureaucratic and tightly governed. There is a power tension that is hierarchical, and that can limit devolved authority to the frontline. Whilst there are exceptions, this can restrict idea generation and prevent staff taking the initiative to try new ways of working.

I have found that small and medium-sized charities are more able to adapt and change services in response to funding opportunities and the needs of beneficiaries, with all members of the team offering ideas for improving services. There is a real sense of commitment and motivation to make a difference.

However, the size of many charities also means that they often lack the corporate infrastructure that we might take for granted in the public sector such as HR, contracting or IT. Management structures tend to be very lean. This does provide an opportunity to work as a consultant, matching your relevant skills and expertise with a gap in organisational capability. This can make a really tangible difference to the resilience and future of an organisation.

How did you go about your career transition?

My transition was helped along by Eastside Primetimers. They had lots of experience, support and thought leadership on offer, creating connections and matching people’s approaches with the right charity.

Working as a consultant as part of a team helps to increase your confidence in a new sector, I found. It helps you to be clear on what your own transferrable skills are and where you can add the most value. It also strengthened my understanding of charity sector governance, social investment and fundraising, and helped me learn the language of a new sector.

Volunteering is also now central to my career. I’m a trustee and chair-elect of a charity - Age UK Sutton - working on the Board with amazing, highly experienced colleagues. It’s a continuous learning journey. It gives me the privilege of supporting and working with a dedicated team delivering great services to older people in Sutton. And meanwhile, in my consultancy work I deliver coaching, mentoring and leadership development interventions for individuals, teams and partners across public sector and voluntary sector – I find that supports my voluntary work and keeps me rooted in healthcare.

I also continue to work with Eastside Primetimers, offering healthcare and organisational development expertise.  

What advice would you have for someone making the same transition?

Start by volunteering your time, either as a trustee or as a volunteer working alongside others and beneficiaries. Have a conversation with someone who has made the shift and stay connected with them.

Then, identify what you are passionate about and what resonates with you most about a potential charity. Check that your values align and be clear about what skills and experience are transferrable, and what impact you have had in previous roles you can highlight. Keep networking and exploring, whilst volunteering, to get a greater understanding of where you would like to work and if you want to make a complete shift or work flexibly with a portfolio career.