Frieza Mahmood

Employer: Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust
Qualifications: BSc human resource management, Aston University

7.00 am

I have a nightmare two-hour journey on public transport to get in to work for 9.00 am, but I make the most of the time by reading my diary so I’m prepared for the day ahead. I try to avoid scheduling meetings for first thing in the morning so I have half an hour to check my e-mail and sort myself out when I get into the office.

9.30 am

My morning is normally taken up with meetings so the time flies by. These cover a huge range of matters, from reviewing the support required for particular divisions to visiting staff on long-term sick leave to discuss their needs. Despite part of my job being to promote a healthy working environment, I have to admit that I tend to eat lunch at my desk – I’m still learning the ropes so work is a bit hectic at the moment!

1.00 pm

I have three or four meetings a day, so I’m always busy in the afternoon. I have a weekly division meeting for unplanned care, which is quite an informal discussion with managers from other areas such as financial and clinical. It’s useful to talk about where we’re heading and it’s a good opportunity for other managers to learn about the staffing issues I’m dealing with.

5.00 pm

I try to keep myself free after 5.00 pm to catch up on paperwork and prepare for the next day. I normally stay until about 6.30 pm because the office is much quieter then and I can get things done. I make a list of things to do that have resulted from the day’s meetings and speak to people who were busy during the day about any issues that need to be resolved.

7.00 pm

My department is quite sociable so I’ll often go out with colleagues after work to the theatre, bowling or perhaps a quiz. I think it’s important to get to know people outside of work as it builds trust between colleagues and makes a better working environment.