Sector Spotlight: Kendall Pyke, Organisational Development and Improvement Adviser

In our final Sector Spotlight post on Administration, we speak to Kendall Pyke, Organisational Development & Improvement Adviser at NHS Orkney. We’ve been very grateful to hear so much from NHS Orkney about their admin roles – it really is a huge part of running a hospital smoothly!

Keep an eye on our pages this coming Monday to find out what our next sector will be.

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--Can you describe a typical day in your role as Organisational Development & Improvement Adviser?
Start the day catching up on emails and urgent requests, then work on planning, preparing, and coordinating upcoming training sessions. Working on development initiatives to develop a culture of continuous improvement with the aim of creating a happier workforce.
 
--How did you end up in this role?
I left school at 15 with my Standard Grades a little unsure what I wanted to do Initially, I planned to become a hairdresser, but circumstances changed, and going away to college no longer felt right.  I enjoyed modern studies and administration at school, so I enrolled on the Gateway to Business course at Orkney College. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, so I continued my education, completing my HNC in Business Administration, followed by my HND, and finally achieving a BA in Business Management by the age of 19.
While in college, I gained valuable administration experience working in my dad’s business and at William Sutherland Coal Merchants. These jobs equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills.  After my degree, I considered travelling, however a Recruitment Administrator job was advertised within NHS Orkney. I knew as soon as I saw it, it was something I would be interested in.  I applied and was delighted to be offered the job.
 
This role opened up further opportunities for me. I progressed through various qualifications and became an HR Officer, and later a Senior HR Officer, primarily focusing on employee relations. My role expanded to include staff experience and learning and development.  I developed a real passion to see people grow and develop within their roles and careers at NHS Orkney, which led me into my current position within the Talent and Culture Team and 18 years’ service with NHS Orkney.
 
--What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is being part of a team that supports colleagues in their development and facilitating positive changes. It is great to be part of contributing to a work environment where colleagues feel valued and have a good experience at work.
 
It is really rewarding to see how small changes can have a positive impact on people’s job satisfaction and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
 
--What is the worst thing about your job?
Balancing the different needs and expectations of colleagues and finding a solution that satisfies everyone isn’t always possible, which can be difficult.
 
--What skills do you need to undertake your role?

• Communications and listening skills
  
• Training and facilitation skills
• Working independently and as part of a team
  
• Ability to deal with resistance to change and conflict
• Problem solving skills
• Organisational skills to manage competing priorities
• Building and maintaining relationships
• Influencing good practice

 
--What qualifications do you have?

• 8 Standard Grades
  
• Higher Psychology
• BA Business Management
  
• CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice
• CIPD Level 5 in Learning and Organisational Development
• Paralegal in Employment Law
• ILM Level 3 Coaching

 
--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
Yes – my career has offered me opportunity for learning and development along with a variety of experiences and career progression.

Visit NHS Orkney on:
 
Website:  https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nhsorkney/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nhsorkney
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhs-orkney
YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTDkxpsLBQKYVyVtDDrwYVQ