Andrew Keefe - Why I enjoy working at MHS
I have worked for Mental Health Strategies for nearly two years. Prior to joining, I worked for the National Institute for Mental Health England (NIMHE) and prior to that, I had many years in both the NHS and Local Authority settings.
Initially, the move from the public sector to a small independent setting was both a challenge and a bit of a culture shock for me – but a very positive one. For me the main advantages of this change have been the following.
The variety of the work
Since beginning at Mental Health Strategies, I have been exposed to a wide variety of projects many of which were in service areas that were completely new to me.
The focus on specific tasks rather than multiple projects ‘on top of the day job
Innovation in most of my previous roles was a luxury that that could only be indulged in once the operational demands were completed. Working at Mental Health Strategies has flipped this relationship as innovative working is central to all we do.
The explicit expectations
Before I commence any project at Mental Health Strategies I am able to agree a very clear brief with the client regarding what they want, when they want it by, how the project will delivered and what the end-point measure of success will be. This clarity in scope makes each project more manageable.
The opportunity for personal learning development
Beyond the professional development noted above I am also grateful to Mental Health Strategies for their support in financing my part time MBA.
The completion of projects
By this I mean the sense of achievement when a project ends and a report is presented. My experience of the public sector was that the job was never ‘done’, working parties were established, then fizzled out, people’s roles changed almost daily and everything was perpetually under review. The opportunity to deliver projects that have a beginning, middle and end’ – all with the same personnel – has perhaps been the most rewarding of all.
Finally, the office environment and culture at Mental Health Strategies is such that decisions are made and approvals given very quickly. This lean approach means change can be accomplished in considerably less time than in larger settings which enables motivation to be maintained throughout the duration of each project.