Name: Veronica Greenwood
Job Title: Director of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)
What job(s) did you do before this?
I have a clinical background as an Orthoptist and have held several roles, including Lead Clinical Tutor and Head of Orthoptics, across 3 different NHS organisations. I have also always been involved in wider AHP regional workstreams. I was seconded for 2 days a week to chair the Professional Body for Orthoptists (British and Irish Orthoptic Society) and did this role for 6 years between 2027 – 2023. I worked closely with lots of eye care and AHP National Teams and led the strategy for orthoptics during this time. I proudly received an OBE Honour for my work in this role.
Briefly describe a typical day in your job role (tasks carried out)
My current role is very diverse, in addition to the strategic responsibility for AHPs I also manager IPC (infection, prevention and control), the Experience function (e.g. Patient Experience, Arts for Health and Play) and the Alder Centre which is the bereavement service for anyone affected by the death of a child. My day is very varied, and I can be attending national, regional and system meetings for AHPs, supporting AHPs with workforce and other challenges, along with providing operational and leadership support for the other teams.
Have you had any special training/completed any qualifications?
To be an Orthoptist I had to qualify in orthoptics (this is a 3-year degree programme), I also have master’s level qualifications in the Advanced study of Education and Management and Leadership. To lead the Orthoptic professional body (which is a Charity and Company) I had to be trained in good Trustee Governance and oversight.
What would you say your key skills are? What type of person are you?
I would say my key skills are connecting people together, working collaboratively to reach a common goal or vision and being quite tenacious to get things done. I am bubbly and chatty, friendly and enthusiastic and am kind and compassionate to others, I care deeply about my family, friends and colleagues.