Appointment of Council apprentices brings new voices to HCPC

Two months after beginning our search, I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have found not one but two successful candidates for the HCPC Council Apprenticeship. Pameleta Ricketts and Nicola Hunt both have fantastic qualities and we are very fortunate to welcome them as our Council apprentices.

Pameleta is an occupational therapist and is currently the Divisional Lead Allied Health Professional, in Adult Community Services at Birmingham Community Health Care NHS Foundation Trust. She is passionate about putting the patient at the heart of healthcare and is an advocate of collaborative working and innovation.

Nicola is a clinical tutor for the London Ambulance Service. She has worked for the LAS for 15 years, having gained registration as a front-line paramedic. Nicola’s drive for continuing professional development led to her move into clinical education and standards.

The HCPC’s purpose is to protect the public and support health and care professionals. Our Council guides and supports the HCPC’s executive team. Having these two apprentices will broaden and deepen the perspectives around the Council table, help to ensure we avoid groupthink and truly represent the needs of our stakeholders.

Pameleta and Nicola will take part in all our Council meetings and associated activity over the next year. They will also get involved in our Audit and Risk Assurance and People and Resources Committees to maximise their transferable experience of governance. This is a wonderful opportunity for both of them to gain board-level experience, to be mentored by senior Council members, and to engage in discussions and decisions on important public interest matters.

At the HCPC we are committed to having a team of individuals with diverse skills, experiences and abilities and we believe these new Council Apprenticeships are a vitally important step in that direction. I very much look forward to working with Pameleta and Nicola, and hope that they find their apprenticeships insightful, interesting and enjoyable. I also hope that this programme encourages others, who may never have contemplated board membership before, to look out for and embrace such opportunities.