Richard Best: Director Of Improvement
Q1: How long have you been working with the Quality Academy team?
I have been working in the team from the very start as I helped found the Quality Academy.
Q2: What other experience have you had working in the NHS?
Joined NHS in 2005 after 22 years in industry, held senior operational roles at Derriford up to Chief Operating Officer. I then became Director of Development before starting the role of Improvement Director in Wales. After this I worked at The Royal Cornwall Hospital as Chief Operating Officer before coming back to Derriford as Improvement Director.
Q3: Can you list your relevant qualifications;
Substantial team led change experience in Aerospace, Automotive and Manufacturing and am also a Lean 6 Sigma Master Black belt.
Q4: What do you enjoy most about Improvement Practice or working with the QA team?
What I enjoy most is helping people achieve their full potential.
Q5: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the NHS in the next 5 years?
Mobilising the ideas of our staff for better care of people in more efficient ways.
Q6: What work have you been involved in recently, and what work are you most proud of?
I am the Practice lead for our 3 year programme of People First and I am very pleased to be a part of this national programme. I am most proud of seeing some of the very enthusiastic improvements from the brief introduction to People First.