From “Not Capable” to Leading Change: My New Role in NHS Transformation

I have exciting news – I’ve been appointed as Project Manager – Learning Disability and Autism at Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust!

A Journey I Never Could Have Imagined

As I sit here writing this, I keep thinking about the young person I used to be. The (unknowingly) Autistic child who was told they weren’t capable of further education at age 16. The child who experienced adversity and trauma, who was fostered from the age of two as both parents experienced psychosis, who internalised hurtful terms like “cold”, “unapproachable”, and “intimidating”. That young person could never have imagined this moment.

There’s something overwhelming (in a good way and bittersweet way) about going from being dismissed by educational systems to now being asked to lead transformation programmes within the NHS. From being told “no, you can’t” to being trusted with “yes, you can” for thousands of others.

What This Role Actually Means

So, what will I actually be doing? In simple terms, I’ll be leading Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust’s efforts to transform how they support Autistic people, those with learning disabilities/needs, and Polyennic (ADHD) people.

The role involves:

Programme Leadership: I’ll be overseeing the transformation programme across the organisation, making sure all the different projects work together effectively and that we’re actually making a difference for the people who need support.

Training and Development: Working to ensure that every single member of NHS staff in Kent and Medway knows how to properly support neurodivergent individuals and their families – not just during diagnosis, but through crisis situations and ongoing care needs.

Working with Experts: Collaborating closely with clinical experts AND neurodivergent experts to design and deliver meaningful change.

Creating New Pathways: Developing access to new local treatments, support options, and care pathways that meet people’s needs rather than expecting people to fit into existing systems.

Policy and Strategy: Leading on the development of policies and procedures that will guide how major change programmes are implemented across the trust.

Making It Real: Ensuring that all this work translates into genuine improvements in people’s lives – better crisis support, more appropriate ongoing care, and systems that work for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Why This Matters So Much

This isn’t just another job for me – it’s deeply personal. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood by systems that are supposed to help. I understand the frustration of encountering professionals who mean well but lack the knowledge to provide appropriate support. I’ve experienced firsthand how devastating it can be when the very systems designed to support you end up causing more harm.

But I also know the transformative power of having people in positions of influence who truly “get it” – who understand not just the theory but the lived reality of being neurodivergent in a world that wasn’t designed for us, and I love bringing these people along with us, even when they first feel hopeless that change can even happen.

From Pain to Purpose

Every difficult experience, every time I was told I wasn’t good enough or capable, every barrier I encountered – they were part of my fight that led me to this moment where I can use those experiences to help create better systems for and, importantly, with others.

The work ahead isn’t just about project management or programme delivery (though those skills are crucial). It’s about fundamentally changing how one of the largest NHS trusts in the country understands and supports neurodivergent people. It’s about ensuring that future generations won’t face the same barriers and misunderstandings that so many of us have experienced, and it’s about doing it with care and sensitivity so that I can bring the amazing and hard-working staff along on this journey.

Looking Forward

I’m under no illusions that this will be easy work. Transforming established systems, changing deeply ingrained practices, and ensuring that the voices of neurodivergent people are truly centred in this work will be challenging. But I’m excited about the opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.

To everyone who has supported me on this journey – from the tutors who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself (Andy McCarthy, look where I am now!), to the Autistic community that helped me understand who I truly am, to the colleagues and advocates who’ve shared their knowledge and experience – thank you. None of this would be possible without the collective wisdom and support of so many people.

To my fiancé, Stephen, who has helped me manage everything as a disabled person so that I can focus on meaningful work and project opportunities, we can plan our wedding now!

And to my Gramps, who never made me feel like a broken human, who I wish were here to see how far I’ve come.

And to any neurodivergent Kent and Medway citizens: please know that your experiences, your perspectives, and your voice matter, and I will be working to hear you.

Here’s to turning exclusion into inclusion, one transformation programme at a time.

I’ll be sharing more about this work as it develops, including insights into how large-scale healthcare transformation actually happens and what it takes to centre lived experience in institutional change. If you’re interested in following this journey, please do stay connected.