In this month’s feature we Get to know Martin Taylor, Assistant Director – Ambulance and Training.
His colleagues say that what makes Martin great to work with is that his support for staff and colleagues is unwavering. He aids development through training or directs to other training available elsewhere.
Read the interview with Martin below:
Could you briefly tell us about your role at EOECPH and introduce your team.
I manage the ambulance division under the NHS Commercial Alliance model. We offer procurement solutions to the fourteen ambulance trusts nationally under a membership model. I also work closely with the National Ambulance Procurement Board members in support of procurement practice & solutions.
The Ambulance team at the Hub consists of myself as Assistant Director of Procurement, Raj Dosanjh – Procurement Specialist, and Gemma Burke – also a Procurement Specialist. Gemma works across two teams – ours and the Estates one. We also have support from the Hub’s wider colleagues.
Tell us about your career before joining EOECPH? What led you here? What was your first job ever?
From school, I was taken on a youth training scheme with Gillingham FC but failed to secure a contract to play professional football. I fell into procurement after a brief spell undertaking building surveying for a local authority. I spent five years in private sector procurement before I joined the NHS as junior buyer and worked my way up to head of procurement at an acute trust. Then, I spent seven years working in healthcare procurement at (what used to be) a commissioning support unit (CSU) before joining the Hub in May 2023.
What makes you proud about working at the Hub?
I have always enjoyed undertaking procurement activities that make a difference to people’s lives. The Hub provides a part of the jigsaw and I feel proud having seen from all ends the value we offer. Like-minded colleagues help the wider procurement functions deliver for their trusts and my playing a small part in that delivery is what has kept me in NHS procurement for over 24 years.
What big challenges keep you on your toes?
Double-crewed ambulance supply chains! Each ambulance has around two hundred and seventy components from unique suppliers, so keeping the primary van manufactures and convertors on track takes a significant part of each working day.
What’s one thing colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a large collection of JFK books, with one book in particular an extremely rare 1st print edition that would cost more than £500 to replace nowadays.
What advice would you give to someone new to NHS procurement?
NHS Procurement is predominantly a due diligence process within a complex landscape and thus risk mitigation is a priority for NHS buyers. Be realistic when bidding, manage expectations and put yourself into the NHS shoes.
Outside of work, what helps you switch off and recharge after a busy day?
Rugby coaching or refereeing takes up a lot of my time. For me, there’s nothing better than being on the rugby pitch.
What kind of traveler are you? What’s your dream holiday?
I don’t travel often but when I do, I go big. This year the family spent two weeks in the Maldives on two islands. A future destination that appeals is Switzerland.
Contact the Ambulance Team at EOECPH[Martin] offers sound advice and assists in giving direction or signposting to the correct route for anything procurement related.
– The Ambulance Team at EOECPH