Paul Watts

I have been a nurse for 30 years, currently working as a Consultant Nurse and a member of the Regional Board; this has given me insight into the RCN and NHS national policy, as well being able to shape local policy.

I have had varied experiences professionally and as an activist.  I have worked at a senior level for a number of years most recently working as the Acting Director of Nursing and Governance for 11 months and have chaired the Trusts Professional Nursing Committee; previously I was co-opted to the RCN Council for a year.

All this experience has allowed me to work at a strategic level both within the RCN, Trust and Region; something which will be valuable when working with Council and other bodies. For three years I was also a member of the Nursing Advisory Development Group at NIHME/DOH, which enabled me to gain experience of working with very senior staff.  I was also the RCN representative in the South West for the Darzi Review.

I am a good listener, always willing to consider needs of marginal groups, with an ability to analyse complex situations, giving voice to and lobbying for the needs of these groups. I believe I am an effective negotiator and influencer, which has been helped by me completing a political leadership course which was facilitated by the RCN and Strategic Health Authority. I also have experience of teaching and working with pre and post-registration students, being a Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University.