Caroline is Barod’s CEO and has been with Barod since 1999. She covers the whole of Barod’s ‘patch’ and has her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s going on in the field of Substance Misuse. She is the Chair of the Advisory Panel On Substance Misuse (APOSM) and an active member of Delivering a Caring Wales (DACW).
Here is Caroline to tell you more about her work
What are your areas of special interest?
I really enjoy all that my role entails, ensuring we deliver excellent services to the people who use our services. It is important to me that all staff are supported trained and competent and that teams are manged well. I am particularly interested in strategic vision, policy development both locally and nationally. We can influence policy to make a difference not just for people using our service but for all citizens.
What do you enjoy most about your role with Barod?
My role is very varied and interesting. As with any job there are some things that you like more than others. I particularly like seeing staff grow into their role and progress through the organisation. I also really like encouraging new ideas and supporting innovative approaches in our work. Seeing us supporting people who use our service to make positive changes in their lives has made me happy throughout the (nearly) 20 years I have worked for Barod. This after al is what we are all here for.
What is it like to work in your area of Wales or in your specific service?
As I cover the whole of the area we deliver services in, it varies from region to region. However, I have developed and encyclopaedic knowledge of the parts of Wales where we deliver services! Each area and service are unique, but what is constant is the commitment and passion of our staff to do the best that they can for people who use our services.
Please tell us about your average day.
There isn’t one!! I could be in strategic meetings, meeting commissioners, attending or speaking at conferences, writing reports, answering emails, meeting with our directors, meeting with partners, thinking of new ideas and innovations, the list goes on! However, whether its before or after work, I will always walk my dog!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
You have two ears and one mouth – use them proportionately