Extracted Feature
After leaving school at 16, James Tinsdeall undertook a mechanical apprenticeship. He subsequently joined the NHS as a craftsman, a job he says was his first where the work felt meaningful and had purpose. His career progression has lead him through various roles to Head of Estates until, more recently, he decided a new challenge was in order. Having found interest in microbiology, chemistry, physics, and engineering through his decontamination work within Estates, the framework Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) framework felt appealing to pursue.
James is now an AE (D), based in Truro, Cornwall, a proud achievement which supports his position operating a small limited company offering services and consultancy to healthcare organisations across the UK. He has full control over the direction of his work, which he finds extremely fulfilling, with his day-to-day varying across administrative responsibilities, specifications, review of records audit reports, and teaching. James’ AE(D) status allows clients to benefit from the vast amount of knowledge acquired through experiences and site visits to other hospitals, as well as peer knowledge and support via the extended network of AE(D)s.
Of pursuing Authorising Engineer status, James cites the desire for a change in career and a new challenge as key motivations. He notes that ‘the AE(D) framework should not be underestimated, as it consumed about 1500 hours to provide the necessary evidence.’ However, support is available, he notes, ‘there have been many people along the way that have helped in terms of career development. You have to take control of your own career, but ask for help as there are always people willing to help if asked.’ James intends to give back in the same vein, planning for his future by both continuing his existing contracts, as well as encouraging new individuals to progress their careers, and help wherever he can.
Original Interview
Full name and post-nominals
James Tinsdeall
Email address
jthecs@gmail.com
Current role/position and employer
Authorising Engineer Decontamination
City
Truro , Cornwall
What first interested you in your role and how did your career develop from early stages to where you are now?
After leaving school at 16 and undertaking a mechanical Apprenticeship joined the NHS as a craftsman in late 1988 it was the first job where the work felt meaningful and with purpose. Over the years steady progression lead to being Head of Estates. However in my early Fifties a new challenge was needed and having enjoyed the decontamination elements of work during the many years working within an estates function of the NHS the framework for Decontamination AED looked like the right challenge. The decontamination role has a number of different elements to keep the interest including microbiology , chemistry , physics and engineering.
Describe your role and a typical day within your current workplace.
No two days are the same and every day is an opportunity to learn something. In a typical week there will be one or two days in the office carrying out the administration of the role including specifications, review of records audit reports and general e-mail correspondence. There will be typically three days on different hospital sites and a couple of nights in hotel accommodation. Occasionally the week may be teaching different courses of decontamination
What are the most challenging and most enjoyable aspects of your role?
The most challenging aspect of the role is the occasional public speaking event which is something I had never participated in until my early fifties. It always gets the adrenaline rushing but an enjoyable experience
Tell us about a proud career moment or professional highlight.
The receipt of the AE(D) certification was a definite highlight to me
What were your motivations to pursuing AE status and what was involved to achieve this?
The pursuing of AE status was driven by the need for a new challenge and a desire to have a different career. The AE(D) framework should not be underestimated as it consumed about 1500hrs to provide the necessary evidence. The evidence was a mix of both subjects with full familiarity and those that need to be researched and experienced
In what ways has becoming an AE benefitted you and/or your career?
Now rather than being an employee my career is as a small limited company which allows full control of the work and direction which is found extremely fulfilling. Later in life it may help on a gradual reduction but there are no plans of that for the foreseeable future.
What advice would you pass on to someone considering becoming an AE?
Decide if its something you really want to do and in that decision process determine the input that will be needed and how you will meet that input need. Talk to your existing AE and always ask for help when required
How do your employers or clients benefit from your AE status?
The customers benefit by having access through the AE(D) to a vast wealth of knowledge including experiences form other hospitals. The AE can also seek knowledge when missing from a network within the industry as no one knows it all
Where are your long term professional ambitions?
Long term ambitions are to continue with existing contracts , encourage new individuals to progress their careers and help where possible
Please feel free to note anything else of relevance to your professional development for inclusion in your Spotlight feature.
There have been many people along the way that have helped in terms of career development. You have to take control of your own career but ask for help as there are always people willing to help if asked