Bigger Picture

As well as his role as staff governor, Gary Rowland has worked for Mersey Care as a bank health care assistant since 2016 alongside his full time job in HR. He also volunteers as a school governor and a magistrate. He explains to MC Magazine how these different roles give him a unique perspective.

“My passion is helping people to be the best they can be. I mentor and coach people as part of my HR role but it’s also why I love working as a health care assistant for Mersey Care – being able to support patients to help themselves and go on to lead fulfilling lives.

Working on the wards means I get to see how the strategic aims we discuss as governors feel for staff and patients. Being on the Board means we can challenge things in a constructive way. The governing board is so inclusive – involving staff, service users, patients and people in the community – and this gives a 360° view of what’s going well and what needs to be improved. I’ve not worked anywhere before where they actively encourage people to speak up.

Working with the Trust adds extra perspective to my role as a magistrate. I haven’t experienced poor mental health or crime but that doesn’t mean I never will.

I try to use my experiences to understand each person, what they’re dealing with and why they made certain decisions.

Mersey Care has big ambitions and I’m interested to see what the future holds. There’s a massive recruitment challenge in every sector and we need to think more about future planning and recognising the talent, skills and potential we already have in the organisation.

It’s about creating an environment where people can flourish, encouraging people to believe in themselves and being their cheerleader when they need it. Seeing people grow and develop is a real privilege - I love it.”

Our service users, carers, staff and members of the public have the opportunity to influence the way your health services are run by becoming Governors for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Voting in our Governor elections closes on 24 April 2025. If you are already a member, look out for your email or letter with details of how you can have your say and vote for your governor representative. More details (including how to become a member) can be found at merseycare.nhs.uk/council-governors