Andrea Ashman

Andrea describes herself as an HR professional with a proven track record of delivering results, a transformational leader who works well under pressure and thrives on change. She is one of those fortunate people who thoroughly enjoys their role and she has experienced some great opportunities in her professional life.

She first graduated in 1988 and joined a graduate trainee scheme with Kent Police when it was a local government department of the County Council. She studied via day release for her professional qualifications, which included management modules with the OU. This was an excellent way to develop and allowed her to apply knowledge and learning to very real situations. She was promoted quite rapidly and became the youngest personnel officer in the county council at the time. This was followed by a series of promotions in various HR functions leading to her position as Head of Resourcing and Deputy Head of Personnel and Training. In 2007 whilst working full time and now with two young children, she studied part time for a MSc in Business Administration, achieving a distinction upon graduating. In 2009 she moved into further and higher education, becoming the Director of HR at MidKent College and then Director of Corporate Services. In 2017 she was delighted to join the NHS at East Kent Hospitals where she is now the Chief People Officer.

Alongside her professional life, she has maintained her interest in the arts; dance and music in particular, run a choir, raised two children and acquired a collection of pets along the way! 

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