Ruth commenced her career in the NHS in 1983, training as a nurse in Manchester then moved to Leicestershire in the early 1990s. She developed her interest in education and training and undertook relevant qualifications whilst working full time and progressing her professional career.

Ruth took up a secondment to the Health Authority, leading a county wide project for support workers. Her passion for skills development and lifelong learning were reflected in her choice of undertaking an MA in Education, specialising in Leadership & Management.

During a restructuring Ruth left the NHS and worked in the Fire & Rescue Service as a Workforce Development Manager which provided her with a great opportunity to work in a different sector and organisational culture. Returning to the NHS in 2008 working at a local, regional and national level, team leading on the implementation of Shape of Caring recommendations.

An opportunity to be a Director at her local Hospice arose. Working for a charity provided her with great experience of working in healthcare and managing a business that had to fundraise 70% of their income.

Ruth joined Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as Head of Education, Learning and Organisational Development in 2019.