Helen Carr’s retirement as MiP’s head of operations at the end of September marks the end of a long and distinguished career in the trade union movement and public service, writes Jon Restell.

Helen joined MiP just before the pandemic, which she ably helped us navigate as a team and a union. Her managerial skills found a fitting home in an organisation for managers. She has the ability to make things happen and to make things work better—a defining purpose which our members, as NHS managers, will recognise at once.

Under Helen’s stewardship, the team and our organisation changed for the better. She introduced our triage service for members with employment problems, developed our Reps’ Day event and the work of our National Committee. She led on MiP’s equalities priorities, most recently working on sexual safety in the workplace. We owe Helen a great debt of gratitude and wish her a long, enjoyable retirement.

Helen’s successor, Jamie Briers (left), has an impressive legacy on which to build as our new head of operations. He brings a wealth of first-hand experience in representing and organising NHS managers, most recently as MiP’s national officer for North West England and Northern Ireland. Jamie understands what makes our members tick and will help lead our efforts to change the culture of the NHS and tackle the many challenges managers face.

Rosie Kirk has joined us as assistant national organiser. Rosie is an experienced union organiser who has hit the ground running. Her job is vital to supporting and developing the reps who represent members in local workplaces. She will also help our new Black Members Forum become a force for good.