Health trust appoints new director

THE Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is delighted to announce the permanent appointment of Darryn Allcorn as director of workforce and development.

Darryn had undertaken the role on an interim basis since January 2014 and came through a rigorous selection process in front of a panel featuring external assessors.

His key areas of responsibility include human resources, staff engagement, health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, staff and organisational development and workforce planning and systems.

Darryn said: “I have really enjoyed the last year in the interim role and am delighted to be continuing as director of workforce and development.

“I’m looking forward to carrying on the exceptional work of the Trust and to meeting the challenges ahead, through supporting and developing our workforce to provide the very best care and services for our patients.”

Darryn has worked for the organisation for the past 20 years, having qualified as a registered nurse at the University of Exeter in 1995.

He started his career in acute medical and critical care nursing, undertaking a variety of roles, before developing an interest in education and organisational development.

Darryn became a clinical educator, supporting the training and teaching of qualified and student nurses, and was appointed head of education and staff development in 2005.

A year later he completed a Masters degree in education and healthcare at Plymouth University.

Darryn is also a registered nurse lecturer with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and a chartered fellow with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Darryn was appointed the Trust’s assistant director of workforce in 2010, leading a variety of improvements to services and processes that have enhanced the experience and development of staff.

He has been a strong supporter of clinical leadership and continuous professional development while introducing apprenticeship schemes, working closely with local colleges and leading the introduction of the Trust’s award-winning online learning system for staff, called STAR.

Dr Alison Diamond, chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Darryn to the executive team on a permanent basis.

“He has been an extremely valuable member of staff over the past 20 years, in a variety of nursing, education and development roles, and since taking on the interim director position has shown he has the skills and knowledge to lead the workforce through the challenges ahead.

“Darryn will be a great asset as we continue to develop our services for the benefit of patients.”