"My role involves balancing leadership and strategy”

Emma, Interim MHST Service Lead within our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) has recently been interviewed by Mental Health Nursing Journal. The special themed issue of the journal explored the variety of jobs that Mental Health Nurses work in.

You can read Emma’s contribution in full using this link or by clicking the button below.

How did you get into this role?
My career in mental health nursing spans over 22 years, during which time I have worked across a range of clinical settings.
Early on, I was drawn to the meaningful, person-centred nature of mental health nursing and had the privilege of providing evidence based interventions to individuals experiencing complex emotional and psychological challenges.

What is a typical day for you?
Each day brings something new, but generally, my role involves balancing operational leadership with strategic development. I spend a significant amount of time in meetings, whether with internal teams, partner organisations, or system-level groups working to align our services with wider mental health strategies that meet the objectives set out in the NHS 10-year long term plan to enhance prevention and early intervention.

People are at the heart of my work. I focus on supporting staff, enabling collaboration, and ensuring that patient experience remains central to decision-making. I also prioritise time for reflective practice, which I’ve found essential for sustaining compassionate leadership.

What are the best things about your role?
One of the most fulfilling aspects is having the opportunity to influence positive change on a broader scale. Whether that’s improving access to services, enhancing staff experience, or co-producing solutions with patients and carers, the scope to make a difference is significant.

I also value the collaborative nature of system leadership. Working across organisational boundaries to tackle shared challenges brings a sense of collective purpose. It reminds me that effective leadership isn’t about control, it’s about convening people around a common goal.

Why would you encourage someone to choose this role?
If you’re passionate about improving mental health care, not just at the point of delivery but at a structural and strategic level, this is a hugely rewarding path. Leadership in mental health nursing offers the chance to shape services, support teams, and influence policy in ways that directly affect people’s lives.