Name Iain Patterson
Age 33
Job head of human resources, Newham primary care group
Salary around £35,000

Iain Patterson was working in an administrative post at the Department of Health when he was offered the chance to move within the organisation to become a project officer supporting the NHS human resources director.

In this job he assisted in the creation of the NHS regional office for London. He left the DoH a year-and-a-half ago to head up HR for the fledgling Newham primary care group (PCG) in east London.

Now, instead of being a cog in an HR wheel, he is inventing the wheel. "I work with the 67 general practices in Newham, helping recruit staff and build up the HR function," said Mr Patterson.

The basics of the job are identifying staffing needs, recruitment, training and development, and ensuring the PCG stays within employment law. But he also has to think beyond the basics. "Everyone in HR now has to see the strategic links between what they do and where the health service wants to be. It's about improving access, quality and services."

As the HR role in the NHS becomes more complex, the demand for well-qualified managers increases. Mr Patterson has a law degree and a masters in HR from Kingston University.

The ability to have a direct impact on patient services is one of two things he likes best about the job; the other is dealing with people on a daily basis. And the worst bit? "People asking 'what's HR? Isn't that glorified personnel?'."

His advice to anyone seeking a career in health service HR is to get the basics right first. "And never lose sight of what we are here for, which is principally to support the business of the organisation," he added.