International recruitment into adult social care

Katherine is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the international recruitment into adult social care services in Scotland project.  Having started her career as a HCSWs, she has over ten years’ experience in policy and programme management, working for the NHS, Local Government and health charities.  Since 2020, Katherine has specialised in health and social care workforce recruitment and retention challenges, including leading several workstreams for NHS England’s HCSW programme.  During this time, she oversaw the delivery of pastoral support programmes and led the creation of the Chief Nursing Office for England and Chief Midwifery Office for England Healthcare Support Worker and Maternity Support Worker awards; alongside developing policy guidance on the safe practice principles for using nurses in maternity services.   

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys reading and writing novels, and exploring the wilds of Scotland with her partner.

Alan is a Specialist Lead within the International Recruitment into Social Care project, supporting care providers throughout Scotland to overcome the challenges of international recruitment. 

He has worked in the NHS since the team was formed in June 2023 and prior to that spent 18 months with the Scottish Social Services Council, working on promoting international recruitment, and the recruitment of refugees and asylum seekers, into the Scottish social care sector.  He has also championed the creation of networks for those involved in international recruitment to share best practice and seek support, as well as a network for the wider social care workforce planning community.  Having led a number of workforce planning workstreams within NATO, the EU and the Royal Air Force, Alan was delighted to bring his experience of complex organisations to NES.

In his spare time Alan enjoys DIY projects and exercising his dogs, and himself, whilst exploring the Scottish countryside

Christiana C. Ekpete is a registered nurse by profession and currently works as a Specialist Lead on Pastoral support, education and induction, CWSS-NES. She has acquired skills and knowledge in human resources, adult nursing, public health and health promotion, case management, spiritual care, and healthcare management in the NHS. Christiana has a strong commitment towards staff wellbeing at work as well as workplace health promotion and education. She is privileged to utilise her experiences to champion person-centred recruitment, developing, and offering reflective training and practice, whilst supporting her team in the day-to-day decision making of the project.  

Christiana enjoys family time, travelling, singing, and supporting charities to fight period poverty in her native community.

Clare began working for NES in August 2022 and transferred to the team in June 2023 to assume the position of senior administrative officer. Prior to this Clare worked for the Care Inspectorate for 20 years and has worked in a variety of roles in local government and private sector.  Clare is an expert in managing and facilitating small and large admin teams, in a range of roles and senior administrative posts.  Additionally, Clare has ten years of experience in project management and delivery facilitation and support.   

Clare is enthusiastic and ready to learn about international recruitment and the opportunity to build on her current skills and knowledge using her administrative and project management skills to support the project.