Graduates and key members of staff from Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Operating Officer Fellowship came together to celebrate and reflect on the programme’s successful first year and the positive impact it’s had across the Trust. 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Fellowship is a development opportunity for aspiring operational leaders from diverse backgrounds within CNWL. The programme prioritises improving patient care, staff experience, and operational excellence.  

The celebration event was an uplifting, inspiring and emotional occasion, providing a chance for graduates, mentors and colleagues involved to reflect on the inaugural year of the fellowship and share their experiences.  

CNWL's Chief Operating Officer and COO Fellowship sponsor, Graeme Caul, opened the event by reflecting on the programme that he said had exceeded his expectations. He told the fellows that while the fellowship was designed for them to learn from senior leaders, it had turned out to be a two-way street. 

"I thought this programme was about the fellows learning from us, but I've learnt just as much from them," he said. "They've told me what it's really like on the front line of their services and teams, and that has genuinely changed how I do my job. They've made me a better Chief Operating Officer." 

Graeme also spoke about why the programme exists: to build a leadership community that reflects CNWL's diverse workforce and the communities it serves, through real sponsorship, time and access rather than good intentions alone. 

Special thanks were given to COO Programme Leads, Steffney Kamara and Sara Poutney for their vision in creating the fellowship and for their dedication throughout the year. While praising the graduates, they said everyone should be proud of everything they've achieved, and their feedback and learning will help to build and strengthen the fellowship in the years ahead. 

A highlight of the event was the opportunity for the graduates to share their thanks to their mentors. Each fellow highlighted specifically the impact the mentoring had on their year. CNWL Manging Directors, Sabrina Phillips, Mark Maguire and Vanessa Odlin, Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Ross Graves and Graeme Caul were all on hand every step of the way to provide guidance, advice and a listening ear to each individual, helping to shape confidence, skills and career aspirations.  

Each graduate received a certificate of completion and flowers from Graeme, Steffney and Sara in appreciation of their hard work, commitment and achievements.  

Hear from the cohort one fellows:

Shalom Matizwa

“I can say I have a voice now and I can use this voice in many places within CNWL that I didn’t think I could before. The COO Fellowship has helped me grow in confidence so much, I can sit in a room and say what I think and know people will listen and respect me.” 

Jennifer Wachope

“The COO Fellowship was something I never thought I could do but I have proven to myself I can and I am very proud of myself. It has supported my confidence and the anxiety I had over change, I now find it easier to adapt. I feel less small in CNWL.”

Rosemary Attipoe

“I was able to step outside of my comfort zone and I am really proud of myself. I chose a project that was so far from what I knew and everyone said it would be too hard, but I wanted to take this opportunity and push myself and I take so much pride in my decision. The confidence I had to do this wouldn’t have been possible without the fellowship and my mentor, Sabrina.” 

The Chief Operating Officer Fellowship will welcome it's second year fellows in September.