Published: 13/12/2001, Volume III, No. 5785 Page 20 21
Name: Richard Humphries
Job: Director, health and social care change agents team
Style: Workaholic.'I am not an expert on work-life balance. I admire people who have got it right, ' admits the man who, until taking charge of the change agents last week, was both Herefordshire health authority's chief executive and director of health, housing and social care at the council.'I do not have any particular hobbies. I am a bit boring, 'he adds.But the man set to tackle bedblocking problems in 50 'hot spot' areas is 'well respected'by his peers.His appointment was 'inspired', says one leading social services chief.
Mr Humphries has 'endeared himself to many directors'with his 'light touch' and humour.
Promises to 'inject the best into the rest', but adds: 'God, that sounds like an awful New Labour slogan. I can't believe I said that.'
Background: Began the multidisciplinary way, training as a social worker at Manchester University medical school.Worked in an acute hospital for a couple of years before moving to Warwickshire social services, supporting children with learning difficulties.'A bit of a career change' saw him become head of planning and performance review at Dudley social services in 1991.Stepped up to assistant director in 1992, working on the first health and social care joint PFI project.Got the director's job at Herefordshire social services when the council was set up in 1998, adding the HA role last year.
Future prospects: Unclogging those hot spots, leaving a trail of real and, erm, 'virtual' care trusts in his wake.And he'll be ever so nice: 'I am not there to wave a big stick. I'll leave the stick waving to others.'
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