In recognition of International Women’s Day 2019 we’re celebrating the achievements of our very own Chief Executive – Danielle Hunt. We caught up with her recently to find out how her first couple of months on the job have been, what she’s learnt so far and what she’s looking forward to most. Here’s what she had to say:

Tell us a little about your background & how you came to join us here at Pharmacist Support?

After ten years at the charity Keep Britain Tidy I was looking for a new challenge that I could really get my teeth into. I was fortunate enough to be involved in some amazing and diverse work at Keep Britain Tidy. I was proud to be involved in projects and campaigns that resulted in real change, such as the introduction of the bag charge and the launch of the Government’s first ever litter strategy. I loved the innovation side and was involved in establishing the first Centre for Social Innovation focused on reducing litter. The most rewarding part was securing funding for projects that delivered real change in communities across England, particularly those that improved people’s wellbeing. Seeing the change to people’s lives was really rewarding and was something that really appealed to me when I saw the role at Pharmacist Support.

What is it that you’re looking forward to most here?

Working with the fantastic Pharmacist Support team and Trustees on the development of the charity’s new strategy. The work of the charity is more relevant and important than ever before with lots of external changes that are directly affecting the people we are here to help. There is real appetite and enthusiasm to build on all of the great work that Pharmacist Support has done over the past decade to ensure that we meet the changing needs of our beneficiaries.

What drives you – gets you up in the morning?

Creating change and getting things done. I love working in the charity sector, it has seen huge changes in the last decade which has driven some exciting new innovations and made a real difference to people’s lives.

What would you say is the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far?

Whilst I have a decade of experience in the charity sector, the world of pharmacy is entirely new to me so I’ve loved learning about this complex world and meeting lots of new people. I’m still getting my head around the many different acronyms used in the sector however!

Has anything surprised you?

I have been pleasantly surprised by how much Pharmacist Support has managed to achieve to date. The charity really does punch above its weight and is creating lasting change.

Finally, what are your personal interests outside work?

Making the most of any spare time I can spend with my husband Greg and two children Ella (11) and Charlie (8). We are huge rugby league fans and proud season ticket holders at Wigan Warriors. We also spend many early Sunday mornings stood at the side of the rugby field watching Charlie play. I also love to get involved in local activities. Working in the charity sector I know how important volunteers are and like to try and make a difference where I can. I’m a school governor at a local primary school, I support young people at a local high school helping them to prepare for the world of work, I fundraise for our local amateur rugby club and I still like to nip out with my litter-picker every so often.