We are introducing a Consultant Spotlight Q&A Series that highlights our consultants across each of the three divisions within the Compass Associates brand. The latest article in this series will be introducing Jon Burke from the Specialist Care division.  

What is your role and how long have you worked at Compass?

My role is Head of Development for the Specialist Care division. I have been with Compass for nearly 11 years after having joined in 2012.

What markets do you cover?

I have specialised within a range of specialist sectors, including Mental Health, Adult Social Care, Children’s and Education, focusing on senior appointments such as Operations Director, Managing Director, Head/Business Development Director, Director of Nursing, Director of Psychology, etc.

Advice for job seekers

My advice for job seekers is to always be honest and transparent when discussing what you are looking for and why, but also be informative on your CV such as key achievements and what you do. Your achievements and experience are what make you stand out from others.

Current changes I wish would change within the sector?

It was published by NHS England in 2015 that there will be a big focus on the Transforming Care Programme and a need to move away from hospitals when it comes to those with Learning Disabilities and Autism. Fast forward to today and there are still over 2,000 within a Mental Health Inpatient Hospital This is something which maybe is not foreseeable, but something which needs to change.

CAMHS/ND PROFILING – A frustrating and broken system within the NHS! Having a child on the waiting list with either a potential mental health illness, autistic or ADHD is a lengthy process with an 18-24 month waiting list/turnaround of being seen. This is difficult for any parent, but it’s the child who suffers the most. You can’t change the time frame to be seen for you to just confirm if your child has an additional need, but there is next to nothing in place during that waiting period. For example, If your child is having suicidal thoughts or wants to act on those thoughts, you contact the crisis team and they just email CAMHS. This doesn’t offer any support or help to the child! This is something which MUST change.

Career highlight within Compass

There are a few highlights which I could choose, but if I had to choose one it would be becoming the first person at Compass Associates to win both the Employee of the Quarter and the Sales Shield within the same quarter.

A bit about you outside of work

I am a family person and focus most of my time and affect on my children to ensure they have a smile on their faces.

Find out more about Jon and the rest of the Specialist Care division. For all the latest news from Compass Associates, find out more here.