Ruth's story

Early career

When I left school, I had no clear idea what I wanted to do. I enjoyed Business Studies, so choosing a Business Management degree felt like a sensible option and, thankfully, one that I really enjoyed. After graduating at 21, I began my career as a trainee manager with Esso before moving into a Transport Manager role with a granite company. It was a fascinating job, managing shipments from around the world and working with contractors, designers and colleagues on regeneration projects across the UK.

Career journey

A few years later, I joined NHS Highland in the Clinical Audit team, not realising that the NHS would shape the rest of my career. After five years in Clinical Effectiveness, I moved into Clinical Governance and later became a Complaints Facilitator. The role offered a good balance between career and family life.

A chance opportunity to support work on waste contracts sparked a completely new interest in waste management and sustainability. What began as a small part of my role quickly developed into a passion. I later moved into the Estates team, taking responsibility for Environment and Sustainability, and completed qualifications in project management, waste management, and environment and sustainability, eventually achieving Chartered Waste Manager status.

Current role

After more than 10 years working in sustainability and environmental management, I joined NHS Scotland Assure in 2022 as Sustainability Manager for Waste and Resource Efficiency. In 2025, I returned to NHS Highland on secondment as Head of Energy, Environment and Sustainability. Today, I lead a team working across areas including energy and waste management, environmental management systems, biodiversity, active travel and sustainability projects.

(as at September 2026)

Key reflections

Looking back, my career has certainly not followed a straight line. I started with a business degree, moved into transport and logistics, discovered a passion for sustainability and eventually found myself leading a team in a field I didn't even know existed when I was at school.