Jane Oakes

Background

About Jane Oakes

Following a long career within customer service and sales within British Airways and a break to raise a family, I joined Cheshire County Council in 2005 initially within Learning Disabilities and then moving over to Community Equipment Service in 2007 as Operational Manager. During this time East split from West and we became Cheshire East Council. Over this period of transition I have seen many changes to working practices both within the Council and within Health around the provision of disability equipment and services for both adults and children. I also spent five years as Regional North West England Chair for National Association of Equipment Providers (NAEP) which was extremely rewarding being able to Chair regular meetings, to share and hopefully able to resolve some of the issues by problem-solving with other like minded members who come from all aspects of equipment provision. NAEP Association membership covers Social Care, Health, Voluntary and Private Sectors in many fields including TV nursing, occupational therapy, commissioners and managers to name a few. As an equipment provider I cannot stress the importance enough as to how helpful this has been not just for me but also within the membership to support and be supported. The annual NAEP Conference is of course one of the highlights and to meet follow members and of course the equipment suppliers and manufacturers who have stands at the show. Additionally there is a great programme over two days including top speakers and workshops. A great place to network for everyone! Following my retirement from the Council in 2020 I now have the pleasure to work for NAEP as Administrator and Secretary on a part time basis. This means that I can continue to enjoy talking to people about all things community equipment and assist in whatever way I can to ensure that our membership get the support they deserve.