An Interview With...

🌟 Spotlight On… Lorraine Whelan

What’s your role at NEUPC and how long have you been here? 

I’m the Head of Operational Procurement, and this October marks a whole decade here — it’s amazing how quickly ten years can fly by! 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I love the sheer variety — no two days ever look the same. I get to connect with so many different people across all kinds of stakeholder groups, which is perfect for me as a natural networker and someone who genuinely enjoys working through challenges collaboratively. 

What’s been your proudest moment or biggest achievement at work so far? 
Honestly, stepping into the HE sector with zero prior experience was a huge leap, but I embraced the sector’s quirks and found my feet. Moving from large organisations to a smaller one was its own learning curve. I’m proud of how I’ve adapted — finding my voice not just locally but nationally through UKUPC and the wider HE network. Now, chairing a national contracting group feels like a real testament to that journey. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I usually kick off by checking my diary to see what’s in store, then head out for a dog walk to clear my head. Once back, I tackle my inbox — clearing the quick wins first before diving into tasks that need deeper focus. My days are dotted with at least three meetings, so I try to slot work around them, prioritising member and supplier needs where possible. If something urgent crops up — whether for NEUPC or nationally — I’ll drop everything and dive in, often alongside the team. I stay closely connected with our team for updates, one-to-ones or catch-ups, and I’ll often be chatting to members, suppliers or our UKUPC colleagues. It’s busy, but that’s what keeps it interesting! 

What’s one thing your colleagues might not know about you?  
I’m pretty much an open book, so there aren’t many secrets left! But one thing I’m really excited about is our plan to tour Japan next year for a big birthday — I absolutely love travelling. 

If you weren’t working in this role, what would your dream job be? 

Without a doubt, something to do with animals — being a vet would have been the dream. Long term, I’d also love to work part-time for a charity and give something back. 

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or famous person, who would it be and why? 
It has to be David Attenborough. That iconic voice, his incredible stories from around the world and his passion for protecting our planet — I honestly think we’d only need the two of us at the table to have the most fascinating evening! 

What’s your go-to productivity hack or favourite way to stay organised? 

For me, it’s all about taking time at the start of the day to prioritise and plan. With so much going on and every day looking different, it’s crucial to be disciplined and make sure I’m tackling the right things at the right time.