“Be relentlessly optimistic. Because if you’re not, then who will be? I think one of the most important parts of being a good leader is about creating the conditions for optimism, hope, direction and opportunity, even in the darkest of times,” Steve shared.
University of Reading honorary graduate, Steve McManus, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. His incredible career in healthcare all began with a simple suggestion. When he left school Steve had no idea what he wanted to do, but whilst travelling around Australia a friend’s dad – who was a doctor – told Steve he had “an innate sense of caring”.
This suggestion led Steve to secure a place at the Nightingale School of Nursing, where he qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1990. He shared: “As soon as I stepped through those doors in 1987 I fell in love with being a part of that world.”
Steve sat down with CONNECTED to share more about his career, what he thinks it takes to be a good leader, and how it felt to receive an honorary degree from Reading.
“It’s all about people”
While working as a nurse in London and Oxford, Steve completed his BA Honours in Healthcare Studies at Oxford Brookes University, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Evidence-based Healthcare from the University of Oxford. In 2002 he moved into management and completed an MBA with Nottingham University Business School in 2006. Steve then held leadership roles at University Hospital Southampton, Imperial College Healthcare, and Basildon & Thurrock University Teaching Hospital, before taking up the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) in 2017.
Steve explained what his current role at the RBFT involves. He said: “I’m responsible for the strategic direction of the hospital, and accountable for the quality of services we deliver to our patients, in partnership with the Trust Board. This includes making decisions about our finances. I hold the accountability for £660 million worth of public money, and I’m acutely aware that every pound we spend needs to be used resourcefully.
“Even a number of years into the job some days it feels exhilarating, and then others it feels terrifying because of the accountability I’m holding. But then I remember what a unique position I’m in, and the influence I can have on both the organisation and people’s day-to-day lives. It’s an absolute privilege.”
As part of his role, Steve believes it is important to spend time working with staff on the ground across different parts of the organisation – whether that’s with clinical teams on a ward, the porters or the catering team.
He said: “It helps me to create the right conditions to enable our staff to do the best job they can. As an organisation we strive to be better than yesterday, and fundamentally how you do that is by working together. Your colleagues are instrumental to what kind of day you have and what you can achieve.
“Ultimately, it’s all about people.”
Developing the leaders of tomorrow
Striving to be a good leader is something which runs through Steve’s veins. In 2016 he was selected to be part of the first cohort of the NHS Leadership Academy’s national Aspiring Chief Executive Programme; in 2020 he was seconded to work with Baroness Dido Harding where he played two pivotal roles in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and in 2024 he embarked on the Executive Coaching Programme at Henley Business School (HBS). Steve said:
“I’ve been given a lot of chances in my career which has in turn shaped my own view of leadership, and I feel that a fundamental part of a management role is to provide mentorship, create opportunities for others, and continue to nurture leaders for our future. It’s particularly important to achieve a greater level of equality and diversity in our senior leadership roles.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Steve shares what he thinks it takes to be a good leader. He said: “Be relentlessly optimistic. Because if you’re not, then who will be? I think one of the most important parts of being a good leader is about creating the conditions for optimism, hope, direction and opportunity, even in the darkest of times.
“You also need to have the confidence to make decisions – even if 70% of them turn out to be the right ones and 30% of them turn out to be the wrong ones – as it’s important to continue to advance your organisation, and the last thing I’d say is be guided by your staff and service users.”
A pioneering partnership
Steve has been instrumental in establishing formal links between the University and the RBFT to help improve patient care and clinical excellence through the Health Innovation Partnership. The partnership has seen the launch of a joint Physician Associate Programme; established 10 University Departments of Excellence within the hospital; shared teaching and learning resources – including the recently opened Clinical Simulation and Training Suite; and begun a pipeline of research that’s directly benefitting patients.
He said: “We are starting to see the long-term impact that the partnership is having. It’s drawing talented clinicians to the hospital because of the opportunity to contribute academically in terms of education and research, and the care we are now able to deliver is driving innovation within the sector.
“The two organisations have developed a relationship where the continuous search for improvement is a fundamental part of the partnerships DNA, and I’m really proud of that.”
Turning his thoughts to what he hopes to achieve with the partnership in the future, Steve said: “I want to continue to build on our areas of strength whilst also creating new opportunities. I think one of the big things we’re going to see over the next five years in healthcare settings is how digital clinical data can drive innovation within artificial intelligence, and my aspiration is for the partnership to be at the forefront of that work.”
Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Steve has been a driving force in the partnership. His vision has helped create a learning environment that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.”
Advocating for continuous improvement
Steve was recognised for his contributions towards healthcare and the Berkshire community with an honorary degree from the University of Reading in 2024, which he described as a lifetime highlight. He added: “I am hugely humbled and endlessly thankful for receiving this degree. The honour is not for myself but for our amazing staff and volunteers at the RBFT, and our partners at the University. It shows the strength of the relationship the two organisations have developed and how far we’ve come over the last nine years.
“It was very special to have my family, my colleagues and Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort – who has become a friend over the years – there with me.”
Professor Yaqoob who presented Steve with his honorary degree, said: “Steve is an exemplary and compassionate leader, and an unwavering advocate for continuous improvement. He embodies the belief that there is always room for progress, always a way to serve patients better, and always an opportunity to elevate the team and the organisation as a whole. He thoroughly deserves this honorary degree.”
Steve’s advice for anyone looking to go into a career in leadership is simple: “Be brave. It will have its challenges but its hugely rewarding. Develop your network and surround yourself with good people and support.
“You will never forget the privilege that comes with a leadership role in terms of the ability you have to influence. The personal rewards of being in that position are huge, so never underestimate or forget that.”
