UK NEQAS, a national charity dedicated to improving patient care through independent quality monitoring of diagnostic testing, is a valued member of our community at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Previously based at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, the organisation relocated its central office to the managed workspace within Steel City Stadium at the Park in Spring 2024.
A mission-driven organisation with global reach
UK NEQAS’ central office is a small and agile team supporting multiple specialist UK NEQAS centres in Sheffield and across the UK. With global clients and deep integration within the NHS, their work is vital to maintaining and improving standards in diagnostic testing. The organisation’s move to Steel City Stadium was driven by the need for a workspace that better aligns with their ambitions and potential.
Why Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park?
The decision to relocate to Steel City Stadium at the Park was initiated by Jen Christie, Company Secretary at UK NEQAS. Reflecting on the move, she shared:
“This feels like the right place to be. It is a much brighter, more spacious place which, at a very simple level, just feels like a better location to be than our previous office. The way my colleagues and I feel about coming into work every day has definitely improved.”
The state-of-the-art facilities at the Park are driving ambitions for the UK NEQAS team. Jen elaborated on the collaborative and innovative environment they are surrounded by:
“It’s great to be part of a creative community where people are here to do exciting things, experiment, and learn from each other. With the established research facilities like the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) and the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) coming soon, we are surrounded by amazing people doing amazing things in the medical field – which is where we sit. It’s extremely exciting.”
Creating long-term goals
For Jen and her team, the move has delivered more than just a change of scenery. The relocation has reinvigorated the team, igniting new ambitions for growth and innovation. Jen is eager to share the benefits of their new location with her colleagues and hopes to bring the activities of other UK NEQAS centres to the Park as well.
Additionally, UK NEQAS is now perfectly placed to inspire the next generation to consider a career in the health tech industries. By connecting with the UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the neighbouring Oasis Academy, Jen is keen to inform young people about the diverse career opportunities at organisations like UK NEQAS, including vital support functions that keep the sector thriving.
A bright future
UK NEQAS’s new base at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park is already providing a collaborative and inspirational environment, fully aligned with their mission. And, with Sheffield gaining recognition as a hub for health, sports, and wellbeing innovation, UK NEQAS is going to be an important part of this growing legacy. As Jen aptly put it:
“Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park is an ideal place to develop our vision – and we’re thrilled to be here.”
