Daren Mochrie has built an outstanding career in healthcare leadership spanning more than three decades. Originally from Edinburgh, he is now Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, where he leads one of the region's largest emergency healthcare services, building on a distinguished career across the UK ambulance sector.
Beginning as a volunteer first aider before qualifying as a paramedic, Daren progressed through a range of clinical, operational and executive leadership roles within the Scottish Ambulance Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service and North West Ambulance Service. Throughout his career he has been recognised for his commitment to improving patient care, developing staff and driving innovation across ambulance services.
During his time as Chief Executive and Chief Ambulance Officer of North West Ambulance Service, Daren led one of the UK's largest integrated ambulance services, supporting thousands of staff and volunteers while overseeing services responding to millions of emergencies, urgent and non-emergency patients each year. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to improving ambulance service culture earned widespread recognition across the NHS.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare, Daren was awarded the Queen's Ambulance Medal for Distinguished Service and later received an Honorary Doctorate in Health Care from the University of Bolton. He also served as Chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, representing UK ambulance services at a national level and working closely with government and healthcare leaders to shape the future of emergency care.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, Daren said:
"I left school in 1988 at 16 years of age having not been particularly academic.
"Despite this, I worked hard to gain entry onto the Trainee Operating Department Assistant City & Guilds course with Lothian Health Board and, since joining the Scottish Ambulance Service, studied and passed a range of clinical qualifications, including becoming a registered paramedic and being one of the first paramedics to sit and pass the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh in 2001.
"It was around the mid-2000s that I recognised that, although I had the clinical qualifications and experience as well as operational and management leadership experience, if I wanted to go further then I needed to push myself and undertake further academic qualifications. Studying for the CMI Executive Diploma in Management at Fife College was the start of that journey and gave me the confidence to progress on to an MBA and continue developing as a leader.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at college studying alongside people from different professions who all brought valuable experiences to the classroom. I was proud to be awarded the CMI Student of the Year award, and it remains one of my proudest achievements."
Daren encourages today's students to pursue their ambitions, embrace lifelong learning and never let setbacks define them.
"We all face challenges in our professional and personal lives. What's important is how you respond, develop resilience and continue moving forward."
Daren's remarkable career demonstrates the impact that determination, continuous learning and strong leadership can have. From beginning as a volunteer first aider to leading national ambulance services in both the UK and the Middle East, he is an inspiring ambassador for Fife College and a worthy member of the College's Hall of Fame.
Related Courses
CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
This qualification is designed for individuals wishing to develop professional management and leadership practice who will gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to focus on the requirements of embedding the organisation’s strategy and drive core business activities in a senior management and leadership role.