Learning to lead the way

We commission a range of academic, professional and personal education and development opportunities from some of the best learning providers in the UK. We aim to provide trainees with a well rounded learning package that covers all of the criteria associated with successful leadership so that you are ready for the journey to become a leader of the future to help improve and innovate healthcare.

Leadership and an introduction to the NHS

The NHS is a complex organisation and we recognise that our trainees require an intense and robust introduction to both how it operates and is structured to get them up to speed. In addition to gaining an understanding of the different organisations and functions in the NHS, trainees will be provided with a strategic overview of the NHS: the current policies and drivers which are shaping the direction in which the NHS is heading.

Trainees are offered a place on the Scheme in the spring. We ensure that we keep in contact with you during the summer, initially via access to a website packed with information about the Scheme, trainee placements and the NHS. We also have a forum where trainees can discuss these topics in a safe and informal environment. During the summer our trainees will arrange a visit to their host organisations to meet their new colleagues, discuss their orientation period and discover what they’ll be doing during their first placement.

We also ensure that trainees hear from current leaders in the NHS, both in the flesh and via the web in the build up to starting on the Scheme in September.

Throughout your induction each trainee has access to their Leadership Development Manager who is available to answer any questions they may have about the NHS, the Scheme and their placements.

Upon starting the Scheme we provide all trainees with a fundamental understanding in leadership for service improvement before they move on to their specialism qualifications.

Professional Qualifications

After a comprehensive induction and orientation period our trainees begin their placements and commence their professional learning which is provided by well-renowned and respected university and education providers. The Scheme offers a fantastic package of education which is fully funded and attended during day or block-release from placements. The current 2011 intake have studied the following qualifications:

All 2011 trainees, regardless of specialism, completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership For Service Improvement alongside their main qualification along. In addition to formal education our previous trainees have taken part in Action Learning Sets and Experiential Learning. So as well as challenging placements you’ll be completing a challenging and varied education and development programme.

Personal Development

Throughout their time on the Scheme our trainees are provided with a range of learning and educational opportunities designed to enhance their personal and leadership development. These range from career development workshops to maximise career options to key skills sessions on hot topics. Trainees currently have action learning sets to support self reflection and to enhance their leadership vision and also have access to senior NHS managers who act as mentors to trainees.

Leadership and Alumni

We value our alumni as key stakeholders and have recently launched a website to enable us to keep in touch with our graduates post scheme. The website offers access to regularly updated resources, networking opportunities and career development support as part of the NHS’ ongoing pipeline of leadership talent. The site allows members to keep in contact with one another and with us and to get in touch with those from organisations or projects of interest and collaborate on key improvement projects across the country.