Engagement Officer Review

• The day-to-day management of Healthwatch Essex (HWE) volunteers. • Delivering a variety of outreach, engagement and research-based events and projects. • Creating project proposals and project delivery including coordinating Healthwatch Essex volunteers and staff, as well as stakeholders, to ensure that HWE projects and events are delivered according to plan.

I have developed my public speaking skills and my confidence which I felt were non-existent when I started my role. A new skill for me is managing large groups of volunteers and coordinating them within projects to ensure that their voices are being heard within health and social care.

I am really enjoying the programme as it has taught me new things, like how to be a leader and conflict management, which has been hugely beneficial to my role.

It is very well-structured with my assignment days and workshops being held monthly which I was informed the dates of when I first started. This has allowed me to easily navigate the apprenticeship around my role.

I receive an incredible amount of support from my employer. My manager always make sure that I have enough time to do my assignments and I have monthly reviews with my CEO to discuss how my apprenticeship is going.

My training provider has been great with my skills coach frequently checking in on me to see how I am doing and also giving swift replies if I have any questions. The tutors are very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions throughout the workshops.

I have been able to plan projects better by using the skills that I have learnt, for example stakeholder mapping and risk probability grids. I also believe that I am able to manage volunteers better by being more of a leader and supporting them better.

We have multiple training opportunities a month, either online or during Development Days.

Yes

I feel incredibly supported by Healthwatch Essex, not only by our Senior Management Team but also by my colleagues. Everyone is always constantly seeking development opportunities for us, which was how I was put forward for the apprenticeship. I thoroughly enjoy my role and how I have been able to progress during my time here.

If there is a skill or learning that you would like to develop, do not be afraid to ask your manager for help with this as they will be able to look into this for you and put you on the path that you would like to be on.