Patient Experience Manager Review

Managing the patient engagement team, developing feedback mechanisms for services, managing volunteer recruitment and retainment, project management, enabling patient and carer experience to be heard at all levels, developing a long term engagement strategy, overseeing nationally mandated feedback such as the friends and family test and service consultation within the trust.

As part of my first module I have reflected on my own practice and reviewed my skills using a skills assessment tool. I am developing my time management skills, communication skills (which is increasingly important when working from home and not face to face with colleagues), and awareness of the needs of others.

The programme provides useful theory that can be linked to my work role, and I enjoy meeting with colleagues from other organisations to share knowledge and experience. The online resources are useful to continue off the job studies and there are many resources to support me in my learning throughout the course.

The classroom based element is structured to approximately 12 to 15 sessions per year. This is well structured and I combine this with other off the job studying and training. All materials are available online on Moodle and there is a wide array of additional support including study skills and online videos.

My employer is very positive about my attendance on the apprenticeship programme. I have the ability to manage my own time and plan my off the job hours. There are numerous opportunities in my organisation including training and shadowing. My manager is very supportive and has provided opportunities in areas to support my skills development.

I receive a good level of support in the form of classroom based learning, online resources including additional journals, articles or wider reading. I have attended a writing skills course for study skills which has helped develop my skills in academic writing. There is a good level of online support including Moodle.

The modules within my course all relate to my management role and will help develop my own practice. The modules are relevant and the formal management qualification, alongside the chartered management institute accreditation and incorporation of the Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Programme will support me to progress in my career with the NHS.

There is a an on-site gym at one of the organisation sites. There are a number of networking groups including BAME, Ability First, and Women’s networks. There are also groups and learning sessions for clinical staff. There are a number of online networking events and Q&A sessions which have become important for those working from home.

Yes

There are numerous career opportunities within the NHS. This is not my first career and the NHS is a long term employer with a number of local NHS trusts that widens the job prospects. There are opportunities to train and develop in different areas, and there is a structured pay scale.

Read the job description and personal specification before you apply to ensure that this is a suitable post and consider what skills, knowledge and experience you have to fulfil the role. It is important to consider what examples you can provide for the person specification as it is not always obvious at first.