Workforce Programme Manager Review

I am a workforce programme manager within the Rochdale Locality. My role spans across a number of health and care organisations to develop transformational strategy in relation to our health and care workforce and implement and oversee a programme of work to deliver this. Day to day I work with key stakeholders, develop plans, complete reports, strategy documents and complete reporting. I work as part of a wider team overseeing health and care transformation projects and work with my peers to understand risk, performance and interdependencies between our programmes.

During my course one of the biggest things I have learned about is self awareness. Understanding myself and my style of working has contributed greatly to developing my leadership and management skills. I have also gained the skills to effectively develop strategy which has helped me gain a promotion during the course. I have also learned about change management which has enabled me to effectively execute my projects more effectively

I have enjoyed coming back to a learning environment after 10 years away from academia. The programme has a good mix of modules which each build upon one another. I have enjoyed meeting people from other employers and sharing the learning experience, and therefore sharing our knowledge and learning together. Doing assignments and working full time does have its challenges and mean to an extent there is a level of apprehension with the learning but I always look forward to the classroom.

I would say the programme is fairly well structured. I think there have been occassions where improvements could be made, for instance dual running modules did not work well and some modules are more structured than others dependent on the tutor. However I would say that MMU have listened to feedback as we have been undertaking the programme and have made adjustments based on this. Additionally, the gathering evidence for portfolio could have been introduced earlier.

My employer provides excellent support. I have a good relationship with my manager who understands the requirements of the programme and we discuss this within our structured 1:1s where they can ensure I have the right exposure for projects and responsibilities to gain the knowledge and skills required for the portfolio. Additionally, when I undertaking new tasks they are able to provide me with guidance as required to ensure I can complete them successfully.

I have a dedicated skills coach who has been invaluable in me working towards my qualifications. They have not only provided support during 1:1s, checking on progress and getting me prepared for my EPA, they have also provided pastoral support which has enabled me to continue on my course. Support is not only available during 1:1s but at any other point you require - during class time, via email and via the virtual learning environment as well.

I think that I have partly answered this in the question of 'what skills have you gained' as there is clear overlap here. The skills I described that I have developed during the programme, particularly leadership, has enabled me to be more confident within my role. This in turn has increased the quality of my work and am a valued member of my team. Not only that I am taking my learning into the workplace and sharing this with colleagues.

Social activities, sports teams etc are limited within my workplace. There are networks for people who have protected characteristics e.g, disabilities who inform the workplace policy and provide support to others. I have linked with the women's leaders network where we have shared information and worked towards more female friendly policy such as flexible working. As a team we occasionally arrange social events, however these are to our expense and not very regular.

Yes

Northern Care Alliance is a large trust where there are so many different varied roles for people to try that are not just medical or clinical. The NCA values community and therefore there are lots of opportunities to work in collaboration with partners. Additionally, the workplace policies and leadership are developing and improving, putting the workforce at the heart of them.

I would say you need to have an interest and passion for people and care. If your values align with this then it will take you a long way. You need to be prepared to work hard and evidence how you have made a difference, but you will be rewarded by the difference you have made. If you are new to the sector you may want to look for a mentor or coach as it is a very different culture from other sectors.