R&I Education and Development Practitioner Review

by NHS

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am responsible for developing and implementing an educational strategy of the non-clinical research delivery workforce across MFT.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Absolutely, I have gained more confidence in my abilities. I have a better understanding of strategy and change management. I have gained a theoretical knowledge of project management and am looking forward to putting them into practice when doing my workplace project.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have enjoyed the CMDA course at MMU. I am half way through and feel the cause has been very useful. There is a good variety of assessments and the sessions are engaging.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Some areas of improvement are needed, such as scheduling of skills session before needing them for assignments but mostly the course has run smoothly.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I am given time during my working hours (1 day a week) to complete university related activities and assignments. My current line manager is my mentor which is difficult as they are a senior manager and very busy so I don’t get to meet with them as often as I would like.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

A good amount of support is available. I reached out to the disability student support service at the start of my course to ensure I had the equipment and adjustments I needed to succeed in the course.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It has given me more theoretical knowledge that I can apply to my everyday practice. I am more confident in my abilities and feel able to challenge processes and policies if there are better ways of doing things.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I am deputy chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network for the Trust. The chair of the Clinical Trial Coordinator Network.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend NHS to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is the biggest NHS Trust in the UK and provides services to the large, diverse population of Manchester. MFT offers great development opportunities for staff via upskilling.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?

Sell yourself, everyone should be celebrated for their uniqueness. You have something to bring to the trust so showcase it. Look at trust values and be prepared to demonstrate examples of how you abide by them.