Practice Development Assistant Review

Teaching Healthcare Assistants. This includes, but is not limited to; induction training and mentorship for new staff, teaching clinical skills in classroom and clinical settings, pastoral support and assisting in statutory and mandatory training for said staff.

I've learned a lot of new skills over my time at King's. Academically I've done courses ranging from functional skills to a FdSc Health. I also completed the Edward Jenner NHS Leadership programme. My most recent experience is starting a new apprenticeship on Mentorship via Impact Futures.

I've only had my introductory session today, so it is early days, but so far it has been good. My Development Coach from Impact Futures seemed very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable.

Again it is early days but so far, so good. I found the Aptem system used by Impact Futures isn't quite as intuitive as it perhaps could be, but I am sure I will get the hang of it once I use it more. I was reassured that we would be taking a deep dive into the system on our first 1-to-1.

My line manager has been fantastically supportive of me and my development. He was the one who found some applicable courses for me to explore within my current role. He encouraged me to review my options and was very involved in me selecting my current course. I am certain that I will get all the support I need from him moving forward.

I have only had my first session today, but I am hopeful and confident they will support me appropriately through my learning journey.

Again, it is very early days, but I hope to use the learning from this programme to enhance my ability to coach, mentor, and teach staff more effectively. I would like the knowledge I gain from this qualification to enhance the skills and competency of those I mentor leading to increased morale, efficiency and staff retention.

I will have opportunities moving forward to shadow various members of our wider practice development team. I am also involved in a staff side panel that help our Trust develop and give feedback on new local policies, procedures and projects. Some of these come from national directives or initiatives and give me valuable insight into what will be put in place to our clinical areas and how that will affect the staff that I work with.

Yes

King's has been fantastic to me in terms of my career development and support. Despite being one of the largest Trusts in the country it still maintains a local hospital feel where everyone is a valued member of the team and recognised as such.

Think about what role it is are suited and qualified for. Tailor your application to the criteria set out in the job listing. Make sure you know which site you are applying for (there are several in our Trust!).