Reigniting confidence in learning

When I learned that only one in five clinical support staff feel valued by the NHS, and more than a quarter regularly consider leaving their jobs, I knew something had to change. Many support workers feel the NHS isn’t getting the best from them, and that they could contribute even more if given better access to learning and development opportunities. This highlighted the need for a system-wide shift in how we value this essential part of our workforce.

Recognising this, I approached the Black Country AHP and Nursing Faculty. We then reached out to the head of learning and organisational development at my trust, and together, we sought out ways to address the issue. We approached Dudley College, which agreed to run a higher development award programme, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. 

The courses are free to anyone living within the West Midlands Combined Authority and are open to clinical and administrative staff across allied health professions, nursing, and midwifery.

Many support workers feel the NHS isn’t getting the best from them, and that they could contribute even more if given better access to learning and development opportunities.

The course runs for one day a month over eight months and covers essential topics like building working relationships, communicating and leading within teams, and resolving workplace conflicts. There’s also a compulsory module on equality, diversity, and inclusion and an additional focus on career development. Optional English and maths functional skills are available too.

The impact has been remarkable. People who’ve been out of education for over 20 years are reigniting their confidence in learning. Why wouldn’t we want to develop this workforce and provide equitable access to professional growth? Whether someone has been in their role for two years or 20, we all need to evolve as practices change. Developing this valuable workforce means ensuring they feel valued, part of the team, and equipped to continue growing in their roles, benefiting themselves, the services they work within and ultimately patients they treat.