The FSD Management Development Programme is made up of ten themed leadership workshops designed to provide all finance managers and team leaders at Bands 6 and 7 with the essential skills and core competencies needed in today’s busy and changing environment. The programme is also accredited with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), so those who attend the MDP have the option to complete work-based assignments to gain a Level 4 Diploma/Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management.
Please find below a delegate’s perspective of the programme from someone who has completed it and also accounts from other delegates who are currently participating in the programme:
The 2013/14 FSD Management Development Programme was beginning at an ideal time for me; the CCG had just been established and this had created a structural change within the finance team that I managed; I saw this as a chance to build a great basis for the team. I had also heard excellent feedback from colleagues whom had attended the course previously so was pleased I had been offered a place and was looking forward to this development opportunity.
The programme was split into 10 modules covering a range of management and leadership techniques including motivating and developing people in the workplace, coaching and priority management. There was an additional option to undertake the ILM level 4 Diploma in Leadership and Management. I choose to do this as the qualification supported my learning and the assignments gave me the spur to apply these skills and knowledge into my management role.
At the start of each module we worked in groups to recap what had happened since the previous module and how we had applied the models learnt within the workplace.Learning with colleagues from other NHS organisations allowed the opportunity to network and discuss issues within the group, we were often encountering similar problems that when discussed we could share best practice and provide help and support to each other.
Over the course of the year I learnt many new skills and grew in confidence, this was remarked on by members of my team whom had noticed the positive changes in me. My overall approach to management is now much more balanced; I no longer only rely on a supportive approach and am able to flex my style to direct, coach and delegate. I especially benefitted from learning how to delegate effectively as I have previously found this difficult, as had many of the group. The various tools and techniques the course provided are invaluable they supported my planning and leading of the year end accounts process and will continue to benefit myself and my team in the future.
In September 2014 we all met for the final time as a group to deliver presentations on the journey we have taken over the last 18 months. Although nerve wracking to stand up in front of my fellow students and guests; it was also enjoyable to discuss and share my thoughts and examples of how I have used the learning from the MDP. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in designing and enabling this course to be run especially Trevor and the Aspire team for their delivery and support, the FSD for facilitating, my CCG for allowing me to attend and brilliant colleagues with whom I hope to keep in touchand wish all the best in their roles and careers.
Linda Bramwell
Technical Accountant
Nottingham City CCG
How am I finding the programme?
I have found the programme really enjoyable and thought provoking, it’s led me to question the way that my team and I work based upon the topics covered in the monthly sessions. The ILM element was something that I was weary of initially as I hadn’t written any assignments for some time but the monthly sessions give you the foundation for the assignments to be based on which really helps. Now that we are further into the programme I can say that it is really enjoyable and informative and something that I would, and have suggested to other colleagues. The programme has made me realise that importance of tailored development for me personally and that I would like to continue developing my skills as a leader once I have completed the programme.
What am I getting out of it?
For me the most important thing that I have got out of the programme so far is a different view on key topic areas. It’s very easy to slip into a routine or to not give much thought to things like leadership and motivation but, being aware of the benefits of successful leadership and increasing motivation can have a real impact on the quality work that is completed by your team. I have also found it useful to reflect on previous situations knowing the outcome and being able to have a better understanding of why things happened like they did. I feel like this will enable me to be a better leader as time goes on as I continue to learn new skills from each session.
How have I put learning into practise?
I have found it useful learn techniques around assertiveness and coaching. As we work within a small team I have previously found myself or other members of the team carrying out tasks or chasing information that other staff have not completed correctly or on time. The assertiveness skills I have learnt have enabled me to go back to those responsible in this situation and ask for the information to be submitted correctly to us and on time. I have also found that I have coached staff within the office and I feel that this will have a positive impact on their development. Up until the MDP programme, coaching within the workplace wasn’t something that would have been on my radar but is something that I would now look to use given the correct situation.
Mark Nemeiksas
Performance Manager
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust
I'm really enjoying the Management Development Programme, and cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is interested in developing their leadership skills and improving the way they work. Every session has a practical focus, and the length of time between sessions provides opportunities to implement the tools learnt in the previous session.
One of the main benefits of attending the course is the chance to meet regularly with NHS staff from outside my organisation and local area, as it provides a safe environment to discuss work issues and learn different ways of working. It is also really useful to hear the challenges facing different NHS organisations from people on the course, and has provided me with a greater understanding of sectors that I am less familiar with.
Lucy Killoch
Commissioning Accountant
Nottingham City CCG
The EMLA Management Development Programme and Level 4 Diploma in Leadership programme presents a fantastic opportunity to develop both personally and professionally; drawing together old and new tools and techniques; refreshing perspective and ultimately underpinning skill and self-confidence to lead, develop teams and inspire within your own organisation.
With the fundamental learning for each module woven into a colourful tapestry of an interactive, interesting session the whole experience is motivational and inspiring. Trevor Wheatly and the Aspire team are fantastic - in general communication and delivery of each specific module; invoking self-reflection and resulting in subtle refinements in how you do and consider things with incorporation into the workplace almost without realising it!
The programme has also presented a wonderful opportunity to develop some powerful & productive working relationships with colleagues from other areas of the country .
My own journey has been one of learning, reflection and growth professionally; not only did I move to another Trust during the course of this programme but also moved from a financial role into a more senior operational management role.
Ican confidently say that the skills honed through the programme are entirely transferrable; relevant, and have proved to be avaluable asset to me.
For any new or aspiring manager; who Is passionate about improving the NHS and striving to exceed expectations and cross boundaries – this EMLA Management Development Programme and Level 4 Diploma in Leadership programme really is a “must do”.
Mairead Lacken-Hillery
Associate General Manager – Surgery CBU
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust