NHS staff encouraged to learn and develop
To celebrate Adult Learner’s Week, which is running from 9th-15th May, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging staff to fulfil their potential by holding drop in sessions to encourage further learning. The Trust, which provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, is also launching a new range of material to publicise learning opportunities available for staff within the organisation.
Adult Learners’ Week is an annual celebration of adult learning in the UK. It aims to encourage adults of all backgrounds and abilities to take part in learning activities and events, whether vocational, academic or just for fun.
The drop in events will give staff a chance to discuss their individual development needs, and gain personalised advice on the most suitable learning opportunities available to them. This will also support staff through their appraisals.
The Trust is committed to promoting learning and development amongst its staff, with figures from the national NHS staff survey showing that 84% of Trust staff have received training, learning and development in the last year. This places us in the top performing NHS organisations.
NVQ Scheme leader Ann Budby who helped organise the event said "Our commitment to an active learning and development programme for all staff is what helps the Trust maintain a highly skilled and loyal workforce, which in turn means that local people receive high quality care."
NVQ Assessor Lerina Slack who also helped organise the event added, "The drop in sessions will aim to inform staff of the lifelong learning opportunities available to them within the Trust and encourage them to develop new skills and knowledge to enable them to work competently and flexibly in support of people who use the Trust’s services."
Assistant director of workforce development Maggie Bell said, "Learning is a brilliant way for staff to enhance their confidence and capabilities within their role. It is something we encourage all our staff to do and are keen to support them in every way possible. Having a well trained, well supported workforce means that staff feel more able to be innovative in their roles which in turn helps continue to drive up standards and provide individualised care for people who use the Trust’s services."