University of Greater Manchester helping NHS to drive change through management apprenticeships

NHS Trusts across the North West are being helped to equip healthcare professionals with the skills they need to lead effectively, thanks to a programme delivered by the University of Greater Manchester.

The University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has partnered with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to support managers through the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA).

Dawn Fletcher-Wilde, the University’s Programme Lead, said: “Strong management and leadership are essential in healthcare, yet 82 per cent of those in management roles have no formal training.

“The University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is dedicated to supporting NHS staff across the region.

We offer apprenticeship programmes because we know there is a clear demand for qualified managers.”

The University has developed Level 6 and 7 management degree apprenticeships, which are designed to ensure healthcare managers and leaders gain the expertise to navigate the complexities of the public sector.

The University partnered with the CMI to benefit from an End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Dawn said: “Partnering with the CMI for EPA has really enhanced the quality of education and experience for learners as it allows them to start with their EPA at the front of their mind.

“It has also bolstered our curriculum design, feeding seamlessly into the teaching.”

Thanks to CMI’s guidance and support, we have expanded to work with multiple NHS Trusts across the country and in the wider health and social care sector.

One apprentice, Nicola Caffrey, Corporate Business Manager for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust focused on lost property across hospitals for her project.

She said: “As a result of introducing better processes for missing items, there has been increased patient satisfaction, alongside decreased costs and complaints.”

Sarah Hulme, Cancer Performance Manager at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said her project had also had a positive impact.

“Through my EPA project I managed the improvement of the booking system for cancer patients. We have saved more than 3,000 cancer pathway days for patients across Greater Manchester.

“I’m a different manager and leader than when I first started.”

Dawn added: “Our latest cohort achieved a 100 per cent EPA Distinction rate and I credit that to CMI EPA with support. This instils our apprentices with confidence from the first day.”

Marvin Constantine, a Neighbourhood Leader in the Bolton Health and Care Integrated Partnership, said: “The practical, hands-on experience in the CMI-assessed apprenticeship is very valuable.

“The foundations of management and leadership that you learn about as part of the programme really helps you to challenge your behaviours and approaches.”