The project has gained some considerable progress since our last report.
One focus group and one interview has been conducted. Due to small number of participants, the second focus group needed to be conducted as an interview. These were all conducted with senior managers and, included workforce development leads. They were very informative.
Discussions included that the participants felt they had a good working relationship with UoN and we are responsive and flexible. However, some reported the website to be challenging. They reported students undertake a variety of skill-based courses and that there has been an increase in the number of courses undertaken further afield due to more online delivery modes being available. However, managers did stress that there may be issues to consider, in terms of releasing staff, budget, staffing issues, and getting practical experience on placements. Importantly, it was reported that there was a need to ensure that any plans for upskilling staff and assessing individual needs are in line with the Trusts needs and are part of that individual staff member’s appraisal. Participants also believed the need for future training to be flexible and really liked the idea of staff members being able to undertake small chunks of learning that could be building blocks to achieve a Post Graduate qualification (CPD).
In terms of the career clinics, findings from these suggest that although there were some mixed views regarding the introduction of career clinics, it was felt that these would be helpful in demonstrating study options and directing people to training. Furthermore, it was felt that senior managers, would be best placed for sharing and disseminating of this information, to ensure that information was communicated effectively, but also any career progression discussions were part of their appraisal and the wider and trust plans.
The next steps for us to achieve will be focusing on organising two online career clinics that will be held in April.
Claire Poole