Introduction
The Mary Seacole programme is an innovative and inspirational leadership development programme from the NHS Leadership Academy.
Specifically for those newly in or aspiring to be in a formal first time leadership role, the six month-long programme has been exclusively designed and developed for people working in health and social care.
Programme benefits
As a participant on the programme, you will:
Gain the practical knowledge and skills to successfully handle the demands of a first-time leadership role
Improve your personal impact to help drive progress with your team and organisation to build a culture of person centred care
Learn innovative, up-to-date leadership approaches and techniques from world-class experts
Put theory into practice to make an impact within your role
Build a powerful regional and national support network of like-minded influential leaders
Programme overview
The Mary Seacole programme is a six-month long leadership development programme.
The programme will prepare you for the demands of leadership in the health and care system today – and into the future. It will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical understanding needed to deliver inspiring leadership. During the programme, you’ll cover eight units of study on leadership fundamentals along with four further units that relate to core management skills.
The learning methods are a cutting-edge blend to keep you inspired and motivated through a virtual campus and face-to face development. And to keep it all fresh and
current, you’ve also got the latest thinking from world-class experts. At the end you’ll emerge from the programme with the professional skills to thrive in your leadership role, and to play your part in building a more compassionate NHS.
Alternatives if you’re not eligible
If you’re not eligible for the Mary Seacole programme, the NHS Leadership Academy runs a range of alternative programmes for colleagues at every level. If you’re aspiring to or are new (in post for less than two years) to a leadership role, we’d recommend you look at the Edward Jenner programme.
Learning and commitment
During the programme, you’ll cover a total of 12 units which provide a blend of practical leadership and management skills
The first 8 units cover leadership fundamentals and build on each other as the programme progresses, while units 9 to 12 relate to the core management skills of finance, HR, recruitment and selection, appraisals and annual reviews.
The amount of time you’ll need to dedicate to your self-led study is typically five hours per week.
Assessment is through undertaking online activity, attendance at workshops, making at least two meaningful contributions to online discussions per unit, and the submission of a 2,000-word reflexive assignment drawing on the learning and development you have undertaken.
There are three core learning methods:
Work-based learning
Work-based learning is an important part of how the
learning methods are applied in practice. The method
takes its focus on the work you’re already doing and
uses this as the basis for your learning. Much of your
online learning will relate to your work place. It
focuses your attention on what’s practical and helps
to lighten the study workload, as some of the learning
is within your day-to-day job.
Online learning (virtual campus)
The virtual campus has been designed to feel like
an inviting space; delivering what you need in an
interactive learning environment.
It’s where you’ll find all the resources you’ll need for
your studies. It provides a range of different learning
formats such as e-learning, simulation events, videos,
surveys, electronic journals, books, discussion forums,
and more.
Face-to-face learning: workshops in Warwickshire
There are three one-day workshops during the
programme. The focus of these workshops will be on
your personal and behavioural development in
context. They take full advantage of face-to-face
group work, experiential and simulation learning
activities, and social networking opportunities.
Attendance at these workshops is mandatory.
Please make sure you can attend all three workshops.
Awards
Upon successful completion of the programme, including your online forum contributions and the submission of your 2,000 word reflexive assignment, you’ll receive an NHS Leadership Academy Award in Healthcare Leadership.
Cost
The Mary Seacole programme is fully funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Training Hub
Application process
Before applying, speak to your line manager to get their support. They should agree to allow you time to participate in the three one-day workshops and provide the opportunity, space and support for you to bring your learning back to the workplace.
You may also want to talk to your line manager about your learning and development experience and provide an update on your progress as the programme moves forward.
How to apply
Once you have the support of your line manager, please contact us on cw.traininghub@nhs.net to complete the application process.
Details of the next 4 cohorts can now be found here.
If you want more information on Mary Seacole, please contact us.