Project Manager Review
at NHS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Leicestershire
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
As part of the Regional Clinical Leadership Team it is our role to provide clinical expertise (Nursing, Midwifery and AHP specific) to the Midlands. My role specifically focusses on leading programmes of work as well as the strategic development of the teams future and therefore the future for the Nursing and AHP workforce.
My role includes stakeholder engagement (internal and external), project planning, risk management, writing papers and/or presenting at board level, event management and line management in a matrix style of working. However, the definition of these and what that looks like on a day to day basis is very different and I take pride and enjoy being able to work in different styles and having variety to my role as per the business demands.
My role includes stakeholder engagement (internal and external), project planning, risk management, writing papers and/or presenting at board level, event management and line management in a matrix style of working. However, the definition of these and what that looks like on a day to day basis is very different and I take pride and enjoy being able to work in different styles and having variety to my role as per the business demands.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] I would say it has taken me out of my comfort zone, given me the opportunity to meet and network with others and learn new knowledge and skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes. In particular leadership skills. The personal leadership focus had very good timing in terms of how we make the most of virtual teams and working environments. Very helpful as we as an organisation move to new ways of working. Also, strategy has always been something I talked about and now to have the theory behind it gives confidence
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]I find given this is an apprenticeship (and we have full time jobs) things could have been organised much better. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] There have been changes in time table that have not been communicated and module information uploaded after the module started.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Whilst my employer on the face of it is supportive I think there is a gap in the granular detail. For example, the academic component is huge and I think sometimes the employer believes giving us a new project to do gives us our 'apprenticeship hours' when really what it does is add more pressure. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I think the provider have been supportive, especially the MBA coach who I meet with frequently. He would be the person who really brings everything together for me. Although assigned a personal tutor, I'm not actually sure of their purpose or how to navigate the different areas. Most of the time the generic inbox is good as a first point of contact.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Although I have not completed the qualification yet, I do feel it has helped and is reflected in my leadership skills. I'm far more conscious around perception vs reality and the ethics of that. I have the confidence to use language as I now know the true meaning behind it, for example what does strategy actually mean
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes. Whilst these have looked different over the pandemic we have had virtual quiz's, Pilates etc. As a team we also have regular coffee catch ups at which we don't talk about work related matters. Our staff networks have also organised virtual events like virtual bake off to raise money for local chatities
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
HEE offers a good work life balance and flexibility. I believe in the work we do which is what motivates me. There are issues and I think every workplace has them but I think with HEE you can openly challenge and make suggestions. The people are professional and friendly and there are opportunities for progression.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Read up on NHS/HEE strategy and mandates and truly understand the function of HEE in relation to other arms length bodies. Show that you are personable in your application and interview as we work with a number of internal and external stakeholders. Be yourself. Make sure you understand the job description and contact the recruiting manager.
