Trainee Assistant People Partner Review
at NHS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Southampton
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work within the People Partnering team at Solent NHS Trust and am aligned to three areas of the organisation, or service lines, meaning I work with those areas mainly. I partner with managers to help them to effectively manage their people, with my main work being around sickness and performance management; coaching managers in how to proactively manage these areas and attending formal meetings as HR representative when needed. I also support formal investigations when commissioned by my areas which often finds me working with managers from other areas. I also do a lot with HR data to help me target certain managers and teams who need intervention.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme of study as the modules are really varied and interesting and I love when I learn about something and then see it in practice in my role or vice versa. It has also really inspired me to continue my learning and development to progress my career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Due to my role I have learnt lots about relationship building as I often speak to many different managers of different areas about a whole range of people issues. I have learnt how to effectively coach them to improve their practice and I have crafted the art of advising rather than telling, encouraging them to think for themselves and become better managers.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is structured well and is clear what modules you are doing when and what assignments are needed and when. It is consistent in what is expected of your attendance, assignments, and contribution in class. It is also structured in a way that enables and encourages further study which helps development and knowledge and understanding.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is extremely supportive. The Trust is very supportive of apprenticeships and we have a dedicated team on hand to support us with everything we need. My line manager is also really supportive of me doing this apprenticeship and enables me to focus on my development for it and me having the time to attend lectures and work on assignments.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider is really supportive. I feel I can always contact the lecturers with any questions or support I feel I need. Their module pages always have lots of useful information and resources and extra reading material. The uni itself also has a very well stocked library and database and really good study spaces.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has definitely helped me to perform better in my role as I not only have increased knowledge but also more confidence as the areas I have discussed with my peers in class I can then put into practice. We also regularly share our own organisational examples which has helped me get a well rounded view of HR in practice.
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
At Solent NHS Trust there is definitely a lot of extra things to get involved in. There are Diversity and Inclusion Network Groups where people with protected characteristics and allies can come together in a safe space to discuss issues that matter. There are yearly team step competitions, and many opportunities to network through event days and conferences.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a really value based organisation that takes pride in its people. It has a big focus on supporting staff wellbeing and flexible working. You also feel as an employee that you have a voice and are communicated with. My team in particular are extremely friendly and supportive, the Trust has a strong sense of teamwork.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Do your research into what the Trust does, the geographical areas it covers, and what the service you are applying to work in does. Research what our values are - the interviewer will be super impressed if you can quote them! Ensure you provide an in-depth supporting information section that links to the Job!
