Lead Orthoptist Review
at NHS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Marylebone, Greater London
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I manage a specialist team of allied health professionals. I work across multiple sites as a clinician, I also lead on aspects of education and teaching. I am affiliated to the trusts Quality Improvement Programme and am on the register of those involved in coaching conversations to all staff.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am enjoying the program thus far. It is fairly flexible and the personal tutor is supportive. We have covered a lot of ground and topics this far and am keen to progress further into the more specific coaching style content. The workshops are also flexible and of good value.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have been introduced to new models of reflective techniques. I have gained more knowledge of learning styles and practices, I have learned some neuroscience in relation to executive thinking and habit formation. I have also learned of the regulations and requirements required for coaching at different levels of experience.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is well organised. Dates are available well in advance. As are planned 1:2:1 meetings. The learning content, however, is in a variety of locations and it would be helpful if these were in the same place, i.e. some lecture materials come via email, some information in different locations in Bud.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive adequate support form my employer. As an adult learner, I do not require supervision from my line manager, and I find having to schedule meetings about this course with them not particularly useful of time. I have completed several programmes of higher learning which did not require such meetings. I am able to work through the course independently and make adjustments to my workload as required.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Training provider is fast and responsive to any questions. They offer support when needed and plan meetings and reviews as required for the programme. I have no concerns as yet, but trust they would be helpful and supportive if needed. I have been made aware of how to access support if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I am interested in the coaching process and how it will affect all my interactions in the work place, this will help with not only formal coaching scenarios but brief coaching conversations and also in interactions with my patients using coaching techniques to promote adherence to treatments regimes for example.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes there are all of these things available. But this is not something I regularly access nor feel the need to access. There are professional networking events these are often arranged through professional bodies of which i am a member. I have limited interest in social activities and sports teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I find the organisation is supportive of learning and development opportunities. It has a good reputation and is well situation in centred of London. I have been with the organisation for over a decade and enjoy working there. They have supported numerous development opportunities for me including a masters degree.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
I would advise them that it is a competitive application process. The value of networking is important in promoting your skills and abilities and promoting your service. There is a huge focus on positive values and behaviours and of taking part in quality improvement initiatives, it is a patient centred environment.
