Senior Business Manager Review
at NHS
Degree Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Manchester
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4 /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
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
3/5
Business Manager to the Medical Directorate which includes support to the senior medical staffing tier of the organisation including the medical director, deputy MD and Associate MDs portfolios and budgetary management. Recruitment, retention and development of medical staff. Terms and conditions. Clinical Pathway developments, business cases and developments, junior doctor education and training.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I absolutely love my programme! I haven't undertaken any kind of further education in my career and this course has completely opened my eyes and reignited my desire for learning to a far greater extent than I expected, so much so that, even though it's been a lot of hard work, I will be sorry when it is over.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My degree apprenticeship is in strategic leadership and I am being able to apply what I learn in my DA in my workplace, and also have the ability to use my day to day work as material for my degree course. Personal reflective practice and the skills in leadership and management are of particular relevance.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think it is very well organised and structured. There has been some feedback recently regarding the timing of assignment submissions and teaching days that could be better co-ordinated i.e. a teaching day 2 days before previous assignment submission will mean that learners are still focused on a the previous subject matter and stressing about a deadline rather than focusing on learning new modules.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My line manager in particular is incredibly supportive and allows me to take my off the job time regularly. He actively participates in tripartite meetings and has opened up opportunities for me to use my learning in the workplace. I couldn't ask any more from him - he's been brilliant.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
As this is a Degree apprenticeship, the university expect a lot of self learning and self study. All of the supporting materials and webinars are there for you to engage in and requests for further clarification can sometimes be met, and other times that they would rather not provide an answer, encouraging self exploration. As apprentices who are also leaders that work full time, there isn't always the time for this level of self exploration.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I definitely feel that it has made me more aware of myself and my behaviours as a leader, of how to engage my team and to understand how different people act/react etc. I have a wider understanding of areas I didnt know much about before although the public sector is very different to private sector, a lot of what you learn feels like its outside of your sphere of influence. I think these general principles need to be taught though as transferable knowledge and skills are really important when working at this level.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes but I don't have time to engage as I work full-time and also study. Not sure how relevant this question is to a degree apprenticeship.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Friendly and engaging organisation that tries to put its people at the centre with all kinds of health and wellbeing support, learning, development, mentorship and coaching. My son works at the Trust and my other son will be undertaking work experience soon. I would definitely recommend working here to other people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Apply!
