Heartbeat: It’s time to shine with the Stepping Up programme

March 23, 2020

January 2020 got off to a flying start with aspiring NHS leaders joining our Stepping Up programme. The course led by the NHS Leadership Academy is aimed at black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) colleagues and our future leaders.

The programme is set over four dedicated learning days. It equips those interested in developing their leadership abilities with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the healthcare sector.

To secure a place on the course individuals had to submit a formal application and a written statement explaining why they should be considered. With competition from across NHS Trusts in the local area, securing a spot on the course is a real achievement. This is the first step towards learning the expertise required to progress into more senior roles.

With nearly 20 per cent of the 1.3 million people that work in the NHS being from BAME backgrounds, the diverse talent we have in our Trust must be nurtured and developed. Speaking to Heartbeat, Donna Mighty, Chair of the BME Staff Network commented: “As Chair of our BME group we have one clear focus and that’s empowering colleagues from black and ethnic minorities to succeed. In January, I was pleased that our Trust demonstrated its commitment to that with the latest cohort of colleagues enrolling onto the Stepping Up programme.”

Speaking to Heartbeat, Mark Haynes, Senior IT Support Officer, and Vice Chair of our BME group, explained how joining the course has made a positive difference to his work life. He said: “Last year I received an email about the Stepping Up programme. It wasn’t something I’d heard about before but I wasted no time in applying. After completing the programme, I returned to my role with a new mindset. I now understand that my progression is in my hands.”

Feeling confident about his future progression, Mark added: “It has been one of the most beneficial training courses I’ve attended. It’s equipped me with the right behaviours that I believe will help me secure a management role in the future. I feel grateful to the NHS Leadership Academy, the organisers and the facilitators for providing this rare opportunity, and for the skills, it has equipped me with.”