We are committed to developing and training staff to reach their full potential.

Profile shot of security team

We support you to ensure you maintain and develop the knowledge and skills you require to meet the needs of your job and the service. Staff participate in professional development as part of our commitment to ensuring we deliver safe and high-quality patient care.

We have an excellent track record of supporting staff development and training. We have a dedicated Learning and Development Team to support staff in reaching their aspirations, and at Kingston Hospital, we have an onsite Education Centre.

Induction

We are committed to supporting all staff from their very first day. Upon joining the Trust, new starters are invited to a corporate induction session along with other new staff. The session includes a welcome to the organisation and a range of engaging presentations and learning. A welcome handbook is also available electronically. This supports your local induction which will include time to complete your statutory and mandatory training.

Leadership and management programmes

We offer free leadership development programmes and our management programmes support staff through their journey from aspiring managers through to senior management. Leadership qualifications can also be obtained via the apprenticeship route.

Training courses

Staff have access to a comprehensive range of job-specific and general training courses which are delivered face-to-face or via online learning, either by staff at the Trust or by specialist training providers.

Training courses are regularly updated and advertised to staff via the Learning & Development training brochure, which is released quarterly or through the Staff Bulletin.

ICARE programme for healthcare assistants

Our ICARE (Inspire, Champion, Acknowledge, Retain, Educate) programme has been created to enhance job satisfaction of our healthcare support workers, develop a pathway for progression to band 3 roles, and promote retention. The programme offers:

  • a buddy programme to provide 1:1 support and guidance with a senior healthcare support worker through the first 4 weeks of employment
  • an 18-month pathway to develop skills and support staff in preparing for Band 3 positions
  • a dedicated Wellbeing Chaplain offering support, a listening ear and opportunities for confidential conversations at any time
  • two study days for Band 3 and Senior Band 2 Healthcare Support Workers to develop their buddying, leadership and clinical skills
  • monthly open forums to share ideas, projects, initiatives and development programmes

The programme has recently won awards for Best Retention Initiative and Pastoral Support in the London Healthcare Support Worker Awards 2023.