Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 12:33
A little respect
Our trustwide Q&As have now been up and running for three years and as an executive team we place a lot of value in having the opportunity to answer your questions and update you on important changes happening across the Trust.
For many of you, I know that being able to ask questions anonymously is hugely beneficial as it can often be daunting to speak out in front of a wide audience, particularly on an issue that’s very personal to you. In that same vein, and perhaps because the sessions are anonymous, we occasionally receive questions which are written in a manner that is not respectful or considerate. When that happens, those questions do not get published or answered and we go back to the individual asking them to rephrase their wording.
Challenging questions are fine, in fact that’s really what the session is for, but we need to ensure that the Q&As are also a forum for respectful, open discussion where everyone feels comfortable enough to get involved. The executive team shared a message about this on Need to Know earlier this week.
Time to Lead
I know that many of you want to find out more about Time to Lead programme and are understandably keen to know what it will look like and how it will affect you and the wider organisation.
Time to Lead is planned to be the heart of improving the working lives of people in our Trust, delivering better development and leadership support to our people. The proposals in Time to Lead will reduce spans of control for some of our Leading Operations Managers from as many as 40 direct reports to a goal of 12, changing our culture by giving leaders more time to lead and manage their people, and allowing time for proper professional development.
The next stage will be the pre-consultation period, where we will publish updated information about the proposals, including FAQs, and hold engagement sessions across the Trust – both face-to-face and over Teams – so we can listen to people’s thoughts and feedback over the proposals. We will publish details on these sessions next week, including ways you can give us your thoughts. This feedback will be critical to shape the final proposals for consultation later this summer – so please do make sure you look at the information, attend a session if you can, and give us your thoughts.
Launch of new online learning platform
During the next six months we will be moving our online learning offering from Evolve, our current platform, to the Oracle Learning Management (OLM) system within ESR.
Accessing online learning through ESR means you will be able to access it in the same way that you find your staff record and payslips.
The rollout will begin with the strategy, culture and education directorate in July, with a new directorate coming online each month up until the end of the year. You can see the full timetable, read through some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and find out more on Need to Know. You can also contact the learning and development team directly with any questions on LandD@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Men’s Health Week
Over the past few days our Men’s Wellbeing Network have been marking Men’s Health Week by sharing advice and information on Need to Know about the importance of making health and wellbeing a priority.
It’s not always easy when life is busy, but knowing where to go if you need advice or guidance is crucial, so please do take the time to look at some of the resources that they have shared. If you have any questions or would like to join the Men’s Wellbeing Network then please email the team directly at MWN@eastamb.nhs.uk or visit their East24 page.
Representing at Pride
Thank you to everyone who has now signed up to attend one of the many Pride events taking place around the region this month. I know the LGBT+ network will be extremely grateful for the support as it’s a huge undertaking for them to attend the events, particularly as we cover such a vast geographical area. If you are attending an event, then enjoy, and if you’re still thinking of putting your name forward then you find details of how to do so here.
Suffolk Show
Last week’s Suffolk show was a huge success and I want to thank everyone who was there to represent the Trust. As well as our staff there were many of our volunteers there over the two days demonstrating CPR techniques, talking to visitors about working for the Service and showing them around some of our vehicles, including the mobile stroke unit. The teams carried out almost 200 blood pressure checks, which resulted in seven visitors being advised to make an appointment with their GP for further investigation.
Working in the community and talking about the work we do is an essential part of helping our patients to understand how the service works and some of the challenges we face. Its value cannot be underestimated and we’re extremely grateful to all those who take time to attend these events on behalf of the organisation.
Thank You Thursday
This week’s Thank You is for a paramedic in Suffolk and north Essex.
‘His gentle nature and calming approach is something that was desperately needed that night. He really is a knight in shining green uniform.’
Thank you and please take care in the heat.
Emma de Carteret
Director of Corporate Affairs and Performance
Published 15th June 2023