Training and Education strategic framework

The previous judgements from Care Quality Commission (CQC), Ofsted and the assessment from Health Education England (HEE) provided an opportunity to review and revise the purpose, activity and structure of the Training and Education activities within the Trust.

The aim was to establish Training and Education as central to the Trust’s achievement of its strategic goals and becoming an ambulance service which is known for its excellent service to patients and an employer of choice for health practitioners.

The Training and Education revised strategy was created in this context and the recommendations have been developed to respond to the challenges from the regulatory reports. The strategy has been formed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, including Health Education England (HEE), who have participated in the formation of the Training and Education Strategic Framework.

The agreed focus for this comprehensive review was that the Training and Education unit would support the Trust to become a place where people want to work, enhance their practice and fulfil their career ambitions by embedding a gold-standard training, education and learning culture throughout the Trust. The overarching goals of the review to support this ambition were:

• Culture: Foster a positive working environment and learning focused culture, which motivates and embeds a process of continuous improvement and learning across all activities at EEAST
• Educational excellence: Establish EEAST as high-quality education and a placement provider
• Workforce: Develop a motivated, highly skilled workforce providing quality patient care
• Internal and external reputation: (a) Establish Training & Education as a valued directorate within the Trust and establish its role in strategic planning and (b) generate a positive reputation for EEAST which attracts and retains talent 

Designing and creating this Training and Education Strategic Framework involved an extensive engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including discussions with Driver Training Unit (DTU) staff, fortnightly steering group meetings, workshops with Training & Education staff, and several working sessions with Operation colleagues, Health Education England representatives and engagement with other ambulance services and blue light providers.

In May 2022, six key recommendations from the review were submitted and approved in full by the Executive Leadership Team and are as follows:

• Transform and improve the learning in practice environment, focusing on quality of learner experience
• Establish a robust talent management programme
• Create fit for purpose programmes to develop a skilled and motivated workforce
• Establish effective team processes, including team norms, ways of working, feedback and embed a leadership structure
• Strengthen internal and external partnership working between training and education and key stakeholders
• Retain, manage, and develop the Driver Training Unit (DTU)

Implementation of these six recommendations began as soon there was Executive approval and since May 2022, progress has been aligned with other strategic developments such as the clinical strategy, workforce planning review, and Our People Plan.

Implementation progress is steady and there will be planned updates as each recommendation is completed.

Dr Hein Scheffer – Director of Strategy, Culture and Education
Professor Rosalynd Jowett – Strategic Advisor

Posters and leaflets which detail the strategy framework can be download below. Printed versions are being distributed in each sector.

Thursday 15th December 2022