Award-winning Developing Aspirant Leaders programme open for applications
Aiming to nurture leadership and grow representation, applications are now open for nursing and midwifery colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds who wish to participate in NHS England’s (Midlands) Developing Aspirant Leaders (DAL) programme. Successful applicants will form the second cohort to undertake the pilot programme.
Documented evidence has long highlighted racism and unequal opportunities for progression that have hindered career pathways for our colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds within the NHS.
Working for race equality is rooted in the fundamental values, pledges and responsibilities of the NHS constitution. This programme directly addresses these issues, in line with current national and regional priorities from the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS People Plan, Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Midwifery Ethnic Minority Action Plan and Midlands Workforce Race Equality and Inclusion Strategy.
DAL provides holistic, bespoke professional leadership support for aspiring ethnic minority nursing and midwifery leaders within health and adult social care sectors. This support will be aligned with tangible, demonstrable outcomes and career progression opportunities. Subsequently, ethnic minority nurses and midwives will feel empowered to fulfil formal leadership roles, turning their success into consistent team success and championing compassionate care for all people who draw on their care and support.
The programme combines the Mary Seacole programme from the NHS Leadership Academy with nursing and midwifery specific activities including coaching, mentoring and career management, such as interview skills and supporting statement preparation.
To qualify for consideration on the Developing Aspirant Leaders programme, colleagues must be from an ethnic minority background, working at Band 6 – 8A or equivalent and employed in any NHS setting.
In addition, applicants must provide a written statement of support from a named sponsor. Sponsors are expected to be a senior leader in the system space (operating at executive level who have links to nursing and midwifery) and must be part of a constituent organisation within the ICS/LMNS or employed by the ICS/LMNS. Colleagues should also include a signature from their line manager.
For a full breakdown of the programme plan, application criteria and coverage from a recent webinar, as well as information packs for applicants, executive sponsors and line managers, please see the Developing Aspirant Leaders programme on FutureNHS’s website (sign up for a FutureNHS account is required).
Apply here: Developing Aspirant Leaders programme – sign up
Applications must be submitted to england.midlandsnursingworkforce@nhs.net by Sunday 31 July.