These regular sessions are aimed at senior, as well as aspiring, leaders and are focused upon generating new ideas and perspectives on key challenges within the NHS and broader organisations. The sessions also offer an opportunity to hear from high-profile guest speakers, who are recognised as experts in their fields.
It is hoped that by inviting these special guests, staff will gain valuable insight into their own work and challenge their own thinking and practice, applying this learning for the betterment of patients and the Trust. Each session covers a separate topic with a different speaker – meaning each class is useful in its own way.
For the inaugural masterclass, the Trust was visited by Jonathan Peach, who visited Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) to speak about how leaders are instrumental in challenging habits and re-energising staff. Over the course of the two hour talk, Jonathan covered things like the impact that leaders can have on morale, the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and the barriers to staff fulfilling their full potential.
Karen Barnard, Director of People and Organisational Development at the Trust, said: “The response to Jonathan’s talk has been fantastic, as attendees have really connected with its light-hearted tone, relatable messages and useful information. We know that leaders have already been putting the learning to good use in the organisation and I cannot wait to see the impact this has on the Trust, and, ultimately, the care we provide for patients.”
Launched as part of DBTH’s new-and-improved Leadership and Management Prospectus, the masterclass sessions have been organised by the Leadership and Organisational Development team, to support the Trust’s vision which is to become the safest Trust in England, outstanding in all it does.
Speaking about the Trust’s new approach to leadership and supporting the Trust in its improvement journey, Jayne Collingwood, Head of Leadership and Organisational Development, said: “For the NHS to be properly equipped to face whatever challenges come its way, it’s important that we have leaders and managers who are up to the task and we are so committed to investing in and supporting leaders here at DBTH. The Masterclasses are an integral part of this, supplying new ideas and methods to pave the way for further improvement and innovation.”
A total of four masterclasses are planned for 2019, with the next one scheduled for the Thursday 13 of June. The speaker will be Simon Fanshawe and he will be talking about the topic of Diversity within the NHS. This will be delivered live at DRI and streamed to staff at both Bassetlaw and Montagu Hospitals.