Tavistock and Portman recommissioned to deliver leadership programme for Oxleas Foundation Trust

For the third year running the Tavistock and Portman will deliver a leadership programme ‘Oxlead’ to support Oxleas NHS FT to develop compassionate and inclusive leaders.

Over 120 staff have already completed the early leaders programme which has helped a significant number of participants to secure promotions as a result of learning and confidence gained through the programme.

The evaluation of the first year highlighted 96 percent of participants said following the training they were more aware of leading using their strengths and had greater awareness of where their leadership approach would benefit from development.

The evaluation also highlighted how the training directly promoted diversity and greater cultural awareness, with 94 percent of the participants saying they learned how to appreciate, promote and respect differences in other cultures.

The Oxlead programme was specially designed to support early leaders in the NHS to find their leadership voice, build effective and engaged teams, and create safe environments that promote high quality, compassionate patient care.  It was tailored to embed and promote Oxleas’ organisational values: We’re kind, we’re fair, we listen, we care.

Participant feedback

“I would thoroughly encourage anyone in a leadership role of any level to join the Oxlead programme, it was useful working in the Cohorts and getting ideas/styles/thoughts from each other.”

“Excellent course. Tutors were organised, knowledgeable and friendly. I learnt so much about myself in a personal and professional level, really gaining insight into my leadership style. The modules enabled me to break down and really understand and often challenge the way I was working.”

“I now feel more confident and empowered in my role and my leadership style.”

Designed by colleagues from and located within the Interprofessional Portfolio in our Directorate of Education and Training, the year-long course takes a patient-centred, whole-systems psychodynamic approach, and is currently delivered online.  It includes participative and applied learning, reflective work discussion groups and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Mick Wooding, Oxleas Trust lead for the programme and Organisational Development Practitioner (Talent, Leadership and Performance), said:

“The programme was very well received by our staff as evidenced in the positive evaluation feedback collected from participants. It enabled those in leadership roles to gain the skills and knowledge required to get the most from their teams, benefiting our staff and service users. In light of this, the Trust took up their option to extend the contract with Tavistock and Portman for 12 months to deliver a further programme.”

Zoe Dale, Tavistock and Portman Trust lead for the programme, said:

“It has been a privilege to work with Oxleas on the Oxlead programme, to see colleagues grow, and step into their authority as leaders in challenging frontline NHS roles. We are delighted the programme has been commissioned for a third year and value the trust and commitment Oxleas has shown. Our close working relationship with Oxleas colleagues has enabled open and creative discussions, which are fundamental to Oxlead nurturing and developing new leaders. We value this strong partnership.”

As a leading clinical, education and research provider, the Tavistock and Portman works with organisations to deliver tailored, specialised services and courses to bring sustainable change.