8 Clinical leadership mentors – a pilot scheme to improve trainees’ leadership opportunities and development in the workplace

Introduction All doctors in training should be exposed to appropriate leadership developmental opportunities throughout their training in line with the GMC Generic Professional Capabilities framework. Leadership learning is a process of participation in increasingly complex and personally informative tasks rather than just acquisition of a pre-determined set of knowledge and skills. As part of the 70:20:10 model of leadership development we need to move learning from the classroom into the workplace providing leadership initiatives and development at every level of training. Intervention Health Education England South West developed a Clinical Leadership Mentor (CLM) programme in 2018. The CLM is responsible for overseeing the process and progress of leadership development amongst the trainees of their Trust, creating a portfolio of leadership and management development in partnership with other stakeholders. Strategy for Improvement CLMs required funding, support, development, and network opportunities. Financial support for 2 year pilot across all 19 Trusts in the South West supported by Regional Director HEE-SW with annual report by each CLM; achievements aligned against measured outcomes of key responsibilities. CLM network and developmental days with regional NHS Leadership Academy (NHSLA). Annual reports collated and shared within CLM network and HEE-SW. Sponsored evaluation of CLM by the NHSLA conducted by the University of Birmingham (UoB) Impact Formal evaluation (UoB) was encouraging; CLM role perceptions were positive and appreciated by trainees and Educational Supervisors alike. Medical Managers were also committed to the role. Excellent CLM network developed across HEE-SW. Outstanding achievements in the annual reports enabled funding secured for third year. CLM development publicised as an area of Good Practice - Leads Leadership Webinar #Leadersaloud.