Every single person who has completed the leadership course has done exceptionally well given the demands on their time alongside their ‘day jobs’ and the challenges we have all had to face with Covid-19.
Mandy Blanchard, Head of Learning and Development said: “Cygnet’s Leadership and Management courses aim to develop our leaders of the future. These are the people who have the vision to take themselves and the company forward to achieve the best outcomes for our services users and the organisation. Their achievements are to be applauded and we are hugely proud to see them flourish and develop as our visionary leaders of the future.”
So far we have seen 28 apprentices graduate and would like to offer our congratulations to every single one on their success.
The graduates come from a variety of disciplines across Cygnet including, nursing, MDT, business support and administration. We have high hopes for them all as they take their learning and new skills forward as leaders at Cygnet.
20 people achieved a distinction which is particularly impressive given the high standards and pass rate for the course.
At the end of August we will be welcoming Cohort 3 of our Leadership and Management apprentices with a further 70 staff taking part.
We asked this summer’s graduates about their studies and achievements – here’s what they said:
Andy Reid, Senior Administrator at Cygnet Hospital Bury:
“I joined Cygnet and within 12 months a more senior position become available. This was a role I had experience in, however not being with the company for long and not having any qualifications I didn’t get the job. The main feedback was around qualifications compared to the successful applicant. I asked my manager to put me through my level 3 & 5 in Leadership & Management so if the position became available again, I would have a better chance of being successful.”
Carla Bartlett, Director of Speech and Language Therapy and Clinical Systems Manager:
“I was inspired that Cygnet were providing me with the opportunity to grow and develop in a guided and supported way; I also really liked the idea that the Apprenticeship Curriculum had been structured to ensure that all learning could be applied immediately to practice to benefit everyone and not only those completing the programme.”
Dean Malpass – Regional Nursing Director for Midlands and Wales region:
“I’m really passionate about good leadership in healthcare, so I wanted to learn more and continue my journey to becoming a better leader. One of the biggest challenges was balancing the assignments and assessments alongside my job role. In many ways though, that was the most beneficial aspect of the course because it forced me to prioritise, and manage my time more effectively. I’m now keen to encourage and develop others to become outstanding leaders.
Kerri Kellett, Administration Manager, Cygnet Hospital Wyke & Cygnet Lodge Brighouse:
“I love to learn and I wanted to enhance my skills to make sure I can lead my team to give them everything they need and encourage them to do things they don’t even know they want to do yet! Through the course I gained confidence in my own abilities; it’s hard to sing your own praises and having what you do naturally validated through this course was quite something. I’m looking forward to ensuring my team are empowered and to supporting them every step of the way, inspiring them and others to reach for the stars.”
Leading in Practice Developing First Line Manager (level 3) and Visionary Leaders Inspiring Greatness (level 5) courses are Cygnet-specific programmes, designed to develop management and leadership skills. They are accredited by The Chartered Management Institute and form part of Cygnet’s Leadership & Management Career Pathway.