HR staff across the NHS are being encouraged to place more emphasis on their
own career development with the launch of a new computer-based national
induction programme.
The Department of Health (DoH) hopes all 7,000 HR staff across the NHS will
eventually complete the induction process, which produces an individually
tailored personal development plan for every user.
The programme helps new recruits and existing HR staff understand the
culture and identity and the priorities of the NHS, as well as advising them on
training and career development.
Ann Green, project manager at the DoH’s HR directorate, said the scheme had
been so successful that a generic version for all staff is now under
development.
"It’s a right and responsibility for HR staff to consider their own
career development. Everybody in the NHS should know about the culture and
values of the organisation," she said.
The programme, which is the first of its kind in the NHS, is divided by job
role and staff can work through the four modules at their own pace and current
level of knowledge.
The move is designed to help build a stronger HR function across the NHS
after research by the service suggested that sophisticated people management
can help reduce patient mortality.
The induction is part of the service’s overall strategy to create ‘HR with
attitude’ and has received the backing of NHS HR director Andrew Foster.
"This programme is very impressive and is an important part of our
strategy to develop and promote good HR with attitude," he said.
The web-based induction programme consists of an introductory module to help
familiarise new staff and three separate learning modules.
Dean Royles, head of the HR capacity unit at the DoH said it would help
build the profession and develop strategic capability.
"HR in the NHS has a huge [change] agenda ahead of it and this helps in
making connections between the profession and patient and service issues."
By Ross Wigham
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