1. NHS TDA focus on the Nurse Director : NEXT GENERATION
Peter Blythin Director of Nursing
Jacqueline McKenna Deputy Director
of Nursing
Philippa Davies, Deputy Director of Nursing
East and North Herts NHS Trust

3. The Director of Nursing - new spot light?
Which ?
Most scrutinised Board position.
Many roles within the post – portfolios increasingly being rationalised
Many situations – not just the acute setting
Many challenges – individual and collective

4. Director of Nursing post
The Current Situation...
Director of Nursing post
Number
Substantive, experienced DN in post for more than one year
56 (plus four resigned still in post)
Substantive, experienced DN in post for less than one year
13 (four due to start in next few months)
Substantive post, first DN post 12
Vacant, Deputy DN acting up 8
Vacant, Interim in post 10
Total = 99

5. NTDA objective to have excellent, sustainable clinical leadership
BUT…
Labour market tight
Search companies competing for talent

6. Additional considerations ...
First post – no such thing as a small trust to ‘cut your teeth on’
Evidence exists that deputies almost ready but not quite there or are hesitant to apply?
Not always able to appoint – Boards much clearer about what they need / want
Trend DNs retiring at 55
Diversity

7. Developing the talent …
Pre – interview advice
Post interview feedback and coaching – spot talent
Opportunities and coaching by DNs re board behaviour/expectations
Developed the NHS TDA Next Generation Programme with the Leadership Academy
First cohort Jan-April 2014

8. Next Generation Programme
Criteria experienced deputy/divisional nurse and applying for ND posts
Spotting talent
Giving people targeted support and development
Individual feedback on CV and discussion about career aspirations
Screening

9. Next Generation Programme
Two day session in partnership with the Leadership Academy
Focus on individual and personal impact
Moving from Senior Nurse to Board application
Contact with experienced Nurse Directors
Sponsorship – by experienced Nurse Directors
Detailed look at the Nurse Director recruitment process
Exposure to search companies

10. Next Generation Programme
Putting it into practice
Apply for a fictitious Nurse Director role in real time at Central Manchester NHS FT and Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust; CV
Stakeholder events
Panel interview
Individual feedback

11. Next Generation Programme, early evaluation
“Have never attended a programme that was consistently this positive and useful throughout”
“A very different refreshing approach to usual leadership development – not just about recruitment, gave a wider perspective on leadership. Thank you”
“I have rarely enjoyed a 2 day event as much as the past 2 days. I have learnt lots and I can apply to my professional development”.

12. Next Generation Programme, early evaluation
Session
Excellent
Good
Experiences
5/6
1/6
Interviewing for success
Session
Excellent
Good
Pre vacancy
1/6
5/6
Preliminary interviews
Demystifying Exec Search
Pre Interview activity
2/5
3/5
Panel Interview
3/6
Negotiation session
0/6
6/6

13. Next Generation Programme,
personal reflection
Philippa Davies

14. Outcomes… Time to reflect on career aspirations
Better understanding of the ND role and working at Board level
Better understanding of the ND recruitment process
Development due to feedback
Secure a ND role, tracking

15. In summary… We value and understand the importance of the ND role
We understand the challenges and opportunities you face
We know how challenging it is to secure a ND post and to transition into the role
Offer you as much support as you want
Committed to your development and success