47 staff graduate from RISE programme
Nearly 50 colleagues celebrated graduating from our Resilience, Intelligence, Strength and Excellence (RISE) programme.
The 47 staff members are the second cohort to complete the course, which is a customised talent development programme for colleagues from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.
It is aimed at staff working in any role from bands 2 to 8b and supports them to progress their careers by providing them with tools and opportunities to face challenges confidently, enhance transferable skills and develop as leaders.
They also had the opportunity to take part in quality improvement projects.
So far, 26% of RISE graduates have secured a promotion.
The programme is part of our commitment to creating a fair and inclusive workplace for all.
Our goal is to provide equitable representation and opportunities for all staff members, as guided by the Workforce Race Equality Standard, and to meet the ambition of NHS England to ensure equitable representation of directors from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds in the NHS.
Moriam Adekunle, Director of Safety and Patient Safety Specialist and RISE programme lead, said: “I saw the need to create a pool of black, Asian and ethnic minority talent ready to take on higher roles.
“The RISE programme not only empowers individuals but also ensures that leadership potential is recognised and fostered at every level of the organisation, making the NHS a better place to work.”
The graduation took place at Stock Brook Manor in Billericay on 12 July.
The ceremony was attended by Liz Fenton OBE, Health Education England’s Deputy Chief Nurse, and Dr Joan Myers OBE, a consultant in nursing services and trustee and fellow at the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Liz said: “I am thrilled to see the career progression of colleagues who have benefited from this investment in their development. EPUT’s programme could be a model for other organisations, and I am confident that other NHS Trusts would benefit from adopting it.”
Dr Myers, who was lead facilitator for RISE, said: “This year, numerous individuals have excelled in their careers, earning promotions and not only doing very well for themselves but for the service they work on, especially for the patients they serve. I take immense pride in being part of this triumphant journey.”
Lilian Morris, a patient service specialist who took part in the course, said: “I have gained so many opportunities after doing the programme.
“I realised I have transferable skills that could allow me to seek higher roles. The RISE programme is a change of mindset.”
Tendai Ruwona, another colleague who took part, said: “I am happy to say that within the journey on the course, I was able to apply for a new role, and I was successful. I utilised all the resources from the RISE programme, including coaching and interview preparation.
“My journey hasn't ended with the programme. Now, I want to support other colleagues to develop.”