Over 200 women from across the health and care sector in Leeds have completed the Springboard Women’s Development Programme since the Leeds Health and Care Academy began delivering the programme in January 2020. To mark this incredible milestone, we hosted a Springboard Celebration Event at the beginning of July for previous and current Springboard participants, which saw women in a diverse range of roles, from almost 20 different organisations across the health and care sector attend.
The event provided a collaborative space for women to come together in-person, to share their experiences of the programme and their achievements since taking part, plus provide the opportunity to build relationships and peer networks with other women across the system. Roundtable discussions were hosted where attendees explored important topics such as the importance of facilitating women’s development programmes, and how the system can better support women in the workplace.
We heard from two fantastic guest speakers, Dr Sara Munro, Chief Executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Springboard sponsor, who shared stories about her personal life and professional journey that led to her obtaining her current role, and Monique Carayol, Leadership Coach and Co-Founder of the Bravery in the Boardroom movement, who spoke about the importance of leaning into who you are and backing yourself.
The event showcased the outcomes and real-life impact that Springboard has had on the lives of the women who have taken part. Previous Springboard participants, Gamuchirai Gore, Business Manager; Jackie Gillbank, Lived Experience Engagement Lead; and Yazury Goodrham, Senior Finance Officer, shared their personal stories in a panel discussion, each talking about their reasons for applying for Springboard, their experience, and the impact and difference it has made to their lives.
We also recently interviewed Fatima Patel, Children’s Continuing Care Manager at NHS West Yorkshire ICB about her experience on, and after, the Springboard programme, which you can watch here.
Springboard consistently receives excellent feedback in terms of increased confidence, assertiveness, career progression and retention. After completing Springboard:
100%
of women feel more assertive
100%
of women had a better understanding of their values
100%
of women would recommend the programme to a colleague or friend
The dates for the February 2024 cohorts are now live on the Leeds Health and Care Learning Portal, with further dates for 2024 coming soon. If you’re interested in Springboard, you can find out more and enrol here. Please note you will need to create an account on the Portal to do this.
If you have any questions about Springboard, please contact LHCA@nhs.net.
