5. Know the limitations of your role and signpost to other sources of support, where appropriate

If you are a training officer, you will be your trainee’s first line of communication and support. There will be some types of support that you will not be equipped nor have the time to deal with and so signposting to the correct people is essential. It is fundamental that your trainee, as a new member of staff, receives a workplace induction which includes wider points of contact in the organisation, such as Occupational Health (OH) and Human Resources (HR).

resources

What you need to know

You will need to acquire and develop the skills and knowledge about:

  • The different training support options available to you and your trainee. These will be via the employing organisation and the National School. Further training on strategies you can use to signpost effectively whilst maintaining a professional relationship can be found on the NHS Learning Hub.
  • The role of the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) and when to inform the School of any concerns. Click the link below to read about the role of the National School in supporting your trainee whilst on the programme.
external
How the School supports you during your training
resources
  • How to maintain a positive, professional relationship with your trainee. This can be achieved through a well-planned induction, regular one-to-ones and open communication. You and your trainee may find it beneficial to individually complete a ‘Manual of Me’. This will help you understand each other better, specifically in relation to work preferences. Click the link below to find out about the free ‘Manual of Me’ tool. Further training on personal tutoring skills can be found on the NHS Learning Hub.
external
Manual of Me
text
  • Managing your own mental health and wellbeing. It is also important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing by using the support available to you from within your department and Trust. Ensure you are given adequate resources and time to support training. For making it a smooth experience for yourself and the trainee, it would be worthwhile to think about the following items:
    1. Before the trainee starts: do we have the right level of support for trainees?
    2. During the training: ask for feedback from trainees and support staff about how support could be improved
    3. After the training: reflect on what went well, and what you could do differently next time

It is an intensive programme for both trainee and the trainer. Reflect on how supporting trainees can impact on your health. You should always ask for help when you need it.

  • Supporting your trainee in accessing appropriate support to manage their own mental health and wellbeing. The National School has a wealth of resources on the Training Support section of the website to assist you and your trainee. Further training on strategies you can use to signpost effectively whilst maintaining a professional relationship can be found on the NHS Learning Hub.
  • Your trainee’s responsibilities in relation to keeping you and the School informed of changes in circumstances which could affect their progression. If your trainee is experiencing difficulties which are affecting their training, it is important they speak to you as soon is practically possible. Details of when and how to inform the School of any changes in circumstances can be found on the ‘Training Support’ section of the website.
text

NHS Learning Hub training packages

To access the NHS Learning Hub you will need to have an account with the service. See below for details of how to sign up for the NHS Learning Hub.

Training resources on the following topics are coming soon:

  • Personal tutoring skills
  • Explore strategies to signpost effectively but at the same time maintaining a professional relationship.
resources

Relevant resources and guidance on the School website

external
Training Support
pages
Trainee networks
Guidance for trainees about study time
resources

Relevant external resources

external
Mental Health - your mental health
MIND - workplace information
Headspace
MHFA England - resources
Every Mind Matters - managing anxiety
Calm
Sensitive Refuge
nhs/care-card

Non-urgent advice: How to sign up for the NHS Learning Hub

If you have an NHS email

To access the NSHCS catalogue of resources, you will need to sign up for free to the NHS Learning Hub. If you already have an e-lfh (e-learning for health) login, you can sign into the Learning Hub with your e-lfh credentials. Otherwise, you will need to sign up to the NHS Learning Hub. Underneath the green sign-in button you will see ‘create an account’. Click on this and follow the instructions.

Once you have access to the Learning Hub you can access the National School of Healthcare Science catalogue.

If you do not have an NHS email address

Complete this brief form to grant us permission to send your name and e-mail address to the NHS Learning Hub development team to request access.

Once you have access to the Learning Hub you can access the National School of Healthcare Science catalogue.