eCLiPS Programme - Embedded Clinical Leadership in Practice
Please email your interest to heeeclipsprog [at] sussexpartnership.nhs.uk
to receive an application pack. Places are limited.
What is eCLiPS?
eCLiPS stands for 'embedded Clinical Leadership in Practice Scheme'. It is a one-year programme which focuses on ‘embedding’ leadership skills through practical application of a ‘live’ work-based project matched to delegates’ interests and skill set (sponsored within their trust by a senior leader). The programme is entirely complementary to other national leadership schemes and was established out of motivation to make such development opportunities increasingly accessible to the medical workforce
Why Choose eCLiPS
eCLiPS is a one-year leadership programme delivered flexibly across 10 main modules with an emphasis on ‘embedded’ learning ie on-the-job learning through application of eCLiPS taught leadership skills whilst delegates lead on the planning and delivery of a local project (one which addresses improvement of patient care, system efficiency gains, staff welfare, or a combination of these). The concept arose from the eCLiPS programme director, through her own experience of NHS leadership training while undertaking specialist clinical training. The key benefits associated with a delegate led project approach include:
- Flexibility in their associated effort/time to help accommodate clinical priorities
- Direct benefits to the NHS, through attainment of their project goals (efficiency gains, quality improvements, or a combination of both)
- The direct experience and learning associated with leading an improvement initiative within the NHS, acquiring the necessary skills and encouragement for delegates to continue doing so post eCLiPS.
The learning is further embedded through a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) simulation, where delegates get the opportunity to design a new service in response to a CCG’s tendering process. Experience to date indicates such an approach provides for longevity of learning effectiveness and enhanced delegate confidence, leaving them in good stead and confident to perform very effectively as future NHS leaders.
Programme Modules
It is a blended approach of face-to-face and virtual delivery, adopted through necessity at the start of the Covid pandemic, has now been fully embraced in recognition of its ability to best accommodate busy doctors. The modules are delivered across a 12 month period.
The core eCLiPS modules include:
- Induction (setting out expectations and laying the ground rules)
- NHS landscape mapping
- An introduction to project management (and its context within NHS change)
- Self-discovery
- Connecting communication and Leadership
- Strategy and service operations (x2 modules, with a focus on leadership effectiveness)
- Presentation skills (using delegate projects as the catalyst)
- Clinical Communication Group (CCG) simulation (design a service in response to a formal tender, ahead of pitching to a CCG panel)
- Leading teams
- Leading change and group dynamics
- Poster presentation workshop
- Finale – delegate presentations of project and leadership achievements. A celebration of successes!
Alignment with NHS Leadership Competencies
The programme supports development of the NHS Leadership Competencies, as detailed within the NHS Leadership Academy’s Leadership Framework and Healthcare Leadership Model.
The core modules within the eCLiPS programme are systematically checked against the standards within the NHS Leadership Framework - and additionally the ‘core values and behaviours’ described in the FMLM Leadership and Management Standards for Medical Professionals - to ensure alignment and to act as a check-list to ensure national development objectives are adequately met through adherence to the prescribed leadership competencies.
A Robust Support Framework
Mentoring
Many of the delegates have never undertaken formal 1:1 mentoring and value both the experience and associated opportunity, with many individuals being helped to achieve the best possible outcome from the programme, or their personal project, and in some cases gaining much needed clarity in respect of their leadership/career journey. The highly experienced eCLiPS mentors are drawn from across a range of clinical and non-clinical specialisms and work as a team to ensure they can collectively address and support any specifically tricky issues.
Action Learning Sets (ALS)
ALS is a group coaching methodology used by organisations all over the world to support transformation and cultural change. It involves meeting in a small group to explore real problems in real time and it offers an opportunity for reflection and learning from experience.
Delegates will be allocated a group at the beginning of the programme and will have the opportunity to meet for four sessions throughout the year.
A range of supportive workshops are also included in the scheme; some planned within the syllabus and some provided as ‘pop-ups’, which are generally offered to address delegates’ particular concerns. For example, a pop-up workshop may be offered to help those delegates who are struggling with a particular aspect of project management, or perhaps their presentation skills where a lack of experience results in particularly low confidence. Where a workshop may not be appropriate - perhaps owing to enquiries/concerns from just a few