Experts from the North Central London Cancer Alliance were welcomed by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) to hear about the Trust’s success with T Level students.
The North Central London Cancer Alliance representatives had seen that UHMBT was nationally recognised for its pioneering T Level provision. The visit highlighted UHMBT’s leadership in T Level education and its commitment to sharing best practice across the NHS and other organisations.
Shelley Eugene, Workforce Programme Manager, and Caroline McGirr, Senior Workforce Project Manager, from the North Central London Cancer Alliance, were representing both the Alliance and the North Central London Integrated Care System on their visit to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) on Tuesday 19 August.
Shelley and Caroline had learned of UHMBT’s work through national webinars and were keen to explore how the Trust’s approach could inform and enhance their own T Level and industry placement programmes.
The visit was hosted and co-ordinated by the Trust’s Careers Lead, Iain Hook, and took place at the RLI’s Education Centre. The morning session featured an abridged version of UHMBT’s Mentor Training Programme and was delivered by Iain.
This training, designed for support staff hosting T Level learners, has already been completed by more than 110 UHMBT colleagues. The session also welcomed Sarah Herdan from the Gatsby Foundation, who expressed strong interest in UHMBT’s delivery model.
The afternoon was dedicated to stakeholder engagement and the first session brought together staff from Radiology, Theatres, Midwifery and the Emergency Department - many of whom had completed the Mentor Training or supported colleagues through it. They shared insights into how the programme has positively impacted both staff and learners.
The final session focused on learner support and the Trust’s commitment to T Levels. Attendees included the Principal of Lancaster and Morecambe College, the Careers Lead from Kendal College, a UHMBT Associate Chief Nurse, the Head of People Performance, Governance and Place, and five T Level students currently supported by the Trust.
Shelley said: “Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful day. We really valued the opportunity not only to receive your training, but also to meet your colleagues and the young people involved in T Levels. Hearing their journeys, the positives and challenges, will be invaluable in helping shape our own local offer.”
Caroline said: “Your willingness to share your experience and insight so generously is hugely appreciated, and it makes a real difference to our work and continued progress with implementation of T Levels in NCL. Being able to collaborate with another NHS organisation is truly at the heart of workforce transformation. ‘Pinch with pride’ is certainly what we will be doing, and we look forward to welcoming you to North Central London to see our process in action. I’m excited about the ongoing collaboration between our teams.”
Iain said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Shelley and Caroline to UHMBT and to share our pioneering work to support T Level learners.
“Their visit not only recognised the efforts of our staff and students but also reinforced the importance of collaboration across organisations. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our approach being viewed as a model of best practice.
“At UHMBT, we are deeply committed to providing an excellent T Level service - one that empowers young people, supports our workforce and strengthens the future of healthcare. Our Mentor Training Programme is just one example of how we’re investing in staff to ensure learners feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. We’re excited about the potential for ongoing collaboration with the North Central London Cancer Alliance and other organisations.”
Liesje Turner, Head of People Performance, Governance and Place, welcomed positive feedback on the Trust's progress and aim in securing this 'future workforce talent pipeline' and said: "The main driver to our success is down to Iain's strategic leadership, commitment and ambition.
“That, coupled with support across our departments and professions, has meant we have been able to embed this relatively new vocational qualification as business as usual. T Level placements have allowed the Trust to inspire young people in our communities and demonstrate ongoing commitment to our Anchor Institute responsibilities. It is a pleasure to be able to share our progress and help others.”