This award recognises the often unseen work of our staff who help make NHSGGC a better workplace, improving the culture and supporting colleagues.
Nominees
GGC Allied Health Professions Practice Education Team
The GGC Allied Health Professions (AHP) Practice Education Team aimed to enhance the educational experience for students and AHP staff within NHSGGC by implementing a multi-dimensional education programme. The AHP Director prioritises an inclusive education strategic framework for 12 healthcare professions, including AHP Health Care Support Workers (HCSW), ensuring access to innovative learning opportunities for the current and future workforce.
The Practice Education Team has played a pivotal role over the past two years by collaborating with key partners, improving communication, and designing new AHP educational opportunities. Their efforts have raised the profile of AHPs, transformed NHSGGC’s educational offerings, and supported career development for staff and students.
Key deliverables include enhancing practice-based learning placements, developing a funded modular programme in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, and supporting HCSW workforce development through flexible programmes. The team also plays a vital role in staff support during the recovery renewal period, leading initiatives like the Return to Practice programme and promoting clinical skills through simulation.
Their commitment to education governance and service improvement significantly contributes to the overall wellbeing and professional growth within NHSGGC.
Internationally Educated Nurses Oversight Group
The Internationally Educated Nurses Oversight Group aimed to enhance recruitment, professional governance, and pastoral care for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) joining NHSGGC. By facilitating discussions among multi-disciplinary professionals, the group streamlined support for IENs addressing key concerns like visa processes, accommodation, and education. Members included Human Resources, Senior Nursing Managers, and Practice Education, ensuring collaborative efforts to foster a positive working environment and address IENs’ needs.
The group’s success is reflected in several impactful initiatives: the creation of a welcoming NHSGGC handbook, improved collaboration with Higher Education Institutions for upskilling, regular staff presentations to address IEN challenges, and the introduction of a ‘My Nurses Life’ workbook. Additionally, a dedicated website for IENs was launched, alongside the first-ever ‘Welcome to the UK Workforce’ workshops held in Scotland.
In 2023-24, NHSGGC became the leading board in Scotland for employing IENs, successfully adapting strategies based on feedback from the previous cohort. This comprehensive approach not only enhanced integration but also cultivated a culturally aware and psychologically safe environment for IENs.
Stacey Kavanagh – Nurse Team Lead, South alcohol and drug delivery service in Pollok
Stacey is a manager who has created a workplace that is not only comfortable but also supportive and inclusive for everyone. She consistently looks out for her colleagues, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear, and has created a team where everyone feels valued.
She ensures that all work progresses smoothly, addressing challenges proactively and stepping in to help when difficulties arise, while she actively encourages and supports team members in their professional growth, providing mentorship and opportunities to learn and advance.
This approach has fostered a positive, inclusive and efficient work environment and ensures her team feels supported, motivated, and well-equipped to handle both day-to-day tasks and challenging situations.
As a result, the team has seen improved efficiency and productivity, while there has been a noticeable improvement in staff retention. Numerous team members have expressed their appreciation for Stacey’s leadership, approachability, support and commitment to fairness, and have noted an increase in job satisfaction as a result.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Referrals Database (Rob)
The aim of the project was to redesign the NHSGGC database and governance process for NMC referrals, enhancing data protection and confidentiality while improving communication channels. Identifying risks in the previous system, Michelle Murray-Moore undertook training to explore innovative IT solutions that would streamline information sharing within the NMC referral process. Collaborating with Tracy Donaldson, they developed a user-friendly database with effective reporting functionalities and key document templates.
The success of the new system has been recognised by senior nursing and midwifery managers and the NMC Regulatory Adviser, highlighting several benefits: a robust governance process, a clear single point of contact, user-friendliness, and flexibility for future adaptations.
This initiative has remarkably improved NMC referral management, fostering transparency and maintaining confidentiality for staff under investigation. It has significantly enhanced efficiency, enabling the NHSGGC team to respond promptly to NMC and service colleague requests and freeing up resources for other important workstreams within the Directorate. This impactful achievement exemplifies innovation and dedication to excellence in healthcare governance.