From apprenticeship to promotion: Sophie’s story
We know that our people are passionate about being part of an organisation that makes a real difference to the health and care of millions across the UK. The work we do every day directly improves lives - and that’s something we can all feel proud of.
But job satisfaction does not stop there. Opportunities for personal and professional growth so we can fulfil our potential also play a huge role. In last year’s staff engagement survey 57% of you agreed with the statement ‘I am being developed’ - we'd like to see this number rise even higher.
Using your feedback, we’re working to improve in this space, and we’ll continue to act on what you tell us is important. You’ll have another chance to share what matters most to you in our next annual staff engagement survey, open from Monday 30 June.
Taking action to open more opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring that everyone at NICE can grow both personally and professionally in line with their chosen career path.
In July 2024, as part of our new external learning and development request process, we introduced directorate budgets dedicated to employee learning. Since then, we’ve had 114 applications for funding, with 96% of these requests being approved.
Another way we’re working to improve is through the continued growth of our apprenticeship scheme.
The scheme offers the chance to gain accredited qualifications while developing valuable, real-world skills. Now with an even wider range of programmes available across various disciplines, apprenticeships are more accessible than ever, regardless of your role and directorate.
Sophie’s story
One colleague who recently completed an apprenticeship is Sophie Dannatt, newly appointed writer in the content and channels team. Sophie was promoted into her new role shortly after completing her apprenticeship, having previously worked as a communications executive in the internal communications team for 3 years.
Here, Sophie shares her experience with our apprenticeship system, from discovery to completion, and the impact it’s had on her confidence, skills, and career aspirations.
An ocean of options
Sophie knew she wanted to develop her management skills but was unsure about the options available to her. So, she reached out to the learning and development team to discuss and explore further.
“The team were so helpful, chatting to me about my needs and signposting to further details on the NICE Space learning hub. I was also put in touch with a colleague in my directorate who’d recently completed an apprenticeship who took time to tell me what was involved and about how much work it really was!”
With qualifications available in finance, HR, IT, procurement, project management, public relations and more, choosing the right apprenticeship is a very important first step in the process. But, with the advice and encouragement of the people team, Sophie chose to pursue the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, which included the Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Programme.
The apprenticeship and leadership programme ran virtually over 18 months, with regular meetings through workshops and webinars. Sophie accumulated evidence that would make up a final portfolio of work, culminating in a final project on business partnering, and a 2,000-word assignment explaining how she’d develop everything she’d learned.
Supported every step of the way
Applying for the course was straightforward. After completing a form with the learning and development team, Sophie received details of the apprenticeship provider, Brierley Price Prior, and was able to submit a formal application. Reflecting on the process, Sophie shared:
“They were really helpful and easy to contact with any questions I had.”
Throughout her apprenticeship, Sophie was fully supported by both NICE and the training provider. This included a dedicated coach, a network of fellow apprentices across the NHS, and structured support from her line manager.
As part of improvements to our management development programme, line managers are now upskilled in development support for their team members. Specifically for apprenticeships, this includes the expectation that learners will be enabled in their learning through:
- 20% ‘off the job’ training allowance within working hours
- creation of real working scenarios for apprentices to apply their learning
- line manager involvement with 121s with the training provider.
“When I signed up for the apprenticeship programme my line manager and I committed to allocating 7 hours a week to studying. I made sure that I blocked out the time so that my colleagues knew when I was studying.”
Towards the end of her apprenticeship, Sophie led on a business partnering project, establishing a pilot programme between internal communications and the people team to improve how NICE’s central functions commission work from each other. The project not only contributed to the completion of her assignment but opened opportunities to collaborate with teams she would not normally work with, boosting her influence within NICE.
Sophie also received great support from colleagues across NICE who contributed directly to her learning, through feedback, witness testimonies, and collaboration on projects that allowed her to apply the principles she was studying.
A wealth of positive opportunities
Over the course of her learning, Sophie discovered new passions and built upon skills that have already opened doors to further her career aspirations.
Supported by NICE, Sophie is working with a coach in the NHS Leadership Academy mentoring scheme to nurture her professional development goals. She also recently earned her promotion to writer in the content and channels team, interviewing for the role on the same week as her final assessment!
“It was challenging to say the least, but I think it helped me as I had lots of examples and ideas in my head at the same time!”
Sophie Dannatt, Natalie Murray, and Edmund Lumsden from the content and channels team.
Sophie Dannatt, Natalie Murray, and Edmund Lumsden from the content and channels team.
A lifelong commitment to development
Sophie is already thinking about what’s next in her space for development. For now, she’s focussing on strengthening the networks made during the apprenticeship and continuing to apply what she’s learned in her new role.
“I’d recommend considering what you want to achieve and speaking to your line manager and the people team about how you could achieve it. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity for development and that it is helping me to achieve my goals.”
Sophie with her dog Patsy.
Sophie with her dog Patsy.
Starting your development journey
If Sophie’s story has inspired you to investigate apprenticeship opportunities, that might help you with your career aspirations, visit the apprenticeships page on NICE Space. You’ll find details on all our apprenticeship offerings, hear from other colleagues about their apprenticeship experience, and details on how to apply.
And there are lots of other options available to upskill and enhance your development, including:
- making bite-size improvements through our MindTools toolkit, recently upgraded to include over 360 resources, on such topics as self-management, networking, confidence, and negotiation
- signing-up for a development event we host throughout the year
- requesting to attend an external course or UK-based conference that supports your personal goals.
To explore our entire catalogue of learning and development opportunities, visit the learning hub, or reach out to our learning and development team who are here to help you get on track.
And remember, you’ll have another chance to make your voice heard on development, and everything else important to you, in our annual engagement staff survey, running from Monday 30 June to Friday 11 July.
Because NICE is committed to supporting your development and fostering a workplace where we can all thrive together.
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