People Experience and Retention conference

Over 125 people from across the North West came together at a first-of-its-kind conference on NHS staff retention organised by the North West Regional People Experience and Engagement Team.

The event, entitled “Retaining our North West People – Enhancing Experience and Engagement,” was held on Wednesday 21 June at the Bolton Stadium Hotel.

The day was opened by Chris Cutts, NHS England’s North West Regional Director of Workforce, Training and Education. Chris was followed by John Drew, NHS England’s Director of Staff Experience and Engagement. In his presentation, John highlighted how the work of NHS staff is collectively making a difference with the ambitions for the future.

Workshops were then held that included topics such as the launch of the wellbeing community, flexible working, staff engagement, growing occupation health and wellbeing together, retention of internationally educated colleagues, inclusive cultures and menopause.

A standout session was held after lunch in which four newly qualified and learner colleagues shared experiences of their early career journeys. The session highlighted the support already in place, ways in which more can be done to retain our early career individuals and support them to stay and thrive.

The afternoon consisted of a variety of pick and mix sessions to allow colleagues to attend sessions of interest or network. The event ended with everyone coming together with system leads to explore first-hand what true system working means and ICS workforce ambitions regarding people development.

Slide packs from the event can be found here. For further details email Eleanor Devlin.