Things you could do:

• Go to the e-Learning for Healthcare webpage – ‘Allied Health Professionals’ Careers’ – for Resources supporting becoming an AHP and your AHP career prospects

• Find a coach or a mentor within your organisation, or from the Midlands Leadership Academy https://coachingandmentoring.midlands.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/coaching

• Explore the NHS Leadership Academy’s framework to identify where your strengths and development needs are – discuss this with your line manager, clinical supervisor, coach or mentor

• Consider undertaking a 360 feedback exercise – to gain feedback from those who work with you – peers, direct reports, your own leaders and your line manager – this will give you additional insight into the development that could benefit you

• Consider undertaking a formal leadership module to meet your needs. Your Training/ organisational development team may have internal opportunities or explore what NHS Leadership academy offers for your requirements: https://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/programmes or from the regional leadership academy https://midlands.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/our-offers/leadership-development

• Discuss with your manager what leadership roles within your current team you could undertake – e.g. supporting learners/ trainees/ students in placements; supporting colleagues returning to practice, supporting preceptees; taking on some line management / appraisals/ clinical supervision within your team; representing your team/ service or deputising for your line manager.  Identify what additional understanding/ skills you would need to develop in order to do these things effectively

• Approach your professional body to find out how you can influence developments within your own profession, regionally or nationally, through active engagement as a member