The Health Foundation is today beginning its search for 18 talented individuals working in the healthcare field to join its new groundbreaking leadership scheme, GenerationQ.
For ambitious individuals looking for a new challenge for the New Year, GenerationQ is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a fully funded³, pioneering leadership scheme designed to develop a new generation of skilled leaders for quality improvement in healthcare.
The Health Foundation’s GenerationQ, which is being run by a partnership between Ashridge and Unipart Expert Practices, aims to embed a new culture of quality improvement in healthcare by identifying evidence and ideas for providers and commissioners of leadership development.
Applications are being sought from the best individuals (just below or new to board level) working in the health field with a background in leading improvement in quality of care. Applicants can come from the health service, patient organisations and the health policy field. The deadline for applications is 15 February 2010.
The programme focuses on a unique combination of leadership development and improvement science in the context of the real day-to-day situations and challenges of the UK health system. Participants will have an opportunity to learn amongst a diverse group from across the health system. Applicants can come from the health service, patient organisations and the health policy field.
Commenting on the new scheme, Stephen Thornton, Chief Executive, the Health Foundation, said: 'GenerationQ not only represents an exciting opportunity for individuals on the scheme but also for the organisations that they work for. A key feature of the programme will be how to effectively share learning with colleagues – we aim to help foster a culture in healthcare where quality is at the top of everyone’s agenda.'
Janet Smallwood, Ashridge Consultant adds: 'We’re delighted to be working with the Health Foundation and Unipart on this project and look forward to helping develop some tangible outcomes for the healthcare professionals as well as adding to leadership knowledge within the healthcare sector.'
Notes to editors
1. The Health Foundation
The Health Foundation wants to make the quality of healthcare in the UK the best it can be. Working with others, we are helping to shape a future healthcare system that offers safe, effective and responsive care for all. We are a charitable foundation and operate independently from government, political parties or other interest groups. Further information can be found at www.health.org.uk.
The Health Foundation runs a range of leadership schemes, through which we’re aiming to build a better understanding of the most effective ways to invest in leadership development for quality improvement. We invest in developing the leadership skills of people who show the potential to lead quality improvement. We offer high quality leadership development opportunities to healthcare professionals free of charge.
2. Ashridge and Unipart
Generation Q is being delivered by Ashridge and Unipart Expert Practices. One of the world’s leading business schools, Ashridge has over 50 years of experience of working with a variety of international and national, private and public sector organisations, assisting them in complex organisational change and leadership development initiatives. It is the only business school in the world to have its own dedicated consulting arm, Ashridge Consulting and has a dedicated focus on working with individuals and organisations in the healthcare sector. Further information can be found at www.ashridge.org.uk.
Unipart Expert Practices offers performance and quality improvement through methods which engage employees, centred around Lean, Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement techniques. Unipart Expert Practices is the consulting arm of Unipart Group. Unipart Group originated as the parts division of Rover Group. Working closely with Toyota and Honda set Unipart on a 20-year journey to understand and implement Lean and other improvement practices throughout its extensive manufacturing and logistics operations. It has worked extensively with clients in both the private and public sector. Further information can be found at, www.unipart.co.uk.
3. Key features of GenerationQ
Further information about GenerationQ can be found at www.health.org.uk/generationq. The programme will provide 18 months of specialist leadership development, funded by the Health Foundation. It will be made up of an integrated set of activities: leadership forums; individual coaching; action learning in groups; and, engaging with systems.
*There is no charge to those on the scheme, but individuals will need to make the necessary time commitment to play a full part in the programme.
4. Application process for GenerationQ
Further information about how to apply for GenerationQ, an application form and selection criteria are available at www.health.org.uk/generationq. The application process will be highly competitive and will include a day at an assessment centre. The deadline for applications is 15 February 2010. The final selection will be announced on 29 March 2010.