NHS Management Trainee Placement Experience
Between November 2024 and January 2025, I took part in a placement at Healthwatch Lambeth as part of the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS). The GMTS is a two-year graduate programme comprised of three or four placements within different NHS organisations. There is the opportunity for trainees to organise a ‘flexi-placement’ at an organisation of their choice; I reached out to Healthwatch Lambeth after reading a report that explored experiences of maternity care from underrepresented groups. I wanted to work in an organisation that focused on issues I cared about, while developing my research and engagement skillset.
I greatly enjoyed my time working with the team at Healthwatch Lambeth, and worked on a range of projects that were both useful to my professional development and provided additional resource to the team. Across my placement, I attended many stakeholder meetings and gained a unique perspective of the place that Healthwatch Lambeth holds within the wider health and social care system.
Part of my time was spent focusing on improving Healthwatch Lambeth’s internal processes, to make them more effective and increase the impact of activities for the local community. As part of this, I developed a standard operating procedure to track the impact of recommendations made by reports. I also reviewed and updated Healthwatch Lambeth’s volunteering offer, which included reviewing volunteering opportunities, conducting a volunteer audit and updating role descriptions.
I also supported research within the organisation, and conducted two literature reviews for ongoing projects related to mental health. I supported the preparation for an Enter and View visit to a local GP practice, including carrying out background research on the practice to support the observations on the day, and preparing the materials for the team to use on the day. On my last day with the organisation I attended this Enter and View, and spent time interviewing staff about their experiences of working in the GP practice. Speaking to frontline staff about their experience of primary care and the challenges faced by my local community was a great way for me to close out the placement.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in healthcare, promoting patient voice, and developing their skills to volunteer with Healthwatch Lambeth.
