Development of “An Introduction to Workforce Planning” training
Other
The WRaPT team deliver a range of training sessions to facilitate use of the WRaPT tool as well as awareness of the WRaPT process.
The team identified a gap in the system whereby knowledge of Workforce Planning as a concept and methodology were not widely known or available and have developed a new session to introduce workforce planning to a range of staff inclusive of service or general managers as well as workforce experts.
The Challenge
Through our experience of delivering training on the WRaPT tool it became clear that an understanding of the general principles of workforce planning and using a methodology were a gap in the system. Participants in WRaPT tool training would describe a missing link between using the tool to support the modelling of workforce change and understanding around the principles of workforce planning in general and where the tool could fit in to such a process.
Bringing an increased understanding of workforce planning and use of the WRaPT tool together would ultimately bring greater benefits to organisations and systems in their endeavours to develop robust workforce plans.
Our Approach
In response, the WRaPT team developed a short Introduction to Workforce Planning session to complement the WRaPT engagement and training offer.
The intention was to provide a session, of no more than half a day, to give delegates an overview of the need for good workforce planning, explore the context in terms of short, medium and long term effect and take attendees through a proven approach (the WRaPT process).
The WRaPT team used their experience and knowledge, acquired through a number of years working in workforce roles and underpinned by academic study, to develop the session. The ambition was to improve delegates’ understanding of workforce planning as a subject and link that to using the WRaPT process and modelling tool. The training was delivered through a set of facilitator led presentations, delegate exercises and WRaPT tool demonstration with discussion and opportunities for questions along the way.
Prior to rollout, the session was delivered to a group of Senior HR and workforce colleagues at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust to test out the relevance of the content and is now offered out as part of the WRaPT engagement and training menu of support.
Ann Lucas, Director of Workforce Intelligence at Wirral University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust approached the Team to discuss how it could support them in their workforce planning journey. This included the provision of some training to fill an identified gap in the knowledge of workforce planning at the Trust. The Team worked with relevant leads at the Trust to further develop the training to be relevant to the organisation and linked examples used in the session. Three sessions were delivered to a mix of senior division staff including representatives from clinical, finance and HR.
The Outcome
There is now an Introduction to Workforce Planning, using the WRaPT process, training session that can be delivered to groups of up to 15 delegates in a discreet trust or to groups from across health and care. The session can be tailored to suit individual organisations or system needs.
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