Cheshire and Merseyside’s Champs Directors have launched Connect, Learn, Thrive, a new workforce programme designed to support the wellbeing, learning and professional development of the public health workforce across the subregion.
The programme was developed following a pilot project commissioned to better understand the wellbeing needs of the public health workforce across the subregion. This included a staff survey, focus groups, interviews and a review of existing wellbeing and development support.
While the findings showed wellbeing is generally considered a priority within organisations and support services are well known to staff, the research also highlighted opportunities to strengthen support further.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents said they were not comfortable talking to peers about their wellbeing, while more than 45% of survey respondents, alongside colleagues participating in interviews and focus groups, identified a need for more time and space for reflection.
The findings reflect wider challenges facing the public health workforce nationally. As an ageing population, increasing demand on services, widening health inequalities and continued pressure on resources place growing demands on the system, there is increasing recognition of the need to support and develop a skilled, connected and resilient workforce that is equipped to meet future population health needs.
Connect, Learn, Thrive has been designed to help address these challenges by bringing together expertise, learning and support from across Cheshire and Merseyside’s nine local authority public health teams to create a shared approach to workforce wellbeing and development.
Developed collaboratively across the subregion, it brings together opportunities for peer support, development and wellbeing, helping colleagues build rewarding careers while strengthening public health across Cheshire and Merseyside.
The programme connects colleagues from across Cheshire and Merseyside’s nine local authority public health teams, creating opportunities to share expertise, build professional networks and benefit from the collective experience of the wider public health community.
It is based on a simple belief: when people feel connected, supported and able to grow, they are better placed to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
The programme reflects Cheshire and Merseyside’s long-standing commitment to collaboration and recognises that a thriving workforce is essential to tackling health inequalities, strengthening prevention and improving population health outcomes.
Through career development support, Communities of Practice, leadership programmes, networking opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and CPD-accredited learning, colleagues can develop new skills, build relationships across organisations and access the knowledge, support and experience available across the wider public health system.
Professor Helen Bromley, Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester and Lead Champs Director for Workforce Wellbeing and Development, said: “One of the greatest strengths of public health in Cheshire and Merseyside is our willingness to work together. Public health is about improving lives, but that starts with supporting the people who deliver that work every day.
“The research carried out through this project showed that while there is already a strong commitment to workforce wellbeing across our organisations, there is more we can do to help colleagues connect with one another, learn from each other and create space for reflection and development.
“Connect, Learn, Thrive reflects our shared commitment to creating an environment where all colleagues feel connected, valued and supported throughout their careers. By investing in learning, wellbeing and professional development, and bringing together expertise from across our nine local authority public health teams, we can help people build rewarding careers while making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.”
The launch forms part of the Champs Public Health Collaborative’s wider commitment to supporting workforce wellbeing, professional development and leadership across the public sector and communities.
Connect, Learn, Thrive has been crafted by and is available to colleagues working across public health in Cheshire and Merseyside and complements the support already provided by local authorities, NHS organisations and partner employers.
To find out more about Connect, Learn, Thrive and the opportunities available here
