Policy & Strategy scheme

Start your journey in Policy and Strategy

You will be working at a national level alongside senior leaders, contributing to high-profile work that will shape and influence the strategic direction of the NHS. Ability to see the ‘big picture’ and uphold the values of the NHS will be crucial as you evaluate the costs and benefits of different scenarios. You will be supported and inspired to develop into a strategic leader with the vision and ability to shape the future NHS.

Day-to-day responsibilities as a trainee could include contributing to policy programmes, working in a policy unit or developing new approaches to financial and allocation strategies. You might be working as part of a team to publish briefing papers or collaborating with data analysts to ensure policies are based on accurate and robust data.

Qualifications

Trainees undertake a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Health Policy, delivered by Imperial College, London.

Alongside your Health Policy qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme which will introduce, develop and harness your leadership style and potential. This programme will be delivered through a blended mix of conference style, virtual workshops and small group learning.

Trainees will also participate in Action Learning Sets and attend a range of conferences throughout the Scheme which will allow them to work and develop together as a group, learning from leading experts within the health and social care sector and further afield.

Teaching is delivered during working hours, but trainees can expect to complete coursework and revision in their own time.

Career path

Most trainees stay within NHS England after graduating from the Scheme, in roles such as Relationship Manager end-of-life care team, Primary Care Delivery Manager and Accelerated Access Collaborative Manager. There is also the scope for trainees to move into an operational role with an NHS Trust.

We’re looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee is supported by a:

• Trainee Support Manager from the NHS GMTS team who provides overall holistic and pastoral support for the duration of your time on Scheme.
• Education Officer from the NHS GMTS team who will support you with planning and succeeding in the educational activity you complete outside of placements.
• Placement Manager for each placement you undertake who will be your day-to-day line manager.
• Programme Manager who oversees your development in placement for the whole of the Scheme.
• Buddy who will be able to support you from the experiences they have gained whilst on the Scheme, this is usually a trainee from a previous cohort.

Plus, a range of other NHS GMTS team members, NHS GMTS alumni, academic tutors from the higher education institutions and many more.