The Quality Improvement (QI) team has tested the first cohort of senior leadership (clinical and managerial) QI training. The aim of the training is to build leadership for improvement capability across NELFT clinical and corporate functions, developing a network of senior leaders across the organisation as we embed QI in daily work.  

Running from October 2024 to February 2025, the training was a blend of theory, reflective practice and coaching on real life experiences to develop skills and knowledge of our senior leaders. This training and future waves will support the evolving work at NELFT to develop an infrastructure for QI that supports directorate s and places in evolving their learning systems.  

Learning Experience  

Feedback from our senior leaders consistently praised the programme’s engaging format and relevance to their day-to-day work . Action learning enabled leaders to test and refine their skills while supporting and sponsoring their own QI projects.  

One leader shared, “The group work and practical sessions were great. The facilitators were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making the concepts easy to understand.” Another added, “I’m thankful to have had this opportunity and look forward to seeing how our projects evolve over the next few months.”  

Expert Endorsement  

Dr. Pat O'Connor, Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling and the programme’s external expert QI facilitator, commended the initiative:  

“The leading for improvement course at NELFT is a wonderful opportunity for senior leaders within the organisation to come together and share their expertise to address everyday challenges. The pioneers in cohort 1 were able to take away simple QI tools and techniques to improve both staff and patient services and they had fun learning .  This course has a unique approach of considering the culture and context within NELFT enabling participants to design change and improvement within their everyday work. Each session is highly interactive bringing senior leaders together across the organisation giving a whole systems approach. This course is another building block underpinning the strategic intent to actively make continuous improvements , this is how we improve at NELFT, in order to deliver the highest quality services."    

Voices from the Programme  

Dr Hélène Brown, Acting Chief Medical Officer, reflected on the shift in mindset the programme encouraged:  

“Completing the Leading for Improvement training has helped me embed quality improvement more intentionally into everyday leadership conversations. It’s supported me to shift from assurance-based thinking to asking, “How do we know?” and “ What could we test and measure to improve this challenge or problem ?” 

This training is particularly valuable for executive and senior leaders. It equips us not just with tools, but with a mindset that enables us to lead with curiosity, humility, and purpose. It reinforces the habit of asking what, so what, and what next - which is becoming part of the NELFT way of doing things.  

I would absolutely recommend this programme. It builds confidence in using improvement methods, strengthens collaboration across teams, and reinforces our shared commitment to delivering better outcomes for patients and staff alike.”  

Nicole Madlin, HR Manager, highlighted the impact on internal processes:  

“The importance of QI and the impact it has on delivering quality to patients really rung through in the training. It has made me look at our own internal processes and question why do we do that, what is the impact, can we deliver it differently to improve quality of care/services.

I would strongly encourage others to do the training as I took so much away from it, whether it be ‘what does the data tell us’ or including the voices of those that matter or receive care . Its taught me to look at things deeper, ask the questions and have more professional curiosity.

I really enjoyed the training and feel the skills will  benefit me in my role in years to come.”  

Zulekha Ahmed, HR Manager, emphasised the cultural shift:  

“I really enjoyed the training, it’s a shift in mindset, that we should be working with QI heads on as part of the norm , applying improvement science techniques and it doesn’t need to be a project as such. I do understand that where we are trying to make big differences, it will require a project plan element, but it does make you think about what the real issue is here. I nstead of jumping to solutions that may not resolve the problem and create issues somewhere else , being curious and problem framing works better in the long run.

It changes your way of thinking, and I think that all staff should be thinking QI in their jobs. We are ultimately trying to make the lives of staff and colleagues better and need to start thinking/reflecting and challenging the status Quo.”  

Looking Ahead  

By equipping senior leaders with the mindset and tools to lead and sponsor change, we can build a strong foundation for delivering better outcomes for both patients and staff.  

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and look forward to the positive impact their leadership will continue to have across NELFT.  

Paul Calaminus, CEO of NELFT, shared:  

"At NELFT, we are deeply committed to creating a culture where continuous improvement is not just encouraged but embedded in everything we do. The Leading for Improvement programme is a powerful example of how we are investing in our leaders to problem frame and sponsor meaningful transformati on across the organisation. I’m incredibly proud of the passion, curiosity, and collaboration shown by everyone who took part. Their dedication to learning and applying quality improvement principles will have continuous impact on the care we provide and the experience of our staff. This programme is not just about developing skills - it’s about how we work and by what method that helps us shaping the future of NELFT together."  

Photos from the training: