These memories tell the individual stories provide a fascinating account of participant’s experiences of the being on the Elizabeth Garett Anderson programme and what it meant - and means - to them.
Studying with colleagues from other parts of the NHS left me with a lasting impression of comradeship - we might do different things, but we all wanted to be part of something better. The sense that you were not alone - that being overwhelmed, or ignored, or derided, were common experiences and not about you, in terms of failing as an individual. Taken together we could see our experiences pointed to working cultures that were not often unhelpful and at worse toxic, and that we had to be voices for change and challenge them if things were to improve.
Kevin Thompson, Performance Development Manager
My memories of the programme start with the mutual support from within the cohort. The fact that I am still connected to some of the participants 7 years after graduation is testament to the relationships and networks that you can build. The programme was designed to enable colleagues to reflect on their leadership behaviours and the diversity exercise on the first day is memorable. Thank you to all who have made this programme a success over the past years. It has definitely supported me in my career.
Patrick Nyarumbu, Deputy Chief Executive
The EGA was a brilliant programme, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to complete it. I recall a first task we had to do, and some of the other delegates went about it like they were on 'The Apprentice'. No introductions and very much focused on the task in hand. I remember thinking...'I wonder if they know how they are coming across?' Later we completed an activity where we discussed 'how it feels to be on the receiving end of me?' This really helped me because it was the first time in my leadership journey I started to use reflection. I still use reflection to this day, either at the start/end of each day, especially after a busy/hectic day. Why am I so busy, what could I do better? etc I learnt about Action Learning Sets, and the value that they bring to the workplace. Towards the end of the EGA process, it was amazing, because you could see a visible shift in other delegates, in terms of how they approached tasks and came across. I'm certain it's had a similar impact on me and my leadership behaviours.
Nazreen Iqbal, Health Inequalities Lead
The EGA was one of the most formative leadership development experiences in my NHS career so far. The opportunity to reflect, challenge my management practice and to build a supportive peer network was transformative. From situational coaching to wider engagement with the academic literature it was simply a career defining two years.
Adam McKeown, Director of Delivery & Transformation
I found the EGA programme both challenging and extremely rewarding. The focus on 'what it is like to be on the receiving end of me?' is very powerful and a catalyst for positive cultural change in the NHS. I have gained so much personally, professionally and academically from being an EGA participant. The EGA programme gave me courage and taught me it is worth the struggle to advocate for a compassionate NHS. Prior to completing the course, I thought I had reached my leadership ‘ceiling’ and that people like me, with my values could not progress easily in the NHS. I was wrong! I was promoted while on the course and have been successful in being appointed an EGA tutor. In my clinical role I recently received the following feedback - ‘I will always remember your leadership style, it has been so encouraging and refreshing and I hope to be able to replicate the same qualities in the future'.
Emily Steward, Head of the South East Clinical Senate, NHS England