Call for applications for an improvement leader training opportunity

We are delighted to be able to offer four people funded places on the well renowned ‘Scottish Improvement Leader Programme’ (ScIL) running in 2019-20.
Are you…

• Designing, developing and leading on improvement, system change or transformation projects?
• Interested in enhancing your own skill set around leading your project, influencing others and generating wider support for change?
• Available to attend a blended programme of learning over a 10-month period – a mix of residential, on line sessions, self-study and other planned events?
• Able to commit to sharing your skills and learning across the region after completion of the formal programme?

If so, this opportunity will be of interest to you!
OVERVIEW
The ScIL training programme aims to develop both capacity and capability in leading and managing changes and improvements, by developing individuals to:

• Design, develop and lead improvement and change projects
• Lead and generate support for change, and
• Provide expert quality improvement support and advice in their organisations.

The programme links together the core concepts of improvement science: system thinking; building knowledge through testing; understanding variation and using data to support improvement, with the key elements of understanding people and relationships in change and how to lead and influence change.
PROGRAMME LOGISTICS
The ScIL programme runs over a 10-month period, with two cohorts in 2019-20 (start dates are either April 2019 or August 2019). The main programme consists three residential workshops which are three days each taking place in Scotland (either Glasgow or Edinburgh) and 10 online training sessions, supported with other planned learning events, networking opportunities and monthly reports provided by attendees throughout the duration of the programme. More details, including the provisional programme dates, can be found in this document.
SW AHSN OFFER
The SW AHSN is able to offer four people from the South West region funded places on the ScIL programme, starting in either the April or August 2019. Please note that as this programme is funded through the SW AHSN, you must refer to the application process detailed below rather than in the programme outline.
In order to be successful, applicants will need to demonstrate that they are:

• Currently working in a role (which may be a seconded role) with a significant focus on improvement, system change or transformation and with dedicated time to lead or support projects. This includes having a suitable, live project to work on during the ScIL programme.
• Able to coach and facilitate learning in others.
• In a position in their organisation (or system) to be able to influence and support change, improvement and transformation at a wider level.
• Ideally, already have some prior experience of leading and delivering projects and have a working knowledge of data and statistics for quality improvement.
• Committed to use the skills gained beyond the completion of the programme.

Applicants MUST be able to attend all nine days of the residential workshops in Scotland, the online learning, and other programme events. This is approximately two to four days per month (see provisional timetable in the programme outline).
Given that the total work relating to the ScIL programme will account for approximately 20% of your workload for the duration of the programme, appropriate senior level organisational support or sponsorship will need to be evidenced as part of the application process.
The SW AHSN will cover the following costs for the programme:

• Costs of the training programme, including the residential workshops (accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis)
• Costs of core text books and online technology

The SW AHSN will NOT cover costs for travel, backfill or any other costs.
Some helpful FAQ’s are available here.
On successful completion of the programme, the SW AHSN will work with attendees to share details of the experience of the programme, the skills gained, and impact this has on the actual delivery of your live project. This may include a range of communications and activities to highlight and showcase the learning gained and the outcomes. In addition, there will be the opportunity for attendees to become part of the SW AHSN network and other local systems for teaching and coaching on improvement work across the region, with the expectation that attendees will join the SW AHSN improvement faculty for a minimum of one year after completion of the ScIL programme.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be considered from all parts of the health and social care system across the South West; we are keen to attract people from a diverse range of areas and organisations.
Applications are now OPEN. 
To apply, please complete the full application form online. Please note that the application form cannot be saved and returned to later; however, it is possible to copy and paste from another document. It is suggested that applicants review the application questions and additional information required – please see details below – and prepare these in advance where possible.
You must be able to evidence support from your organisation for your project and attendance. Please download this organisational support form, arrange for it to be completed and approved internally, and submit with your application.
Finally, please upload a short video (up to 90 seconds) to illustrate your personal passion, interest and commitment to undertaking this programme and explain how this fits into your professional development plan.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 18 February 2019.
Applicants will be notified on the outcome of this process at the beginning of March 2019.
The training programme will start in either April or August 2019, depending on which cohort you join.
For more general information about the programme, including some informative short videos, please visit the programme website. If you have any further questions, email scil@swahsn.com or contact Dr Bettina Kluettgens on   Bettina.Kluettgens@swahsn.com or 01392 247903.

INFORMATION WEBINARS

If you are interested in applying and meet the main criteria for the programme, you may be interested in joining one of our short information webinars using Zoom. The webinars will cover more details about the programme and the application process, and will provide the opportunity to ask questions.
We will be holding information calls on the following dates. Please note that you only need to join one call.

• Wednesday 30 January at 1pm – https://zoom.us/j/3866999799
• Tuesday 5 February at 2pm – https://zoom.us/j/3866999799
• Wednesday 6 February at 10am – https://zoom.us/j/208740486

There is no need to register. To participate in the call, all you need to do is click on the joining link above at the allocated time. The call will last for no more than 30 mins.