3. Parameters of the scheme
In effect two parallel schemes have been running in tandem — one at CNWL and one at WLMHT, although the parameters and mode of operation have been kept as consistent as possible between the two Trusts, and the scheme has had a single co-ordinator that operates across both. Each Trust is further divided into ‘localities’, which form the boundaries for the employment of individuals. The three different localities are: South Westminster, Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham. The scheme was expanded to include Broadmoor (examined by other research porjects.)
Key descriptors of the schemes:
- 2 year duration
- Series of three 8 month long placements
- Placements available are: acute adult inpatient, elderly, long term community rehabilitation, specialist units (eg. eating disorders and ICU)
- Rotation within budgetary area (eg. LA area)
- Local implementation teams
- Participants allocated to supervisors on each placement
- Some participant choice over third placements but these choices generally within the locality
- Educational component (work based learning modules leading to degree)
- Everyone must rotate. The rationale for this is to avoid the bottle-necks that were a problem on previous schemes.
- Overall scheme co-ordinator
- Ongoing evaluation and action research and commitment to dissemination
- D-E up-grading at the end of six months, if the E-grade personal specification completences were met.
Various reasons have been cited as to why the schemes at the two Trusts have been kept as two distinct entities. One point made was that the cultures and organisational structures were too different; others felt that it would create a heavier administrative burden to attempt to merge them. In summary it was felt that the scheme needed to be kept simple and not too ambitious. Likewise, the boundaries for rotation were set according to localities to keep operation as simple as possible, thereby minimising the risk of blockages.
In terms of the length of placements, there was a general consensus at the outset of the project that 8 months would be about the ‘right’ time for a placement period, to give participants (and the colleagues they work with) sufficient time to settle into each area before moving on.