In this edition of 'What do you do at DHU,' we delve into the inspiring journey of Mandy Jones, the Deputy Training and Development Manager at DHU Healthcare's NHS111 centre in Oldbury.
With nearly a year under her belt at DHU, Mandy brings a wealth of experience, having been part of the NHS111 service since its inception in 2010 as NHS Direct. Having witnessed the evolution of NHS111 into a national service, Mandy acknowledges the significance of the changes she has seen over the years.
Building a Solid Team: Trust, Support, and Recognition
Mandy's role as Deputy Training and Development Manager centres around overseeing a team of 14 trainers. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve addressing concerns related to training, planning courses, offering support to operations, and ensuring the seamless functioning of the team. "It's a lot!" she acknowledges with a smile, emphasising the dynamic nature of her role.
Emphasising the importance of time and effort in bringing her training team together, Mandy said: "I've worked hard to build their trust and ensure that they feel safe coming to me with any concerns," she notes. Proudly, she mentions feedback from other teams recognising the training team as fantastic and always ready to offer support. "We're a really solid team who work closely together," she adds, highlighting the cohesion and camaraderie within the group.
Inspiring Change
Recently completing the 'Inspire' training, Mandy found the experience not only enjoyable but also emotional. The training encourages individuals to open up about themselves, fostering connections among colleagues from different areas. "It made me more mindful of how I engage with colleagues. It's a positive change to culture, and it's going to be interesting to see how it changes things moving forward," she reflects. The training has not only enhanced her professional relationships but has also resulted in new friendships.
Reflecting on her time with DHU, Mandy expresses admiration for the company's commitment to supporting its staff. "As a company to work for, DHU is one of the best organisations I've been with when it comes to supporting their staff. It's a great organisation to be a part of. They are fair, they listen, and continue to evolve as they grow," she shares.
Looking forwards
Expressing her dedication to supporting DHU's growth, Mandy looks forward to 2024, anticipating the arrival of new colleagues and the implementation of new systems. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she embraces the opportunity with enthusiasm. "The West Midlands site is still relatively new for DHU, and I want to do my best to help us all work closer together as a service."
Mandy stands as a testament to the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have on both their teams and the larger organisational culture.
Her journey with DHU Healthcare reflects a commitment to growth, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in healthcare training and development.