Essex
Ambassador Advanced Training Brochure
An independent voice for the people of Essex
What is Healthwatch Essex? Our vision is to be an independent voice for the people of Essex, helping to shape and improve local health and social care services. We believe that people’s views and lived experience of health and social care matter. And we have powers in law which mean we can make their voice heard. Our aim is to create a thriving network of trained volunteers who can help us reach out and capture the voice and lived experience of a very large and varied population. Known as ‘Ambassadors’, they are at the heart of Healthwatch Essex.
This is a huge challenge, but we believe that we can make a difference
Our Ambassadors Healthwatch Essex Ambassadors are the bridge between the organisation and the citizens of Essex. In response to the high demand and ever growing need for high quality volunteers, Healthwatch Essex has created a set of three additional training programmes designed to support those working within the statutory, private and third sector. Advanced training for Ambassadors The programme provides key training for people operating at a strategic level within health and social care. First, understanding commissioning and its role within the health and social care sector. Second, understanding and using ‘evidence’. And third, how to achieve positive impact.
Advanced Training Programme Our hands-on training programme is delivered by expert trainers as part of a series of three workshops. There will be plenty of opportunity for group discussion and to put new skills into practice.
Day 1 Commissioning
Day 2 Achieving Impact
By the end of the day you’ll be able to: • Draw up your own personally appropriate method of working with commissioners and providers
By the end of the day you’ll be able to: • Understand the importance of relationship building and tailoring your message to your audience’s needs
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Act as the interface between Community Ambassadors and those who shape and deliver healthcare services
• Know where to find further assistance and information. You’ll learn about: • Changes to health and social care provision • The hierarchy • Joint Strategic Needs Assessment • The Essex picture • Commissioning • Procurement • Engaging with commissioners.
‘It’s an invaluable mechanism for making sure the right questions are asked to the right people at the right time!’ Patrick John, Communications and Engagement Consultant
• Use techniques to build empathy and relationships with others •
Identify elements of sales techniques that can be used when communicating on behalf of Healthwatch Essex
• Use language designed to influence and persuade your audience •
Use techniques that will ensure that you influence decision-making in a positive, constructive way.
‘It’s given me confidence in delivering presentations in the future. Really gained a great deal from today.’ Sam Finch, Chair of Castle Point and Rochford Commissioning Reference group
Day 3 Understanding and Using Evidence for Impact By the end of the day you’ll be able to: • Understand the different sources of evidence and related methodologies • Use and respond to ‘evidence’ – building on the power of voice/lived experience. We’ll explore three primary sources of ‘evidence’: • Experiential evidence such as user and care views in self-help, community, and user groups •
National/International data such as clinical and social science evidence from bodies such as NICE, as well as national charities
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Regional evidence from sources like Healthwatch Essex, Trusts, local charities, Essex County Council, as well as via Healthwatch Essex Ambassadors.
‘I now appreciate the value of collecting lived experience to make positive change.’ Hannah Fletcher, Youth Project Officer at Healthwatch Essex
Contact us To find out more about our training courses, get in touch.
Essex www.healthwatchessex.org.uk @HWEssex enquiries@healthwatchessex.org.uk 01376 572829 RCCE House, Threshelfords Business Park, Inworth Road, Feering, Essex CO5 9SE
www.voluntarysectortraining.org.uk @VS_T admin@voluntarysectortraining.org.uk 01371 876747 45 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DQ March 2015 Healthwatch Essex. A company limited by guarantee and registered in England No. 8360699. Registered office as above.