In the final part of the SoR series exploring the Education and Career Framework (ECF) online hub, we’re looking at service managers/service leaders case studies.
As part of ongoing work with NHS England, the SoR put out a call for educator case studies over the past year as part of the NHS England Professional Body Education Reform Commission. These submissions spanned roles across academia, practice education and service manager/service leads.
The role of a service manager/service leader involves overseeing the safe delivery of radiography services. This covers a wide range of areas, including leadership, staff/workforce development and patient and service user experience. All service managers/service leaders must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Which case studies fall under this category?
Yvonne Thackray, an imaging academy manager for North Central London, is one of the case studies included in the online hub. Yvonne’s role covers seven trusts and two Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs). She works across four areas of practice - clinical expertise, education, leadership and research.
Yvonne took numerous steps in order to secure the role of a service manager/service leader. She has a long-standing association with the Society and College of Radiographers and is part of several SoR Advisory Groups across the support workforce, leadership and artificial intelligence.
Another case study profiled in the online hub is that of Helen Anderson, an imaging manager at the Wilmslow Hospital. As well as being an imaging manager, Helen has also been an honorary lecturer at the University of Liverpool since 2021, where she teaches post graduate MRI students.
In her role as an imaging manager, Helen leads a team consisting of diagnostic radiographers and radiology department assistants. She is also in charge of the radiology service that spans HCA Manchester, which includes MRI, ultrasound, general radiography and mammography.
Kathryn Williamson, professional officer for education and accreditation at the CoR, commended the online hub for promoting the role of service managers/service leaders.
“We’re excited to have expanded our educator case studies through funding received from NHSE and as a result a number of these highlighted the adaptability and opportunities for service managers/leads to get involved in education,” she said.
“It is so important that service and education work together on the development of educational provision in radiography to ensure it will meet the current and future needs of the workforce, service and ultimately our patients and service users.
“When service leads are actively engaged with local education providers it can drive and support a positive culture of learning and development for the staff in their departments. We hope the new additions to the case study hub will inspire others to do the same.”
To access the ECF online hub, click here.