Our workforces are engaging with ACCEND and understanding how it supports their practice, see our case studies below to learn from others in Wessex.
The following describes how one of the Legacy Mentors in Wessex uses ACCEND in her role.
“As a Legacy Mentor for newly appointed Cancer CNS’s, part of my role is to support the CNS with the ACCEND programme. At the initial face to face meeting, I ascertain their awareness of ACCEND and briefly discuss the ACCEND framework, GMCA e-portfolio and Capabilities in Practice (CiPs). We mutually agree goals for the mentoring relationship which include achievement of CiPs to the relevant level. I forward the ‘Cancer CNS Induction Toolkit’ containing supporting information and links.
I’m mindful that the CiPs can look rather daunting, so I reassure them of the many ways to demonstrate achievement, it’s an ongoing process, takes time to complete and that I’m there to support them. I explain the benefits of the e-portfolio –
- allows you to keep a record of all training, learning, achievements, reflections and certificates
- demonstrates achievement of CiPs
- helps identify areas for development
- can support the appraisal process
- helps plan and focus career progression
- is “live” and will go wherever you go. I encourage them to register and set up an account for the e-portfolio.
At a later meeting we watch the ‘GMCA e-portfolio Demonstration Video’ on You Tube, whilst accessing their e-portfolio. This really helps the CNS learn to navigate the platform and familiarise themselves with the domains and CiPs. At subsequent meetings, we discuss/critically reflect on any learning, experiences in practice etc., then link this to the relevant CiPs. I encourage the CNS to access their e-portfolio and offer to support them with adding an entry. This seems to give the CNS confidence both in using the e-portfolio and realising their achievements.”
Yvonne, Legacy Mentor
After hearing a presentation about the ACCEND framework, support workers at Dorset County Hospital wanted to know how it was relevant to their role. They met with Jo; implementation lead for the supportive and assistive workforces to learn more.
One of the support workers said “Initially I struggled to get my head around why ACCEND was introduced, especially as I had been in my role for several years, it felt as though I was being asked to ‘prove myself’”
Through meeting as a group every six to eight weeks the support workers have set up accounts for the e-portfolio and started to add training they have completed into their portfolio’s. They have also worked as a team to write reflective pieces about their work, working with Jo to align it to the ACCEND capabilities.
Working together has helped to make the framework as a useful and valuable tool:
“I feel that the ACCEND framework is a good tool to be able to us to recognise our skills or anything that I could learn to support me in my role”
“I have found the time spent with Jo and the other support workers really helpful to be able to work as a team and get guidance”
“Going with it and embracing the framework, I personally find it to be a very helpful learning and development tool”
“Once you start to add in training courses, certificates and relevant education, it is inspiring to see just what you have achieved over time and in your everyday working practice. It can also highlight training that may be relevant to your role or specific to your cancer site that we may not always be aware of”