The City & Guilds group has awarded the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) a Princess Royal Training award.
This award recognises the ‘gold standard’ quality of MDDUS’ training programme for its Medical Practice Advisors (MPAs).
MDDUS has grown its membership significantly over the last three years and in response increased the size of its MPA team. In recognition that these are complex roles, the organisation developed a new, cohesive training programme that draws together all the knowledge each new starter required to succeed.
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: “I am delighted our onboarding training programme has been selected for this award. Our training materials, programmes and structure were rigorously reviewed, and I’m proud that these all met the standard of excellence set by the award.
“By investing in our colleagues, we’ve developed an expert team ready to provide advice to our growing membership, with 99% of calls being answered directly by an advisor capable of addressing the query.
“We have increased diversity within the team, reflecting the diversity of our membership.
“An empowered team enables us to empower our members with the support they need, when they need it. We are committed to continued employee learning and development, ensuring we provide the highest level of service to our members.”
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds said: “The Princess Royal Training Awards has become the gold standard for training, learning and development, this year’s recipients have shown innovation and commitment to development within their own organisations.
This commitment is reflected in the testimonials of colleagues who undertook the training programme.
One team member said: “The training from the outset was very well structured with the appropriate time being given to the learner to process information.
“There is a great volume of knowledge that needs to be learnt to work independently as a medical practice adviser, but I have never felt under pressure to learn it all at once.”
Another reflected: “I was reassured at the outset that I would have the time and support to progress and develop at a pace that I would be comfortable with. I was also introduced to my buddy, who would provide peer support.
“The buddy system has been incredibly valuable in allowing colleagues to learn from those experienced in the role. I have since been involved both in delivering tutorials to new colleagues and acting as a buddy myself to a subsequent new starter.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 65,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
Find out more about the Princess Royal Training Awards at www.princessroyaltrainingawards.com
For further information please contact Lisa Walker, communications manager, on lwalker@mddus.com or 07976 886552.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.