Wellbeing Development & Shadowing

What is the Wellbeing Development and Shadowing Programme?

The programme is being run by the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team. It aims to support the development of NHSBT colleagues, particularly those with protected characteristics, by facilitating access to job shadowing. Job shadowing is the opportunity to observe an employee performing their daily work routine.

Who can take part?

All employees of NHSBT who would like to undertake shadowing to support their career development can take part in the Programme as participants. Participants can sign up to complete shadowing here.

We encourage everyone from Band 6 and upwards to act as hosts, by offering shadowing opportunities via the form below and then hosting interested participants. You can offer as much or as little time as suits you. Please sign up to be a host here.

How does it work?

Participants and hosts sign up through the online form. Participants can review the opportunities available and select which one they are most interested in when they sign up. Applications submitted by participants will be reviewed by the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team before being passed onto hosts. Hosts can specify the maximum number of participants they are prepared to host.

Participants can sign up between 3rd May and 14th June. Participants will be contacted by their host from 1st July. Shadowing will then take place between 1st July and 30th September.

The exact nature of the Shadowing should be agreed between the participant and the host. This might include the opportunity to be present and observe an activity, and conversations about the job role. To get the best use of time, participants should consider in advance what their goals are and what they’d like to get out of a shadowing experience. 

Why consider shadowing?

Shadowing is a great way to help career development and can be a very positive experience both for the participant and the host.

Benefits to participants:

  • Gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of other members of staff and other departments.
  • Get a broader view of the organisation and how it works.
  • Ask questions and get advice from your host.
  • Be signposted towards opportunities, networks, and resources.
  • “Test out” possible career options.

Benefits to hosts:

  • Network with colleagues from different areas.
  • Share your experiences with others.
  • Learn from your shadowee.
  • Review and reflect on your own area of work.
  • Develop your coaching/mentoring skills.

How do I take part?

Participants can sign up to complete shadowing here. Your submission will be reviewed by a member of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team before being passed on to the host you have requested.

If you would like to offer a shadowing opportunity to participants on the programme, please sign up here.