Consulting in the NHS | Understanding the Context You Work Within
Who is this article for?
This article is for you if you currently work within the NHS and are considering leaving to become an independent healthcare consultant.
For example, you may be a GP Practice manager, pharmacist, physio, data analyst, quality improvement specialist, HR Director, or finance manager looking to leave the confines of your current role and work on a range of projects as an independent consultant.
Why understanding the context you work within is important
As stated in my first Business of Healthcare Consulting article, there is an abundance of advice which will help you grow your business; however, for those of you looking to build your consultancy where NHS organisations are set to be your main client, there are nuances that should be taken into consideration if you are going to be a success.
While studying for my MBA in leadership and management, I was repeatedly told that it was imperative for us to present the context and environment in which our assignment was based.
Even though this section was usually reserved for the appendices, if the context did not paint a vivid enough picture, we would have to resubmit the assignment.
I have carried this sentiment into my work, and demonstrating my understanding of my niche (primary care networks) has been crucial to my success. I have seen time and time again the most successful healthcare business consultants deeply understand their context and know the NHS.
Navigating the NHS
If you are going to consult in the NHS, you have to know your way around, know ?the language they speak, appreciate the challenges they face, and see things from multiple points of view starting with:
?? The Complex Organisational Structures
The NHS is a vast and complex organisation with multiple layers, and to the native consultant or healthcare leader, it can feel like a maze and depending on your network and experience, the maze may or may not be visible.
In 2020, The Kings Fund produced this short video titled How does the NHS in England work and how is it changing? Found below:
Dr Ollie, also provides a helpful breakdown of The UK Healthcare System: Simply Explained ??
However, the video which really depicts the complexity of the NHS can be found here ?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxmsJfRZrQ
I t is a little out of date, but I highly recommend that people watch this to help understand the scale they are working within, why certain things aren’t possible and why decision making can be slow.
Also, within these structures, you have
?? Regulations
?? Data and security and governance
?? Procurement rules
?? Patient safety
?? Information and Technology platforms
There is also the following to understand and navigate:
?? Workforce and organisational heirachacies
?? Budgetary constraints and financial processes
?? Multiple layers of stakeholder engagement
?? National and local politics
?? National and local policies
领英推荐
?? Population health
And so much more
Whilst I am most familiar with the structures relating to general practice and primary care networks, nine years in, I’m still learning and:
1?? Read books and blogs
2?? Listen to podcasts
3?? Watch YouTube videos
4?? Attend and speak at conferences
5?? Subscribe to industry publications
6?? Follow thought leaders on social media
7?? Attend workshops and webinars
8??Work with coaches and mentors
?? Sometimes, I worked for FREE
?? I create my own resources to help educate others.
?? I am also willing to travel to get exposure to as many opportunities as possible
?? I am part of WhatsApp groups
?? I also got my MBA
I engage in one of these activities at least once a day because I have picked an area that I genuinely love, and I want to be the best I can be, so it is no real hardship for me to do this.
I believe that the willingness to invest your time and money in your professional development is essential. However, I am not proposing that you follow these exact steps, and you cannot possibly know everything. Look at the list and see what could and what is already working for you.
The inexperienced consultant believes that because they were successful in their employed role, they are well versed in serving all of their proposed market, but there is so much more to learn.
As the saying goes. What got you here... won't get you there.
This is the work you are not paid to do as a consultant or leader. You invest your time and money so people repeatedly pay for your services.
I really hope this article has given you some food for thought.
About me
If this is the first time you have come across one of my newsletters, you can get a quick intro to my career history here:
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Chief Executive Officer | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
2 个月This ability to understand the context of the system you are working with is an essential skill for consultants, Tara. I'm wondering what clients can look for that indicates a potential consultant's ability to do this.
Clinical Office Administrative Co-ordinator at Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2 个月I will log on
CEO, mylocalsurgery.co.uk, Chairman, Resolvable.co.uk- I love starting and growing businesses.
3 个月Hi Tara, tried contacting you through your website. No luck, could I get a call please?
Deputy Director of Quality Improvement || Associate Lecturer
3 个月Thanks Tara. This is a very insightful article.
Founder and owner of Growth Consulting – Operational improvement expert | Supporting organisations, teams, and individuals in healthcare and beyond to enhance leadership, culture and team performance.
3 个月Love this Tara. You get out what you put in!