18 April 2023

On 18th April 2023, the three North of England Clinical Senates were delighted to hold their second joint development day. This face-to-face event for members of the Clinical Senate Councils followed the virtual event on 23rd March 2023. The event took place at the Novotel in Leeds and was jointly chaired by Prof Andrew Cant (Chair, Northern England Clinical Senate) and Prof Chris Welsh (Chair, Yorkshire & Humber Clinical Senate).

Dr Michael Gregory (NW Regional Medical Director and CCIO, NHS England) provided an entertaining introductory session reflecting on the role of Clinical Senates since their inception in 2013, and describing how they will continue to provide a valuable function in the future despite new health and care system architecture and changes taking place in NHS England. Michael’s slides can be seen here and the amusing yet pertinent video he showed can be viewed here.

Our facilitator for the day was Gareth Corser, Managing Director at NHS Elect. Gareth took attendees through three workshops which broadly examined:

  • Hints and tips for chairing meetings
  • Creating consensus
  • Having difficult conversations

The workshops provided an interesting and stimulating mixture of teaching regarding evidence-based approaches, discussions, and practical opportunities to try out some of the ideas and approaches. Gareth’s slides can be seen here. Gareth has also kindly provided us with a helpful tip sheet for different types of meetings, which was not explored on the day.

The following references are suggested as further reading for those wishing to explore the day’s content in greater depth:

  • Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss (former lead FBI negotiator)
  • The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge. This book looks at creating learning organisations and understanding why systems behave the way that they do.
  • Turn Enemies into Allies: The Art of Peace in the Workplace by Judy Ringer
  • Death by Meetings by Patrick Lencioni

Early feedback suggests that attendees found the day enjoyable, interesting, and relevant to their roles both within the Clinical Senates and elsewhere. Colleagues valued the opportunity to meet in person and to gain new skills and knowledge that they can usefully apply in their leadership roles. Our sincere thanks go to all of those involved in designing and delivering a fantastic development day.