SoR Leadership Mentoring Scheme

Increasing leadership skills across the UK

The Leadership Mentoring Scheme is designed to support members who wish to move into senior leadership roles.

The scheme will facilitate a small cohort who will receive one to one mentoring from senior leaders within our profession.

The scheme aims are to equip mentees with leadership and management skills, increased personal and professional confidence and professional networking.

You can find more info about the PLMS below, or by contacting [email protected] (please use PLMS as the subject header).




In addition to attending the launch event which will take place on 19 October, successful candidates will be expected to join the training and networking sessions below. Please make sure you’re available to attend before applying.  


Session
Date & time/duration
Location
Pre-launch training event


4 October 2023
60mins between 09:00-13:00
(exact timings TBC)


Virtual
Launch event
19 October 2023
All day


SCoR HQ, London


Networking 2 & training event


TBC 18 January or w/b 22 Jan 2024
Half-day


Virtual
Networking 3 event


10 – 12 June 2024
30 – 60min sessions on one of these days


UKIO or virtual attendance
Final networking event
TBC 18 or 19 Sept 2024
All day

SCoR HQ, London




Mentor profiles

  • Christine Heales

    Title, first name and surname: Dr Christine Heales

    Geographic region: South West

    Name of workplace: University of Exeter

    Position: Deputy Head of Department, Department of Health and Care Professions Head of Medical Imaging
    Senior Lecturer

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 

    PgC and Open Module MRI reporting (head and spine)
    PhD Physics
    PgC Academic Practice
    PgC MRI
    MSc Medical Imaging
    DCR(R)

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
    I’m currently in a leadership role within the Department of Health and Care Professions at the University of Exeter. Before that I was the Principal Radiographer of a busy MRI department for a few years, which built on prior experience of being a Deputy Superintendent Radiographer of a scanning centre, and various Senior Radiographer roles.

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):

    Within my current role at the University, I undertake a variety of mentoring activities including mentoring colleagues new to university life, or who are coming into departmental or educational leadership roles. I also undertake personal tutoring, project supervision, and support post-graduate students on their PhDs / Doctorates.

    Within clinical roles I’ve mentored colleagues new to the department, or new to modality leadership roles elsewhere in the Imaging Department, as well as providing clinical supervision of radiographers new to MRI and student radiographers.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
    I found the learning curve when I moved into my leadership role within the MRI department to be very steep but ultimately, I found the role very rewarding. I’d therefore like to be able to utilise my experiences to be able to support other radiographers interested in, or within, leadership roles. I do believe leadership is a skill that can be developed to the benefit of radiographers as well as patients and service users. I would really appreciate the opportunity to be able to mentor individuals who are going to be part of our next generation of radiography leaders.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?

    I’d like the mentee to understand the nature of the mentoring relationship including scope and boundaries, and to have a clear idea of what outcome(s) they’d like to achieve from the mentoring relationship. I’d also like them to be proactive e.g., by thinking about topics for discussion. I’d also encourage them to be open and honest for example if our pairing as mentor and mentee isn’t being effective and / or beneficial for them.

    Download mentor profile. 

  • Clare Hartill

    Title, first name and surname: Mrs Clare Hartill

    Geographic region: North London

    Name of workplace: The Royal Free London

    Position: Head of Radiotherapy

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
    BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
    Management in a crisis (COVID)
    Workforce planning
    Service development and expansion
    Compassionate leadership
    The development of radiographers as professionals

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):

    Mentor to a radiographer mentee in the Pilot Leadership Mentor Scheme
    Informal mentoring of all grade of radiographic staff throughout my career

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
    I feel that radiographers have little opportunity to develop leadership skills in terms of service management, even if it is a route that they want to take.  We allow radiographers to assume leadership and service management roles with little training or support so I wanted to be part of a program that will change this situation and better prepare our future leaders.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
    To be fully engaged in the process and to come ready to learn and be learnt from.

    Download mentor profile. 

  • Clare Simcock

    Mentor profile to be available in due course.

  • David White

    Title, first name and surname: Mr David White 

    Geographic region: Coventry

    Name of workplace: University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

    Position: Head of Operations - Imaging

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 

    MSc in Behavioural Biology and Healthcare, University of Surrey
    Continuing Education Diploma Technical Management of Scientific Departments
    Management Diploma of the College of Radiographers
    Diploma of the College of Radiographers
    UHCW Coaching Academy Level 5 Training (Accreditation Pending)

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management: 

    I provide professional leadership and am responsible and accountable for the operational management, financial resources and engagement of Imaging services. In addition, I manage the overall performance and transformation delivery within Imaging and I am actively involved in the strategy, decision making and coordination of imaging services activities, clinical workload, waiting lists and working arrangements.

    I work with my team to deliver an optimal patient-centred service whilst continually developing new and innovative business management systems to maximise the organisational efficiency and effectiveness of the service.

    I am a leader with strong communication and organisational skills gained from extensive clinical and managerial experience. I use structured thinking and am committed to the clinical service needs of patients and staff. I’m not afraid to challenge and lead with enthusiasm and direction to achieve the desired objectives. I work as part of a team, using a peer support structure, sometimes under great pressure where flexibility and initiative are essential.

    Foremost, I enjoy my role, I don't take myself too seriously and I am proud in being a Diagnostic Radiographer.

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor): 

    Participated in the UHCW Coaching Academy, to level 5. Accreditation (delayed due to the pandemic) is expected in 2022.

    I have coached on a one-to-one basis, as well as peer-to-peer coaching since 2020. I regularly received supervision during this period.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme? 
    Pass on knowledge, skills and experiences as a Radiographer with over 35 years of working in the NHS.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
    Developing the next generation of professional senior managers in Imaging.

    Please state any extracurricular activities/hobbies that you have.  This may help in pairing you with your mentee.

    • Cycling – short (30 -50 miles) and long-distance rides (100 -200 miles)
    • Reading and listening to audio books
    • Cooking
    • Ironing
    • Going to the cinema
    • Technology and Kit

    Download mentor profile.

  • Helen White

    Mentor profile to be available in due course.

  • Jill Mckenna

    Title, first name and surname: Mrs Jill McKenna

    Geographic region: North East

    Name of workplace: Rutherford Diagnostics

    Position: Chief AHP, Head of Imaging and Operations

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
    BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging MSc Medical Imaging (MRI) Pgc Clinical Leadership including coaching

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
    Change Management, collaborative working, start-up innovation, professional lead, modality expert and pre-treatment superintendent in Radiotherapy (as a diagnostic Radiographer)

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
    Student mentor, clinical supervisor, staff mentor.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
    Impart knowledge and experience of leadership and the profession to up and coming leaders. Allow others to reach their full potential.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
    A fantastic resource for our profession to gain the ability to question and gain experience from others. It is a privilege to be part of the pilot.

    Please state any extracurricular activities/hobbies that you have.  This may help in pairing you with your mentee.
    I am a wife and mother of one son. A dedicated Radiographer for over 27 years. I thrive on new experiences and meeting new people. I like to travel, and skiing is my passion. I work far too hard and constantly must realign my work life balance.

    Download mentor profile.

  • Karen Glencross

    Title, first name and surname: Karen Glencross

    Geographic region: South Yorkshire

    Name of workplace: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    Position: Medical Imaging Manager

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
    Post graduate certificate in Mammographic Studies 2006
    Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers 1988-1991
    Certificate of Competence in Mammography 1990
    Diploma of the College of Radiographers 1982

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
    I am currently responsible for the operational management support of all Medical Imaging to ensure safe, efficient & cost-effective service delivery and provides overall leadership support to around 400 clinical, technical, administrative and support staff. Medical Imaging are accredited under QSI.

    I have introduced secondments for advanced and clinical practice roles and am passionate about developing interesting career pathways across imaging to allow staff to reach their full potential.

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
    Line manager for imaging modality managers, clinical specialist, advanced practitioners and operational mangers within medical imaging.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
    As I approach retirement, I would like to encourage the personal and professional development of future radiography leaders. I hope by fostering positive relationships with mentees and being able to support them with the challenges they are facing I will also learn from them. I think the scheme will improve my understanding of the younger generation and be mutually beneficial in developing network and communication skills. 

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
    That they are proactive, positive and engaged with the scheme. They should be open to feedback and willing to collaborate on ideas and suggestions. It would be helpful if they had a goal or challenge in mind. 

    Download mentor profile. 

  • Nicola Davies

    Mentor profile to be available in due course. 

  • Paula Brown

    Title, first name and surname: Mrs Paula Brown

    Geographic region: East Midlands

    Name of workplace: Radiotherapy Department, Lincoln County Hospital

    Position: Radiotherapy Services Manager

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: BSc(hons) Radiotherapy, ISO 9001 Advanced lead auditor, EGA Masters in healthcare leadership, mental health first aider

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:Impact and influence, motivation, QI change, people management/HR processes

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
    All informal: Clinical supervisor for MSc modules, careers support for staff, student mentor, mentor for mental health support.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme? To pass on tips and knowledge to aid with succession planning for the future of the profession to ensure that the future leaders are well prepared and confident in the roles they apply for.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?To be curious, enthusiastic, questioning and willing to go outside of their comfort zone to achieve their goals.

    Please state any extracurricular activities/hobbies that you have.  This may help in pairing you with your mentee.
    I am a season ticket holder for the Leicester Tigers rugby club. I enjoy ten pin bowling, cross stitch, reading and musicals.

    Download mentor profile.

  • Penny Owens

    Title, first name and surname: Penny Owens

    Geographic region: Midlands

    Name of workplace: University Hospitals Of Derby and Burton NHS FT.

    Position: Specialist Advisor

    Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
    FCR, MSc (public sector management – university of Aston Business school) , HDCR, DRNI, Clinical Instructors cert. Trust mentor training, Trust coaching training.

    Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
    Corporate-level experience in regard to the following areas: management of change, leadership development, quality & governance, leading across boundaries in both NHS and Independent Healthcare sector environments.

    Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
    MSc mentoring, career advisory experience within radiography and across the other AH and nursing professions. Currently provide a wide range of mentoring and coaching within the NHS and Independent healthcare sector organisations for aspiring and incumbent leaders programmes.

    What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
    The satisfaction of passing the baton to the next generation of healthcare leaders.

    What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
    That the mentee wishes to use the programme for support and development. This would be demonstrated by commitment to the programme and completing the cycle.

    Please state any extracurricular activities/hobbies that you have.  This may help in pairing you with your mentee.
    Registered shepherdess- provide a home for rescue sheep and rescue hens.
    Enthusiastic SCUBA diver – but only in warm climates!

    Download mentor profile.

Steering Group

  • Alexandra Lipton
  • Alison Hewitt
  • Karen Smith
  • Paula Horne
  • Shelley Whittington

Independent Adjudicator

  • Dr Rachel Harris


Self-Assessment

A useful exercise for mentees would be to assess their leadership skills before and after the pilot; one such assessment tool is provided by the NHS Leadership Academy Healthcare leadership model self-assessment tool.

 

NHS Leadership Development Programmes

If you would like to learn more about leadership, there are a number of resources at the NHS Leadership Academy. The following leadership programmes are available:

  • Edward Jenner Leadership programme
    A first port of call if you’re looking to build a strong foundation of leadership skills that can help enhance your confidence and competence in your role.
  • Mary Seacole programme
    Recommended for those new into a leadership position, this programme covers the fundamentals of leadership, leading for improvement and management skills.

  • Stepping Up programme
    This five-month leadership development programme is for aspiring Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) colleagues working within healthcare.