Earlier this year, radiographers from the Midlands region celebrated the success of the Midlands Diagnostic Radiography Educator Conference.
On March 26, Olivia Clarksmith and Rachel Bridges, lead practice placement educators for the Midlands under the Midlands Imaging Training Academy, brought together educators and professionals from across the region for collaboration, reflection, and inspiration.
Funded by the Midlands Imaging Training Academy and sponsored by Philips, the event welcomed attendees from NHS Trusts and representatives from local higher education institutions, including Birmingham City University, the University of Derby, and Keele University.
Supporting learners
Themes from the day focused on the Safe Learning Environment Charter (SLEC), which supports the development of positive safety cultures and continuous learning across all learning environments in the NHS, and examples of best practice in relation to this across the Midlands.
Educators were invited to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and learn from one another. Alongside this focus on educational excellence, the day also emphasised the importance of educator wellbeing.
Attendees were also encouraged to reflect on the need to care for themselves in order to better support learners, with wellbeing sessions including yoga, mindfulness, exercise, and even complimentary massages.
A range of inspiring talks highlighted innovation and development within the field, covering topics such as simulation in education, lessons learnt from the National Education and Training Survey, the DRAD CAT Project (a national standardised clinical assessment tool for pre-registration diagnostic radiography education), and PhD research exploring simulation.
Updates from national bodies, including NHSE and the Society of Radiographers also provided valuable insight into the ongoing support available for educators, such as the SoR's Education and Career Framework and NHS Englands Educator Workforce Strategy, which sets out strategies for improving the capacity and quality of educators in the NHS workforce.
The Midlands Imaging Training Academy, meanwhile, showcased the training opportunities that were available across the region.
Sharing excellent practice
In 2022, NHSE funding for practice educators in radiography meant there were many new educators in the radiography workforce who needed support within the role.
Olivia and fellow radiography educator Rebecca Magrath had undertaken the role for some years, and decided to launch a Radiography Educators forum to bring members of the profession together to support each other.
After almost a year, Olivia hosted the first in-person conference in 2023, with educators coming from across the country to attend University Hospitals Birmingham and share the work they are most proud of, and learn from excellence.
She said: “Since being in post for Midlands Imaging Training Academy, myself and Rachel Bridges have a focused group for the Midlands, in order to provide greater support at a regional level.
“Whilst in post we were passionate about undertaking a second conference, where we could share all of the excellent practice that was occurring across the region and it all went on from there.
“We are incredibly keen to make it a yearly event and our sponsors Phillips have said they would be happy to support.”
(Image: Attendees at the Midlands Diagnostic Radiography Educator Conference)