Posted on: 10 May 2022
In June 2021, CNWL sought applications from staff to join the new Leadership Ladder Programme, a pilot across North West London to increase the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) talent pipeline and build a more inclusive, diverse population of leaders.
We are pleased to introduce you to Kristin Javen, who joined CNWL in October 2021 as part of the programme as Assistant Head for the Serious Incident Review Team. Below, you can find out more about Kristin, the leadership programme and learn more about the work she led in our organisation.
What is the Leadership Ladder Programme?
This is a rotational programme developed by the NW London Integrated Care System (ICS – of which CNWL is part), to offer BAME staff in Bands 8a to 8c the opportunity to work in two different associate management roles over 12 months.
Throughout the programme, participants work at a higher band than their substantive role, collectively drive a system wide project, and study a bespoke curriculum to enhance their leadership skills. The programme equips BAME participants to better compete for more senior leadership roles, and receive exposure of cross system working. Read more about the programme here.
Why did you apply for the Leadership Ladder Programme?
“It is known that there is a relatively small number of BAME staff, particularly a Filipino nurse like me, in senior leadership posts,” says Kirstin. “This is about giving us the opportunity to showcase our skills, knowledge and talents. If given the right opportunity we can do so much more. It is a matter of unlocking our potentials through this programme and being acknowledged as effective leaders.”
Tell us about your placement role and what you are responsible for
“For my role in the Serious Incident Review Team, I support staff across the three CNWL divisions to make sure serious incidents are investigated thoroughly and learning is identified. On top of this role, I am also overseeing the introductory aspects of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, including scoping and recommendations for taking the work forward. This is a new process on how organisations should respond to patient safety incidents, and when investigations should be conducted. This has given me the opportunity to collaborate with early adopters in CNWL as well as the NHS England and Improvement Team for the upcoming implementation.”
Kristin’s Placement Manager at CNWL, Joe Nhemachena (Head of Serious Incident Review Team) says:
“Kristin has been a breath of fresh air in our team and brings a wealth of experience. We have used her knowledge of the serious incident process in the acute sector to test change ideas and learn. While undertaking her placement with set objectives, she has also been an excellent leader.”
How is your work impacting staff, patient’s and/or service users?
“During my placement at CNWL, I have introduced a new Trustwide approach and template on how to effectively conduct and produce serious incident reports. This has now been implemented across the team and within quality improvements projects with very good feedback.”
What advice can you give to organisations seeking to create more diverse teams?
“The NHS is known to have diverse staff and service users - so why not develop a leader who represents the groups that we serve? We know that diversity and inclusion will lead to improved health as well as greater staff and patient experiences. Having diverse team leaders is an asset to the health system and a valuable resource pool for the NHS with the various hands on experience they offer.”
When you leave CNWL, what do you want to be remembered for?
“As NHS leadership and services evolve, I’m keen to develop a system wide perspective and strengthen the ties between key organizations for future integrated work.
“I want to be remembered as a pioneer who initiated change by being part of the very first leadership programme initiative. I want to inspire BAME members to take on more senior leadership roles where we are under-represented, and I want to be remembered as one of the Filipinos who tried to break the bamboo ceiling.”
What is your advice to others wanting to apply for senior leadership roles?
“It’s always scary taking the first step, regardless of your ethnicity, but always remember to take the opportunities that are presented to you. It’s even scarier not to take the challenge, for it might not present itself again.”
From April 2022, Kristin will move on to the second chapter of the programme, where she will complete an additional six-month placement at a different organisation in NWL.