NHS Graduate Management Trainee Excels in First Year of Programme
It's been one year since Sophie Eaton embarked on her journey as an NHS Graduate Management Trainee within KFM. Joining through the NHS Leadership Academy, Sophie's role as Operational and Strategic Trainee Manager will prepare her for potential management and leadership roles within the NHS or healthcare organisations. As we celebrate her one-year milestone, KFM welcomes another graduate, Rose Hand, to the Business Services & Human Resources team.
The Graduate Management Trainee scheme is a prestigious and highly competitive graduate programme designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles within the healthcare sector, from developing leadership and management skills, to understanding the challenges and complexities of the healthcare industry.
Concentrating on the operational side of things in her first year, Sophie has been involved in the procurement of essential equipment for King's Critical Care units, C&D, also playing a pivotal role in the reconfiguration of the Liver ITU storeroom, after KFM took over management of its supply chain. Her contributions extended to the collaborative work with the dental building, focusing on inventory management, barcoding, and offering support to sterile services.
Paige Holdaway, Dental Nurse Practice Development Co-Ordinator at King's, said: “Sophie has been an integral part of our project with STERIS in dental. She has been amazing at communicating between stakeholders, responsive and accessible via email and phone, and in person if she is on site. She has been so helpful and conscientious in all aspects of her role. I am so grateful for her and her approach to such a mammoth task, her organisation, diligence and drive have all helped massively and have aided us to where we are now.”
Sophie's journey will now take her onto a 2-month placement at Deloitte, one of the world's leading providers of management consulting services. This placement attracted 27 graduate trainee applications for the available two positions at Deloitte. Her role will make a significant contribution to the projects and the business, seeing her supporting clients in solving complex challenges. Sophie intends to carry her learnings from KFM to excel in the placement and return to share her knowledge with KFM, benefiting both organisations.
Reflecting on her first year, Sophie shared, “It's been amazing. Coming from a clinical background, this environment was different from anything I've experienced before. The way I was inducted and set up for success was exceptional. I've been exposed to so much, and it's been incredible to have this experience coming from a different field. It has prepared me well for my upcoming flexi placement.”
Kerry, Head of Operational & Strategic Delivery, and GMTS Lead, said: "Sophie has had a fantastic first year at KFM through building strong relationships with key stakeholders and delivering for our customers. Sophie successfully securing a placement at Deloitte is an amazing achievement and I am sure she will take full advantage of the opportunity. I am also delighted that we secured a second graduate trainee this year and look forward to meeting Rose soon. Many high-profile NHS leaders started their leadership journeys as trainees on this scheme. It is therefore a great opportunity for KFM to contribute to the development of a potential future NHS leader! I am sure we will continue to provide a positive experience for our trainees and continue the annual pipeline of graduates at KFM."
As Sophie looks forward to her second year, she is excited about the strategic projects on the horizon. While a plan is being finalised, Sophie mentioned her involvement in sterile services and procurement, with a focus on contract retendering.