HFMA Awards 2019: Havelock training
The Havelock Award recognises a contribution to finance skills development, best practice in the training of finance staff or the raising of financial awareness among non-finance staff. Established in 1999, the award is named after former Department of Health deputy finance director Jon Havelock. 
The Chester trust previously trained many of its staff in levels 4 (AAT – technician) and 7 (professionally qualified), paying 75% of the costs. However, like all trusts, there is pressure on budgets and a need to reduce costs. It pays about £600,000 a year into the apprenticeship levy, but uses only around a third to train apprentices. The finance team decided that, to get best value for money, apprenticeships should be used where possible before looking for other sources of training funding.
At the end of 2017 all existing students at levels 4 and 7 were moved to apprenticeships, with the aim of using the levy funding more effectively, supporting existing students to get their qualifications. The team decided that the 20% time allowance set aside for apprentices to study should be used to help them develop professionally, as well as in their courses.
Achieving these aims benefited the trust and the students and has led to cash-releasing savings of some £10,000 a year for the trust. The students do not have to contribute to the cost of their training and are given protected time to study.
There have been a few teething problems with the level 7 apprenticeship, largely because it is so new, but these issues are worked on and resolved as they arise.
Currently, the trust has five finance apprentices, with one having passed their CIMA qualification, and hopes to increase the number in the near future. It is also working on its internal continuing professional development database to simplify the reporting of the 20% protected time.
Gavin Rush (pictured centre), costing accountant at the trust, said the scheme benefited both the trust and students. ‘It’s a big confidence boost for us. It’s a recognition of what can be done through the levy. We want training to be proactive and make better use of taxpayers’ money.’
Praising the standard of all entries, the judges said: ‘The winners showed a holistic approach to apprentice training and utilising the levy accordingly. They gave a strong team presentation, which included an impressive current apprentice. They demonstrated a highly transferable approach and best practice, and are using the apprentice levy to benefit the trust and individuals by reducing cost. This has had an increase in recruitment and retention.’
The programme looked beyond just creating accountants, the judges added. ‘It showed development for individuals as future leaders with soft skill training, and created a positive culture within finance on training, with a full commitment to finance skills development.’
Download our HFMA Awards 2019 supplement here
Highly commended
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust was highly commended for its work to become one of the first trusts to be accredited by the Skills Development Network and Future-Focused Finance at level 3, retaining the accreditation in 2018. The trust’s finance team has a history of commitment to finance skills development and promotes a culture of continuous improvement as it strives to become a world-class learning environment. It views finance skills development as part of the role of each member of the team. The trust has 12 value makers and four finance and clinical educators (FACEs). The finance team has developed training for finance and non-finance staff, including an internally developed apprenticeship scheme, Step into £LHT Finance.
Also shortlisted
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has developed a way of self-reflection, sharing best practice and learning from others as part of its groundwork to achieve FFF level 2 accreditation. This year it became the first organisation outside the North West to gain FFF level 2 accreditation. Initially set up as preparation for the accreditation process peer review visit, it has hosted further visitors to learn, query, share and question. As well as proving beneficial for its visitors, the events have benefited the finance team, developing their presentation and networking skills, and enhancing their understanding of the wider health service.
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