Coaching

What’s on offer?

The South West Finance Academy is supporting a limited number of colleagues to access six hours of online coaching through the HFMA professional coaching team. There is no set timeframe for the six hours to be delivered.

Who can apply and when?  

In order to apply you must be working at an NHS organisation in the South West, or in the regional NHSE team within finance. There is no set deadline to apply for this offering.

What is coaching and how does it differ to mentoring?

It’s possible to draw distinctions between coaching and mentoring although in practice the two terms are often used interchangeably. Coaching aims to produce optimal performance and improvement at work. It focuses on specific skills and goals, and may also have an impact on an individual’s personal attributes such as social interaction or confidence. The process typically lasts for a defined period of time or forms the basis of an on-going management style.

Although there’s a lack of agreement among coaching professionals about precise definitions, there are some generally agreed characteristics of coaching in organisations:

• It’s essentially a non-directive form of development focusing on improving performance and developing an individual.
• Personal factors may be included but the emphasis is on performance at work.
• Coaching activities have both organisational and individual goals, for individuals to assess their strengths and development areas.
• It’s a skilled activity, which should be delivered by line managers and others trained in coaching skills.

About coaching

HFMA coaching is an independent coaching service dedicated to healthcare leaders. Working with an HFMA coach will create space to build the clarity, insights and tools that you need to boost your performance and impact. One-to-one coaching sessions deliver key learning and insights that can be put into practice immediately.

The HFMA’s coaches are experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in healthcare finance leadership. They will provide a fresh and honest look at what you’re doing, where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. With the help of an HFMA coach you can explore options, identify, create and review opportunities; establish priorities; overcome barriers; develop skills; change behaviours and improve performance.

Once your coach is selected you are set up on an introduction call to make sure it’s a good fit for both parties before proceeding.

How do I apply?

Please send your expression of interest to online.coaching@hfma.org.uk. Include your name, job title, organisation and ICS, and provide a short paragraph on why you are applying and what you hope to achieve through the coaching. If possible, please include indication of support from your line manager or Finance Director.

Once approved the HFMA coaching team will be in touch to complete your formal questionnaire and match you up with your coach.

You must be working within the finance department at an NHS organisation within the South West region to access this opportunity.