Staff from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust are celebrating today (Tuesday 31 October) after graduating from the Moving Forward development programme.

The leadership programme, which is available to all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff at particular points in their careers, has run for six months and has covered a number of areas including: emotional intelligence; positive thinking; developing support systems and resilience; practical tools for career progression and relationship management.

Zebunnisa Deluce, Specialist Peadiatric Physiotherapist at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am very proud to be part of the NHS and dedicated to delivering high-quality standards of care. The Moving Forward programme has given me great insight into leadership which has helped build my confidence and self-esteem.

“The programme has enabled me to develop new skills and enhance others and therefore given me the tools to help me continue to deliver the best care for my patients.

“With a better understanding of myself, the NHS, and awareness of the importance of staff and patient engagement, I believe I can make a positive impact within the NHS, as a clinician and a team member.”

Lara Parkinson, Organisation Development Facilitator at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This career development programme is aimed at colleagues who have the desire and potential to move into senior management within the next two years and is designed to equip staff with the tools and skills to further their careers.

“We first launched the programme in 2014 and this is our third successful programme in that time. It’s great to have such a committed group of staff who want to make positive change and develop themselves and their careers further.”

The Moving Forward programme is one of a number of development programmes the Trust runs to develop and grow its staff.