Higher Development Award

Course Overview

This programme is designed to up-skill Support Workers in their current role and enabling them to progress their careers. The award aims to build on the expansive knowledge support staff already hold, give further tools to increase awareness and improve patient/service user outcomes.

Based on the ILM Leadership and Management qualification and developed with the Integrated Care Board, this award provides an understanding the principles of leadership, decision making and problem solving to improve patient care and experience in the changing health and care system.

There will be a focus on communication, team working, service improvement and an introduction to leadership.

Level

Level 2 or Level 3.

Who is the Course For?

This course is for those aged 18 and over, who work in a Support role in the Health and Care sector and live in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area. Check if you live in the WMCA area.

Duration of Study

6 months.

What You’ll Learn

The qualification is made up of a wide range of units covering core management skills – such as understanding how to organise and delegate – plus skills in communication, team leadership, change, innovation and managing people and relationships. This flexibility in unit choice allows the qualifications to be tailored to meet your needs and the needs of your employer. Core units include:

• Leadership and management
• Team dynamics
• Problem solving
• Understanding and planning change
• Training and coaching
• Developing self and others
• Communication in the workplace
• Giving briefings and presentations
• Interview techniques.

Assessment Methods

Taught sessions will take place on site at Coventry College for 1 day each month, with additional activities and assignment work completed after these sessions. There will be a range of online resources and activities to engage with on the Coventry College Moodle platform which you’ll be able to work through in your own time or at a time agreed with your employer.

Each study day is intensive and will help you to understand the material and complete the assignments. We do not recommend as a self-directed programme. If you attend every study day, the only additional work you’ll need to do are the assignments, which usually take around 2-3 hours and any Functional Skills work.

You’re not expected to do any additional research as all information will be provided for you. If you want to do additional research you can do so, and you’ll be provided with useful pointers to signpost you. Expert tutors will support you through your qualification and you will have access to additional 1:1 academic sessions alongside English, Maths and Wellbeing support whenever you need it.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the programme you’ll be able to progress onto a Level 4 programme. For administrators, there may be additional workplace opportunities and progression with your or other departments. If you also complete your Functional Skills English and Maths alongside this programme you would be able to apply for an Assistant Practitioner or Student Nursing Associate role.

How to apply

To apply, simply complete the form below and we’ll be in touch. As part of the process you’ll be invited to an enrolment event on campus where we’ll check your qualifications and our admissions team will offer you information, advice and guidance before you enrol.

You should seek approval from your line manager before applying for this programme.

For Level 2 you will require Functional Skills English (Level 1) and we recommend studying for a Level 2 qualification alongside this programme should you wish to progress onto Level 3.

For Level 3 you will require a Level 2 in English. In exceptional circumstances entry to this course may be considered based on experience and other qualifications previously obtained.

Our ILM Certificate in Leadership and Management is free for those who live within the West Midlands Combined Authority area and currently earn less than £32,000 per year.

Check if you like in the West Midlands Combined Authority area at: https://bit.ly/4eTOQtW

You may be entitled to a loan, grant, or bursary to help with the cost of associated expenses such as travel and childcare. Find out more information about our fees and financial support on the support pages of our website.