Coaching and mentoring from someone who's done the job
FOR NHS LEADERS AND COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS
Leadership, communication and engagement in the NHS and public sector are demanding, often invisible and rarely straightforward. I offer coaching and mentoring for the people doing the work, as a former NHS Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement and trainer of senior leaders in the NHS who is also an ICF and EMCC qualified coach and mentor.
Why work with me?
Few coaches know the realities we face as senior managers and leaders in NHS and public sector comms, and few comms experts also have experience in involving people and communities.
I have many years of experience in both, and leadership within the NHS and local government to boot, and I'm a qualified coach, mentor and trainer as well.
You'd be mad not to work with me!
Multiple hats, used together
Coaching:
Space to think. Through careful questions, you work out what you want, what's getting in the way and what you'll do next. Your answers, your pace.
Mentoring:
When it helps, I share what I've learned: how to frame a strategy for the board, handle a hostile stakeholder or meet your consultation duties. We agree which hat is needed as we go.
I've sat in your chair
I've led comms and engagement at director level in the NHS and senior level in local government. I've built teams, turned them around, merged them and handled the crises in between.
Teaching the profession
I'm lead lecturer on the postgraduate certificate in Health Communications, Engagement and Consultation, so I keep up with where practice is heading and work with senior managers.
A qualified coach
ICF and EMCC qualified. I listen closely and ask the questions that help you find your own way, rather than handing you mine.
What we might talk about
Every session is shaped by what you bring. These are some of the things comms and engagement people most often want to work through.
Career and confidence
Imposter syndrome in senior rooms · Stepping up to head of comms or engagement lead · Moving between the NHS, councils and charities · Returning to work after a break
Wellbeing and resilience
The always-on news cycle and out-of-hours calls · Absorbing other people's anxiety in a crisis · Boundaries, workload and avoiding burnout · Staying true to your values in a political environment
Leading a team
Your first months in a new role · Inheriting, rebuilding or merging a team · Big expectations with a small team and budget · Leading people through restructures and change
Difficult colleagues
A manager who doesn't value comms · Tension or conflict within your team · Senior colleagues who undermine or bypass you · Having the honest conversation you've been putting off
Influence and stakeholders
Being seen as strategic, not just a delivery service · Earning credibility with the board and executives · Working with clinicians, councillors and partners · Pushing back and saying no, well
Interview practice
Preparing for a head of comms, director or engagement lead interview · Practising competency and values-based questions · Presentations and media-handling exercises · Talking about your impact with confidence
The profession under pressure
Crisis communications and media scrutiny · Engagement and consultation duties in the NHS · Difficult public meetings and contested service changes · Showing the impact of your work
What's next for you?
Whether to stay, move on or step back · Going freelance or fractional · Balancing a career with family and caring · Midlife, menopause and working life
Ways to work together
One-to-one
Hour-long coaching and mentoring sessions online, at times that work around a busy role, including evenings.
New in post
Focused support for newly appointed heads of comms and engagement leads as they find their feet and build their team.
Groups and action learning
Group coaching or action learning sets for comms teams and cohorts, learning from each other's real challenges.
Funded by your organisation
Coaching for your staff, on its own or alongside a team review, skills audit or training.
Sessions are confidential and follow the ICF and EMCC codes of ethics. Packages are available for individuals and for organisations; ask me for rates.
In their words
"Shelley's knowledge of the workings of the NHS meant she understood the scenarios I presented. Her coaching techniques were very gentle but powerful, cutting through to the root of the issues through her questioning."
Coaching client, NHS
"I really valued the opportunity to talk through my career development thinking with her. She helped me consider my options in a new and different way."
Coaching client CS