More than 300 people logged on to join day one (28 April 2021) of our virtual careers conference. The session was aimed at students and those in the early stages of their NHS career.

Speakers provided advice on how to progress your career, talked about their experiences and shared lessons they have learned.

Highlights included a thought-provoking keynote speech from Dr Andy Cope, a qualified teacher, best-selling author, happiness expert and academic. He began the day by talking about ‘ichigo ichie’ which translates to ‘in this moment, an opportunity’. His main message was you have one life, if you don’t like what you do move on – it is never too late.

Kenye Karemo, our Director of Workforce and Education spoke about the importance of the career maps developed at our Trust.

John Marshall, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of East London, discussed the importance of following your passion when choosing your career. He talked about understanding what skills you need, social/emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence and digital proficiency.

Kathryn Halford OBE, our Chief Nurse discussed the new ‘career promise’ we will adopt. This covers four areas: empowerment, providing opportunities for all, providing expertise in skills/knowledge, and support through each stage of the career journey. View career promise document here:  Career Promise.pdf[pdf] 530KB

Delegates put questions to presenters in a Q and A format. They were also able to enjoy nutritional advice and exercise tips for when you are at work.

Day two of our careers conference  is aimed at those with NHS experience. Speakers include Tony Chambers, our Chief Executive, and Prerana Issar, the NHS’ Chief People Officer.

Day one was attended by students from the following schools and universities:

• Barking Abbey School
• Beal High School
• St Edward's CofE School
• Dagenham Park School
• Havering College of Further and Higher Education
• Isaac Newton Academy
• New City College
• London South Bank University
• Brunel University
• Middlesex University
• University of East London
• University of Reading.

Speakers were from a range of professions and included:

• Kenye Karemo, our Director of Workforce and Education 
• Dr Andy Cope, Author - The Art of Brilliance  
• Dr Paul Marshall, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of East London
• Jane Perry, Dean of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London
• Jackie O’Brien, Patient Partner at our Trust
• Joan Saddler OBE, Director of Equality and Partnerships, NHS Confederation
• Kathryn Halford OBE, our Chief Nurse 
• John Bennet, our AHP Education Lead 
• Rosemary Idiaghe, our consultant midwife
• Delphine Garr, our Head of Education Projects and Programmes
• Paul Ayo, Independent Learning and OD Consultant.