Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust (CCS NHST) has been awarded the prestigious National Preceptorship Interim Quality Mark in recognition of its exceptional support for newly-qualified practitioners, aligned with the standards of NHS England’s National Preceptorship Programme.

The Trust offers a 12-month preceptorship programme which provides a period of guidance and support for newly registered practitioners, internationally trained practitioners, return to practice practitioners and those transitioning into new roles as they adapt to being confident, competent practitioners during their first year of employment.

Kate Howard, Chief Nurse at CCS NHST, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our preceptorship programme and are delighted to have received the quality mark which is the national gold standard for NHS organisations to benchmark themselves against.

“Preceptorship helps to support staff wellbeing and retention by setting in place a structure to support professionals who are newly registered, internationally trained, returning to practice and undergoing a transition in role, encouraging them to put their existing knowledge, skills and experiences into everyday clinical practice, grow in confidence and have the best possible start in their careers.

“This recognition not only affirms our dedication to nursing excellence but enhances professional growth and development opportunities for our nurses, underpinning high standards of patient care through skilled and well-supported nursing staff.”

Linda Bazeley, a newly-qualified community paediatric nurse who has benefitted from CCS NHST’s preceptorship programme, said: “The preceptorship helped to ensure I felt well supported from the start of my registered nursing journey and allowed me to meet, share stories, achievements and times when things weren’t going as well.

“The programme gave me time to consolidate my learning and meeting with my preceptor helped me reflect on my journey so far as well as on the future and assisted in highlighting my strengths and weaknesses."

Debbie Cubitt, NHS England Senior Clinical Manager East of England said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust has achieved the National Preceptorship Interim Quality Mark Award.

“The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that preceptees receive guidance, support and supervision to facilitate their transition into the organisation, enabling them to be the best they can for their patients.”

Interested in a career in health care at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust? Visit https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers