The Burdett BME nurse development programme run by Kingston University in conjunction with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trusts helps black, Asian and minority ethnic mental health nurses develop the skills and confidence to access more senior roles. The programme offers nurses an opportunity to build leaderships skills, explore how cultural backgrounds influence professional development and provides one-to-one coaching.
In Short:
- The bespoke five-day programme is designed to help increase the number of BAME mental health nurses in senior roles.
- It includes focus groups with BAME staff and service users and carers so those who deliver or receive care first-hand can help develop the nurses.
- Following the programme, all of the 18 participants who applied for promotion were given an interview and 14 of these got the job.
Earlier this year, the fantastic work undertaken by the Burdett nursing development programme was recognised by the Royal College of Nursing, who shortlisted it for an award, and The Guardian, who ran a profile of the programme.
Senior lecturer in clinical leadership and management Judith Francois, who heads the initiative for Kingston University, said the idea for the programme came as a result of an under-representation of BAME mental health nurses in senior roles.
“Our aim was to create a customised programme for the BAME nursing workforce to support professional development and improve nursing retention rates.
“We wanted to give the participants the confidence to believe in themselves and show them their cultural background should be celebrated as they progressed through their careers.”