BIOS New Graduate Listening Event
On Thursday 14th January 2021 we held a listening event targeted exclusively to new graduates. This was due to the previous events lacking input from this group of our workforce, and we feel it is very important that we hear the views and feedback from our early career orthoptists so we can understand how BIOS can support them. The event was led by Joe Smith (New Graduate Representative on Council) and supported by Veronica Greenwood (Chair BIOS) and Sam Aitkenhead (BOSTU Advisor).
The event attracted a group of 13 dynamic new graduate orthoptists, and we introduced the session by discussing the benefits of being a BIOS member and the support available from BOSTU. We also discussed the role of new graduate representative and the current ways we are supporting our new graduates, such as:
- BIOS enhanced preceptorship – we have updated the current preceptorship to include some new aspects to allow new graduates to reflect on the skills they have and the skills they need to develop. This document is currently undergoing ratification and we hope that it will be distributed very soon (further information will be circulated via PV and LOOP).
- Job interview guide – in 2020 we created this guide as we know interviews can be especially daunting to new graduates who lack experience in the interview process for orthoptic roles. We were very pleased to hear this had been of use to those on the call, however, some had not heard of this. It can be found in the members’ support and information section within the members’ area, under standards and guidance. Alternatively, you can follow this link. If further support with interviewing is required new graduates can also email the new graduate representative (newgrad@orthoptics.org.uk).
- New graduate forum – there is a new graduate group on the BIOS website located within the members’ area. This group can be used to ask questions and share resources. It currently has 35 members, and we hope to grow this.
- Awards for attendance to the IOA – last year we launched an award that provided successful new graduates with funds to purchase a ticket to attend the IOA. We received many outstanding applications, and it was a true shame that we could not support all application, but we awarded four new graduates (Rebecca Flynn, Aneesa Hussain, Emma Rowett, and Charlotte Smith) who demonstrated a clear passion for orthoptics and a desire to improve patient care and add value to their orthoptic department. Unfortunately, the event ended up being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we allowed the new graduates to use the funds for other CPD activities. We plan to do this again in the future to encourage more new graduates to get involved with CPD events and ensure our workforce is aware of the most up-to-date evidence-based practice.
- Individual support – this is available to any new graduate/early-career orthoptist who feels they need support from somebody at BIOS. For example, support with job interviews, issues at work, and support with audit/research. Orthoptist can access this by emailing me (newgrad@orthoptics.org.uk) and if I cannot directly provide support, I will be able to contact the right people to get you the support required.
During the event there were lots of questions and issues raised, these included:
- Preceptorship not being in place within some departments. For those departments who are not supporting their new graduates with a preceptorship, we would like to echo the importance of the preceptorship in terms of the development of clinical confidence and competence for the specific new graduates. Implementing a preceptorship also has several benefits proven by research for patients and service users, the preceptor, the profession, and the organisations new graduates are employed by. BIOS would encourage the use of the profession-specific preceptorship for the clinical aspects, but other preceptorships are a great opportunity for new graduates to socialise and develop connections with other health care professionals. We would also encourage Heads/Leads of Services to provide specific time to enable preceptees and preceptors to meet and discuss aspects of preceptorship to support their development. LOOP will be sending out communications to Heads/Leads of Services with further advice.
- New graduates would like more CPD events, specifically around COVID-19 and eye-related conditions especially concerning screen time. We will raise this with our Research Director and the EPDC to look at developing an event that encompasses these topics or providing relevant resources.
- BIOS attending universities to educate final year students on the things that are available to new graduate/early-career orthoptists as lots of new graduates were unaware of the ways we can support them. We did plan on attending universities last year but due to the pandemic this was not possible, however, we will ensure that this year we have a Teams session with all final year students before they graduate to discuss all the benefits and the importance of preceptorship.
- Questions about extended roles and feeling pressured into doing non-core roles too early after graduating. Of course, every early-career orthoptist will progress at different rates and there is no specific timeframe on when an extended role can be started, however, it is very important to ensure that you are confident and competent with all aspects of core Orthoptics before undertaking an extended role. Despite there often being a financial incentive for taking on these roles we would advise new graduates to not feel pressured to take on such roles too early as this is often when problems arise in later careers. We would also like to remind early-career orthoptist that to be a Band 6 does not mean you are required to undertake an extended role – it is about your competence and responsibilities within your department and this varies. BIOS will look at providing some guidance on this to support early-career orthoptists.
- COVID-19 and redeployment – new graduates asked questions about insurance and support. We advised that when orthoptists are required to take on roles outside their core clinical responsibilities, they are not covered by BIOS but will be covered by their Trust if working under specific PGDs. It is important that new graduates only undertake roles they feel confident in performing and they should be provided with training and support (via competency pack). If new graduates have specific concerns, they should discuss them with their BOSTU representative. We have also shared the specific BIOS and HCPC advice to new graduates by email and on the new graduate forum.
- New graduates being asked to work under and have training in PGDs despite having exemptions. This is no longer required where orthoptists are using drops listed under exemptions. The EPDC and medicines leads will provide guidance about this to Head/Leads of Service and new graduates shortly.
We also discussed becoming an ambassador via the inspiring the future initiative. It is very important that we continue to promote our profession by attending schools/colleges/career events to ensure that potential students learn about orthoptics, as often people have not unless they have direct experience of orthoptic care or have friends/family who are orthoptists. It is important to remember that even if students aren’t interested in orthoptics as a career we can educate them on our role and how we support the NHS to raise awareness.
The attendees were also particularly interested in the Buddy system we are developing. This will offer support to those moving to (or considering moving to) new areas and allow them to contact a fellow orthoptist who is geographically close to ask questions or meet up. If you are interested in getting involved please email newgrad@orthoptics.org.uk with your name, contact details (mobile and/or email address), and where you are located.
I will also be coming to the end of my term as New Graduate Representative for the BIOS Council in August 2021. We will therefore be advertising the position for potential applicants around May 2021. If you are interested in taking over this role then feel free to contact me by email to discuss if you would like. It is a great position to learn more about BIOS, promote the profession, and support fellow new graduates. You will also develop vital skills that will help you throughout your future careers.
The attendees stated that they found the session beneficial and I know that we certainly did at BIOS. On the call, we discussed holding more listening events later in the year and will share more information about this soon. I would like to personally thank all the new graduates that took the time to attend the listening event and get involved with helping us ensure to are supporting new graduates, we really do value your input and feedback.
Finally, remember that if you know other HCPC registered orthoptists who are not members of BIOS please encourage them to become a member. This year, we are again running our popular Member Get Member campaign. If you’re a BIOS member, for each new member that you recommend, we’ll give you a £10 gift voucher to say thanks! Further information can be found on this link.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Smith,
BIOS New Graduate Representative
