94 Development of an allied health band 7 and 8 preceptorship programme at Great Ormond Street Hospital

N H S England Allied Health Professionals (AHP) National Preceptorship Standards (2024) and HCPC Principles of Preceptorship (2023) state that tailored development opportunities should be offered across key career transitions such as moving into a new role or organisation. Preceptorship is most established for newly qualified AHPs, and research shows this improves job satisfaction, confidence, recruitment, and retention. Emerging evidence shows that dedicated band 6 education also improves staff confidence and competence. Internal demand, new national frameworks and the vision to provide educational programmes from band 5-8 at GOSH were key drivers for this project.A qualitative approach to gathering data was utilised. Semi-structured interviews facilitated a deeper understanding about what was working well, where improvement was needed and any gaps. All AHP specialities at GOSH were represented, including the Chief AHP, 9 band 7s and 7 band 8s. The results were coded, analysed and mapped to educational courses currently on offer to avoid duplication.Themes for education emerged under leadership, people management, finances, research, digital, education, sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion. Further development was especially requested from staff who wanted to progress without applying to formal academic pathways, such as MSc or Advancing Practice. Challenges were identified in the wide-ranging level of experience at band 7-8 and how to develop education that met the variety of needs and priorities.Two development programmes were proposed – The first aimed at band 7s who were new to role, or early in their band 7 career and the second for experienced bands 7-8. A working group was set up, and subject matter experts consulted to co-develop the curriculum around the four pillars of practice. A pilot cohort is planned to evaluate the course content to ensure high-quality education and to show the impact of the programme through key performance indicators.