Empowering colleagues at Leicester Diabetes Centre through development and training
At Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), staff development is more than a priority, it is a cornerstone of our culture. We believe in nurturing our team members, equipping them with practical skills, and promoting a mindset that thrives on innovation and growth.
We asked Laura Willcocks, Assistant Director for Integration, Education, and Innovation, and Alison Northern, LDC Implementation Lead, who develop and deliver staff training programmes, to explain why staff development at LDC is so important.
The philosophy behind staff development
Laura explains: “We embrace the philosophy, ‘What if we train our people and they leave? What if we don’t, and they stay?’
“Our approach spans an employee's entire journey with us, from induction to leadership and everything in between.”
This holistic perspective emphasises not only skill-building but also peer learning, creating a supportive environment where individuals can share knowledge and grow together.
Alison adds: “Being a leader is not about you; it’s about empowering others to become leaders.”
This ethos guides our training programmes, which are designed to empower individuals at every level to innovate, manage change effectively, and make a meaningful difference.
Tailored training for all levels
At LDC, we provide structured programmes tailored to the unique needs of colleagues in different roles, including:
Leadership development: We run programmes for first-time leaders and senior leaders alike, focusing on equipping them with relevant tools to manage teams, lead services, and drive projects effectively; whilst providing a safe space to discuss current challenges and share good practice.
Administrative skills: Our short, impactful courses help administrative staff refine skills like time-management, communication and problem-solving, enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence.
Presentation and influence: For those representing our organisation, this course hones the art of clear, persuasive communication.
Health and wellbeing: Open to all, these sessions offer practical strategies for resilience and self-care in today’s fast-paced world, drawing on research findings from the wider LDC team.
We’re also integrating coaching into our organisational culture, encouraging staff to embed reflective practices and continuous improvement into their daily routines.
Making learning practical
For us, learning isn’t just theoretical, it is about practical application.
Laura Willcocks emphasises: “Learning is only great if it is applied. Otherwise, it is just theory on a shelf.”
This pragmatic approach ensures our training directly impacts work practices, improving outcomes for patients, teams, and services.
Transformational success stories
Our staff development programmes have yielded inspiring results. From individuals mastering difficult conversations to using newfound skills to secure promotions, the impact is clear. A former attendee still reaches out, sharing updates on how they have applied their learning to excel in their role. Feedback like this showcases the lasting value of our programmes.
A partner in staff development
LDC’s expertise extends beyond our walls. We offer tailored training and facilitate development sessions for external organisations. These range from time-limited workshops to comprehensive team development programmes. Whether it is upskilling a leadership team or introducing strategies for better project management, we bring our tried-and-tested methods to organisations seeking transformative growth.
Why choose LDC?
At LDC, we don’t just invest in skills, we invest in people. Our programmes encourage a growth mindset across all levels, creating a culture where innovation, resilience, and continuous learning thrive.
Whether you are looking to join our team or partner with us to deliver bespoke training, LDC offers a proven pathway to excellence. Together, we can shape a brighter future for your workforce.
For more information on partnering with LDC for your training requirements, contact our team today, by emailing: laura.willcocks@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Laura Willcocks has a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching and is a physiotherapist by background. Laura blends a clinical and patient-focused lens with a depth and breadth of leadership, management, and organisational development experience. She has worked in diabetes care for many years, and the commitment to improve care for people living with diabetes and associated conditions is ever present.
Alison Northern has worked in diabetes education and research in the NHS for over 18 years; she has a passion for purpose-driven leadership, and it is this that drives her to ensure LDC’s research outputs continue to have an impact in the real world. Alison is a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, a member of the Institute of Leadership, and has recently graduated with an MSc in Senior Leadership and Management from De Montfort University.