About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme

About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme

Trainee 30414 - 36989 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Complete an e-portfolio showcasing your public health skills over 11 months.
  • Company: Join the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme with support from Oxford Brookes University.
  • Benefits: Gain mentorship, attend masterclasses, and enhance your public health expertise.
  • Other info: Flexible learning with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while developing your professional skills.
  • Qualifications: 2 years of public health experience and commitment to completing the portfolio.

The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.

How does the scheme work?

Practitioners successfully accepted on to the scheme will over the course of 11 months submit an e-portfolio comprising of 3 discrete pieces of work with evidence that demonstrates their knowledge, understanding and application mapping all 34 UKPHR Practitioner Standards. The Thames Valley Scheme supports practitioners through the provision of 1 induction and 4 portfolio development groups, facilitated by Oxford Brookes University. The scheme will assign each practitioner to a mentor who is a registered public health practitioner. Individuals will be required to attend 5 Public Health Masterclasses run by London South Bank University. The individual will be expected to submit their completed e-portfolio at the completion date defined by the scheme. Interested applicants should carefully consider the amount of work involved and the amount of personal time expected to be able to meet deadlines.

The portfolio of evidence will be reviewed by UKPHR trained assessors and verified by a panel to inform a recommendation to the UKPHR.

Selection criteria

  • Employment within the Thames Valley geographical area (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes). For those working outside the area, please see UKPHR for your local scheme.
  • Approximately 2 years’ public health experience, usually having occupied a public health practitioner post (see website for further information) at NHS Agenda for Change band 5 – 7 or equivalent in other sectors operating at Level 5. See the Health Career Level Framework at Skills for Health, for more information. They must be working autonomously.
  • Self‑assessment against the Public Health Practitioner Standards. Applicants must be able to demonstrate (through completing the self‑assessment form) a broad range of relevant experience.
  • A signed commitment to completing a portfolio against the Public Health Practitioner Standards for Registration in the timescale specified and full participation in all elements of the scheme.
  • A signed commitment from the line manager for active support and encouragement through practitioner attendance at the induction, learning sets, writing time for portfolio development, relevant CPD events, and progress reviews to address development needs, to a maximum of 8 days in the period specified.

Evaluations and feedback

An external evaluation of the scheme was carried out in 2016. A further external evaluation was done for the 2021 scheme and is available here. One of the recommendations of the 2021 evaluation was to respond to recipients following their feedback. This You said We did document outlines this. The Thames Valley Scheme would like to thank the assessors, verifiers and mentors for taking the time to complete the survey and your ongoing support.

About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme employer: Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)

The Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme offers a unique opportunity for public health practitioners to enhance their skills and knowledge through a structured 11-month programme. With dedicated mentorship, access to masterclasses from esteemed universities, and a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth, this scheme is an excellent choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the public health sector within the Thames Valley area.

Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)

Contact Details:

Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme

Leverage Local PR Events

Dive into the local PR scene by attending industry events, workshops, and seminars. These are goldmines for networking and gaining insights into current trends. Not only can you meet potential employers but also pick up valuable tips that can make your application stand out.

Join PR Associations and Student Groups

Become a member of PR associations or student groups focused on public relations. This will not only bolster your CV but also provide you access to exclusive job boards, mentorship opportunities, and insider scoops on trainee positions, including potential openings at companies like Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH).

Craft a Stellar Personal Brand

You’re in PR, so practice what you preach! Create a personal brand that reflects your communication skills. Think about starting a blog or social media page where you offer insights or commentary on PR campaigns that catch your eye. This can make a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Their Website

When you find a role like the About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH), go straight to their website to apply. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and, with a well-tailored application, could make you pop off the page compared to those who just tick the 'apply now' button on job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace About the Thames Valley Practitioner Development Scheme

Public Health Knowledge
E-Portfolio Development
Self-Assessment Skills
Mentorship
Time Management
Commitment to Professional Development
Autonomous Working

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for PR:In your cover letter, don't hold back on your enthusiasm for public relations! Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, like helping out with university events or creating social media campaigns for clubs. This is your chance to show us why PR excites you and how you’d approach the role at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH).

Highlight Your Writing Skills:PR is all about communication, so make sure your CV and cover letter showcase your writing skills. Include examples of any press releases, articles, or blog posts you've written, or even pitches for campaigns. Don't forget to mention any relevant courses or workshops you've completed that sharpened your writing chops, as this could set you apart from other trainees.

Tailor Your CV for PR:When crafting your CV, aim for a clean, professional layout that is easy to read. Focus on your experiences that highlight your skills in media relations, event planning, and communication. If you’ve had any internships or volunteer positions in the field, make sure to detail your responsibilities and accomplishments clearly—we want to see how you've made an impact!

Research Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH) and the Industry:Show us you’re keen by doing some homework on Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH) and the PR industry before applying. Mention any campaigns or strategies from us that you admire in your cover letter. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to share your insights on PR trends—something we'll definitely appreciate!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)

Know Your PR Fundamentals

Brush up on the basics of public relations—understanding media relations, crisis communication, and public speaking will go a long way. Being able to discuss how these elements affect brand perception is key, so prepare some examples of how you might handle different PR scenarios.

Pitch Perfect: Be Ready to Showcase Your Ideas

For a trainee role, you'll want to demonstrate your creativity and initiative. Prepare a mini pitch for a hypothetical PR campaign for Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH)—think about target audiences, key messages, and channels. This shows you're proactive and able to think on your feet, which is super important in PR.

Social Media Savvy

In today's PR landscape, being social media savvy is a must. Be ready to discuss how you've used platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn in the past, whether it's for a project at university or an internship. Bring along your portfolio of any work you've done online to show that you can create engaging content.

Wrap It Up with Research

Researching Oxford School of Public Health (OxSPH) is crucial, but go beyond the basics. Dig into their recent campaigns or press releases and be ready to discuss what you admire about them and where you think there's room for improvement. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to be a proactive team member right from the start.