LOCSU Forward Plan – nurturing future LOC leaders

31 May 2023

LOCSU has released the detail behind its Strategy Summary with a pledge to place LOCs ‘front and centre’ by making LOC focus a top priority along with LOC development.

Janice Foster, CEO says LOCSU is already making substantial headway into the plan’s delivery:

“The LOCSU Forward Plan is unashamedly ambitious, however, this is necessary if we are to support LOCs effectively to maximise all opportunities in the complex NHS landscape. Following 2 years of uncertainty as we responded to the pandemic, we are now refocussing on our core support unit work, providing even more services to meet the needs of LOCs. It is an exciting time with much to do and, together, we will rise to the challenge.”

A key strand of the plan is the active support of LOCs in their development through providing accessible training. Ensuring LOCs are fully support with the skills that they need to bring about real changes to primary eyecare in their area. LOCs outlined the training that they would find most helpful and LOCSU has begun rolling out monthly virtual bite size training, ticking off the LOC wish list of hot topics.

Following the April media training, May saw the delivery of much requested negotiation training.

Feedback from attendees on the media training was overwhelmingly positive with comments including “Engaging, insightful and transferrable” and “I thought it was useful to hear the viewpoint from a journalist regards interviews and how to prepare for them and take advantage of the opportunity it gives you rather than being fearful and anxious about it – I thought it was very useful training.”

Coming up in July will be influencing training. All the courses have been fully booked, with a waiting list, so LOC members are advised to get in early for the next session in this rolling development programme.

Janice said: “The virtual bite size programme complements the extensive LOCSU training and development offering. We are excited to bring this opportunity to every LOC to nurture the leadership talent of the future.”

The monthly bite size programme is suitable for all LOC members whether new to an LOC or more experienced and looking for a refresher.