Published May 2024
Horizons takes a leading role in convening networks to address key challenges such as how can we best care for the health and wellbeing of staff through a pandemic, to building a coalition of partners around physical activity across the NHS, Sport England and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sectors.
The Networks we convene:
Improvement Directors Network
The National Improvement Directors Network (IDN) is a dedicated space for Executive Directors with Board level responsibility for improvement. The IDN is specifically for provider Trusts, Integrated Care Systems, and NHS England Regional leads for Improvement.
Our aim is to provide Executive leaders for improvement an opportunity to come together every month and connect with the National Clinical Director and Improvement Director for NHS England. This space is to openly share, consult and support NHS IMPACT and the work of the National Improvement Board.
Improvers Learning Network
The National ILN is a partner improvement space connected to the National Improvement Director Network. It is a learning and professional forum for senior improvement leaders sharing practical applications of improvement and building capability for improvement. The network will provide a safe, supportive environment for senior improvement leaders to focus on collective and professional development themes to support effective delivery of NHS IMPACT. Together we will identify areas for co-creation, spread and scale.
National Collaborative Group for Physical Activity and Healthcare
The National Collaborative Group for Physical Activity and Healthcare aims to make Physical Activity a norm for the prevention and management of Long-Term Conditions in the health system. The collaborative group comes together each month, with a diverse range of stakeholders across NHS England, Sport England and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sectors.
Proud2bOps
Proud2bOps is a national network that Energises, Connects and Develops Operational Managers and Leaders working within provider health and care organisations, including; community, acute, primary, mental health, independent, voluntary and ambulance sectors.
Proud2bAdmin
These areas may be where professional identity and a sense of belonging is absent or low. It may be where we believe raising the profile and developing people to strengthen knowledge, understanding and influence. Proud2b intends to act as a social delivery mechanism towards enhancing the wellbeing of local populations, developing and investing in people and improving the experience of health and care delivery.
School for Change Agents
The School for Change Agents is a free, online, self-paced course designed for health and care staff at any level to build the confidence and community to unleash their inner change agent!
Participants in the School have formed a lively community of fellow learners on FutureLearn, Twitter, and on the Facebook group. Our community supports each other to build their networks and learn from each other as they reflect on how they can use the skills learnt on the course to take action.
Thought Leadership on Networks
We are fascinated by the power of networks as a team and how they can be harnessed to bring about change. We’d recommend the following papers by members of our team and people who influence our work and practice:
Networks, the clear blue water of change or the “wave tops” on the sea? Sasha Karakusevic, Laura Yearsley and Liz Maddocks-Brown.
Adaptive Spaces, Networks…. and a Challenge Called Spread Diane Ketley
Enabling Change and Change Leaders Helen Bevan
Effective networks for improvement: Developing and managing effective networks to support quality improvement in healthcare The Health Foundation
The Truth about Behaviour Change Damon Centola
Six key lessons from the NHS and Virginia Mason Institute partnership Nicola Burgess