AHCP Conference: Thinking back – and looking forward

Monday, 04 July 2011 15:08  |  Dr Liz Jones

“When you move out of your comfort zone, just stick it out for a while, and your comfort zone will grow to meet your new situation.”

This was Debra Searle’s advice to AHCP conference-goers, and it really resonated with me.  I’ve already had chance to apply it (in a very small way) and it’s true – things that seem hard at first can come to feel familiar very quickly once we face up to our demons.  It’s a lesson I think we could all learn from as we face the challenges ahead.

Of course, it wasn’t the only thing we learned at this year’s conference.  The theme was “Embracing Change” and the excellent speakers, slick organisation and ambitious scope of the event certainly left me feeling energised and raring to go.  Massive thanks to Denise and her organising team for all their hard work and success.

For me, of course, the highlight was the President’s Award on the final day.  You’ll be able to hear more from the finalists in the next edition of the Voice, but I can honestly say that both projects (and both presentations) way exceeded our expectations and showed once again what a depth of talent we have within the organisation.

Please start to think now about next year’s President’s Award.  It will be broadly similar to this year’s, with branch winners put forward in early 2012, and two finalists having the opportunity to present their project at Conference in June.  As this year, the finalists will receive support and coaching to hone their presentation skills, with a chance to get their project published in the Voice, as well as a personal prize to the eventual winners.

 The topic for the 2012 President’s Award is “Education and Development”.  So whether you’ve introduced a trust-wide qualification to all your cleaning operatives, or simply helped a colleague learn a new skill, let your Branch Chair know that you are interested in entering the award.  I’m really looking forward to seeing what you have to offer.

 Liz Jones