We've been getting to know Quality Improvement Lead, Charlotte Anderson, a little better as she's currently running Quality Improvement (QI) Practitioner Training.

The training is designed to empower colleagues to drive change in their area, and is delivered in two, three-hour sessions. The training is for anyone that works at CHFT – no previous experience or knowledge of quality improvement required, just a passion to make changes in your workplace.

For colleagues who may have already participated in the Work Together Get Results sessions, this training is similar in that it demonstrates various improvement methods, but QI teaches more in depth, specialist skills in improvement science. QI training aims to enhance processes, services and outcomes by focusing on continuous improvement to ensure lasting changes. Read more about the training here.

What is your career background?

"Before coming to the NHS I was a wedding planner, but I changed career as I wanted a better work-life balance. I've been at CHFT for 17 years now, starting in procurement before moving to business intelligence. I started in my current role in December 2024."

Do you have a career highlight?

"This role is the highlight of my career. It feels like all my previous experience has given me everything I need for this job. It truly feels like I'm in the right place."

Sum up your role in three words

"Energetic, innovative, rewarding."

What is Quality Improvement Practitioner Training? And who would find it helpful?

"It's a toolkit to structure your improvement efforts and is designed to empower colleagues to make the improvements which are important to them.

"It's for anyone who wants to make a change in their area or role. You don’t need to be a manager, it’s important we include those working closest to the issues affecting care quality as they are the experts in the system they work in."

What sort of things do people learn in the training?

"It'll teach people to think creatively in order to come up with new solutions to problems and how to implement them long-term."

What did you want to be growing up?

"I actually always wanted to be an event planner. But ultimately, I like working with people - it's the aspect of my current role that I enjoy the most."

When you are not at work, how do you relax?

"Running - I'm running the Manchester Marathon in April. I also enjoy reading and am quite a creative person so have a lot of hobbies like sewing, writing and drawing."

Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?

"I once stayed in the ice hotel in Sweden. The temperature of the room was -5 degrees, but I woke up incredibly warm - because of the sleeping bags you sleep in."

If you would like to book on a QI training session please use the booking form: QI Training Booking Form, new dates are being added all the time. For any ad hoc sessions, or for more information, email Charlotte.Anderson3@cht.nhs.uk