Learning and support for people who bring their lived experience to a voluntary role

We want to make sure you feel fully supported in your role as a PPV Partner and that you’re able to have the greatest impact possible. We provide this national learning and support offer where you can access training, e-learning, coaching and additional resources to help you in your role. This is as well as the support you can access from your hiring manager.

Ask your hiring manager to help you choose the options that work best for you.

Digital inclusion

As part of your recruitment and induction as a PPV Partner your hiring manager should have a conversation with you to ensure you both have the right equipment (for example a laptop and internet data) and the confidence and skills needed to take part in any meetings that are held online.

We’re working with Starting Point, a Community Learning Partnership, to help PPV Partners across the organisation to access the digital devices and data that will support them to undertake their role.

Ask your hiring manager or contact england.engagement@nhs.net to make use of this service.

Citizens Advice – benefits advice

Involvement payments are classed as a form of income by HMRC and are subject to deductions including tax and National Insurance (depending on individuals’ circumstances).

NHS England is not able to provide benefits advice (or any other financial advice) to PPV Partners. However, we fund Citizens Advice Bedford to provide a confidential helpline to resolve any benefit concerns that arise from receiving involvement payments and/or expenses for being involved in our work

Find out how to access the benefits advice helpline on the FutureNHS Collaboration Platform.

Patient and Public Voice Partner Network

We recognise the benefit of being able to connect with people doing similar PPV Partner roles to you so have created an online PPV Partner network: Patient and Public Voice Partner Network – #StartWithPeople – FutureNHS Collaboration Platform

The PPV Partner Network is a safe space for members who are passionate about sharing knowledge, resources and support with one another. Have a look around the site to see what is on offer, and if you have any questions – please ask!

If you are not a member, request to join the PPV Partner network!

Patient and Public Voice Partner drop-in sessions

Come to an open drop-in session, hosted by the People and Communities Team, to peer support and network with PPV partners.

Drop-ins take place at 9.30am on the last Tuesday of the month and are optional. You will not be able to claim an involvement payment for attending.

Coaching

We have a coaching programme for NHS England colleagues which can also be accessed by PPV Partners.  This is a free, voluntary development opportunity, so you will not receive an involvement payment for participating.

Coaching can be work-related, e.g. supporting you to maximise the impact of your PPV Partner role, or it can support personal development, e.g., building confidence. It isn’t related to performance management and is confidential between coach and coachee.

Find out how to access the coaching offer on the PPV Partner network.

Mandatory training

As part of your mandatory training, you should complete three e-learning modules:

  • Equality and Diversity
  • Information governance
  • Safeguarding

You can claim one day’s involvement payment for completing these e-learning modules.

You can request access to the training by contacting england.ppve-learning@nhs.net

Additional e-learning

In addition to the mandatory modules, PPV Partners can access these optional e-learning modules:

  • Recognising and supporting carers
  • Commissioning together
  • Using social media to engage effectively with people and communities
  • Getting to grips with data and information in the NHS
  • Developing excellent relationships to maximise the impact of patient and public voice
  • High-impact communication skills for meetings.

Please register your interest by contacting england.ppve-learning@nhs.net

Influence and Impact course

What is it?

This course is for people who are involved with NHS England as a Patient and Public Voice (PPV) Partner in an expert advisor role.  The course will be three half days of interactive learning over Zoom, with a focus on how to influence change and how to develop skills and confidence to make the most of your PPV partner role.

Key topic

Session aim
Exploring Patient and Public Voice in the integrated health and care system By the end of this module participants will understand more about how health and care is organised in England, and where Patient and Public Voice partners can contribute to make a difference – where can you influence.
Patient and Public Voice Partner roles and responsibilities By the end of this module participants will gain a clear and shared understanding of the role and key responsibilities of a Patient and Public Voice partner – why and what.
Partnership and influence By the end of this module participants will have explored effective skills for influence and collaboration through partnership working – how.

How do I book onto a course?

We are planning future course dates. To receive notifications or be added to a waiting list, please email england.ppve-learning@nhs.net

If you have any questions

If you have any questions or suggestions about the learning and support offer that is available, please let us know in the discussion space on the PPV Partner network or email us!