Ambulance service launches paramedic apprenticeship; Herts NHS chief warns services now under ‘extreme’ pressure

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with the news that South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has launched a new paramedic apprenticeship. Delivered in collaboration with the University of Cumbria, the new, one-year programme is designed for those looking to become a paramedic in the South West of England.

There’s also news today about the extreme pressue being experienced by hospitals, ambulance services, GP practices and community health services across Hertfordshire.

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South Western Ambulance Service launches paramedic apprenticeship

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), in collaboration with the University of Cumbria, has launched a new paramedic apprenticeship.

Applications are now being accepted for the new, one-year innovative programme for those looking to become a paramedic in the South West of England. More via Emergency Services Times

Fire Brigades Union launches plan to tackle sexual harassment

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced a wide-reaching plan to tackle sexual harassment.

At a meeting of the union’s Executive Council, officials voted to endorse an ‘initial action plan’ on the subject, which will include mandatory training for all union officials on sexual harassment and ensuring safe spaces and an annual equalities audit, alongside other measures.

Look out for a more in-depth report on this from Catherine Levin later today. More via FBU

College of Policing announces coaching packages for senior leaders

The College of Policing has announced a set of executive coaching packages to support senior leaders in their careers.

The college says its pool of coaches are highly experienced at working with officers and staff in policing at an executive level, and all have a Level 7 qualification. More via College of Policing

Sexual harassment rampant in ambulance service, say current and former paramedics

A Sky News report, including accounts from both current and former paramedics, has revealed that sexual harassment in the job is widespread.

Following an investigation, the College of Paramedics found that toxic cultures of harassment exist within every NHS trust, across all four countries in the UK. More via Sky News

Buckinghamshire New University launches Level 6 Resilience and Emergencies Professional apprenticeship

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has announced it is launching the new Level 6 Resilience and Emergencies Professional (REP) apprenticeship this September. It is aimed at professionals working in Category 1 or 2 organisations (as defined by the Contingencies Act 2004) as well as those from the private and social purpose sector who manage risk, hazards and response to major incidents. More via Emergency Services Times

Inspectorate flags ineffective working between the CPS and police

A joint inspection into the effective building of prosecution cases by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service at the early stages has highlighted the need for changing processes and systems. More via Police Federation of England and Wales

Hertfordshire NHS chief warns that services now under ‘extreme’ pressure

Health chiefs are warning that services in Hertfordshire are now under “extreme” pressure.

A&Es at the Lister and Watford General hospitals, the ambulance services, GP practices and community health services are all said to be “stretched” by the number of people calling on them for help. More via Hemel Today

Insights from fire and rescue employers during National Apprenticeship Week

For National Apprenticeship Week, Kit Salt, Head of Assessment at SFJ Awards, spoke with representatives from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service; Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service; and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to learn more about their experiences of taking on apprentices across a range of roles. More via Emergency Services Times