NHS graduate trainees start their studies at DMU

Graduate trainees from across the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) have begun their studies on a specialist programme at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

DMU runs the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management for the NHS GMTS which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).


Around 40 graduates who work for hospitals and health trusts across the country came to campus for their first sessions led by Dr Kevin Roe Associate Professor at DMU’s Leicester Business School.

For the next two years they will combine their on-the-job roles with academic study, ensuring they get the skills they need to support their NHS colleagues.
All the learners have just begun in their HR roles and for many of them it is their first time working in the sector.

Zoe Taylor, who works for the Integrated Care Board in North East London, said: “I’ve never done anything in relation to HR before and having a more academic approach to it will give us that broader understanding. It’s been good to meet so many other people on the graduate scheme here and build our networks.”

Lauren Scrafton, who works as graduate HR advisor in the South Tees Trust in Middlesbrough said: “I am new to HR but I think what is good about this programme is that we get the best of both worlds, we are learning in the real world and we get this academic grounding too.”


Donatella Ahamdu-Charles of Milton Keynes Hospital said: “I studied engineering and renewable energy but during the pandemic I got a job working as a resourcing manager and realised how much I enjoyed working with people. I’m looking forward to the course.”

Meg Singh, of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, said: “Before the course I was in GP organisation I did six months of HR admin and was student of MA in public Sector. The more I did the more I wanted to be in that decision making and policy space, and you can’t do that unless your manager level or higher. This gives me hands on manager experience as well as that quality.”  



HR trainees study modules including managing organisational change, HR management and investigating issues from an HR perspective. HR managers in the NHS work to create a safe and positive work environment, support frontline workers, provide pathways to grow capability right across the organisation and positively impact patient services.

Dr Roe said the learners would continue on the programme for two years and benefit from the expertise of subject matter experts at DMU.

He said: “We are delighted to be working with the NHS GMTS to support the training and development of their newest staff. DMU has a strong background in professional CPD and management training and I am pleased this cohort has got off to such a strong start.”