LEADERSHIP FORUM

2025 National Leadership Forum

Fit for Purpose: Adapting, Developing, Delivering

HEFMA’s 2025 National Leadership Forum, held last week (May 14-16) at Telford International Centre was a huge success. The programme ran smoothly with some excellent presentations across a great variety of topical issues; from managing waste to backlog maintenance, infection prevention & control, using AI, workforce development, the latest on HEFMA’s activities and how important a culture of kindness is.

Ahead of a full report from the event in the July/August issue of HEFMA’s Pulse magazine, here are a few snippets from the Forum speaker programme.

Opening morning

Chair of the organising West Midlands Branch, Richard Best welcomed everyone and introduced the 2025 Forum host Rachel McTavish. Opening keynote speaker Tim Keogh, really did highlight the impact that building a culture of kindness in the workplace can have on patient care, building trust, teamwork, relationships and boosting productivity and creativity whilst reducing stress, anger and staff burnout. Then our National Chair David Moss took to the stage to announce three 'big reveals' for HEFMA – the new Strategy, news of regional events with NHSE to take place in autumn and a change to membership fees. He introduced the workstream leads, Richard Best (Sustainability), Carrie-Ann Cruickshank and Paula Coward (Compliance), Cliff Howell and David Sanderson (Digital) and Chris Todd (People) to update delegates on the work and focus of these workstreams. 

Closing session

Athlete Colin Jackson CBE excelled at sprint and hurdles from the late 1980s through the 1990s, including winning an Olympic Silver Medal, twice World Champion, numerous Commonwealth titles and setting multiple world records. On Friday, May 16, he joined HEFMA Forum Host, Broadcaster Rachel McTavish on the stage at Telford International Centre for a candid Q&A session. Colin answered questions about his career, the challenges and pressures of competing at the highest level, coping with setbacks, the impact of fatigue and struggles with mental health, eating disorders and what you do when it’s time to retire.

Key takeaways:

• Small acts of kindness that make someone feel special are very powerful.

• Be realistic with target-setting and review targets.

• Stay grounded and recognise that everything isn’t always going to be flawless.

• Don’t be afraid to talk about problems – seek out people who will listen.

• Learn from the best but don’t mimic them, apply the learning to your own situation.

When Rachel asked about his legacy, Colin said it isn’t about material possessions, it’s about being real, giving back and helping young people to deliver their dreams. 

Looking ahead to 2026

Next year, the Forum heads to the north, to the Royal Armouries in Leeds from Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29. Please put the date in your diaries now.