Northern Health’s inaugural Allied Health Emerging Leaders Program has commenced, with 26 allied health staff from General and Mental Health participating in the first day of the program.
The program was developed in response to an identified need for leadership development tailored to the allied health workforce. It builds on a successful leadership development program originally developed by Monash Health, with content adapted to the Northern Health allied health context. The program aims to build practical leadership capability and strengthen connections across disciplines and services.
“Leadership development is an investment in both our people and our future. This program is equipping allied health staff with the skills, networks and confidence to lead positive change across Northern Health,” says Mary De Gori, Director of Allied Health, Northern Health.
The first session was held on 19 August at Northern Centre for Health Education and Research (NCHER), and focused on People Styles, Emotional Agility, Influencing without Authority and Managing Boundaries. Facilitated by Peter Brack, Director Education, Allied Health, Jessica Andrianakis, Workforce Lead, Speech Pathology, Orthoptics, Audiology and Music Therapy, and Angela White, Principal Senior Educator for Phycology in the Mental Health Division, the day had a strong focus on practical application, reflection and shared learning.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with staff valuing the interactive format, practical activities and opportunities to discuss real leadership challenges with colleagues. Feedback also highlighted the relevance of the content to day-to-day work and the benefit of hearing different perspectives.
“The biggest lightbulb moment for me was during the People Styles session. Learning where my unique style as an ‘expressive’ can sometimes clash with a ‘driver’s’ style instantly reframed moments across my career. I know I’d have navigated some challenging scenarios differently had I had this knowledge at the time. It’s a simple, easy-to-understand tool with real impact,” Andy Allen, Participant.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop, as it provided a valuable opportunity to understand the theory and apply it to real-world working scenarios. There was a strong focus on self-awareness throughout, and I particularly valued exploring how this can support us in working effectively with others, influencing others and developing greater emotional agility,” Nerissa Poupard, Participant.
A highlight of the day was bringing General and Mental Health allied health staff together, creating new opportunities to connect, share perspectives and learn from colleagues across Northern Health.
“There was a real sense of curiosity and commitment in the room. Seeing emerging leaders connect across disciplines and services was a highlight of the day,“ says Mr Brack.
The cohort will return in October for the second program day, which will explore psychological safety, difficult conversations, change management and fostering a culture of innovation.