Sustainability Apprentice

This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to begin their career in sustainability and gain the experience and knowledge of working in a health and care system. The apprentice will be provided support and opportunities to complete a range of tasks within set timescales, to a competent standard.

As a part time post for 1 year this role is ideally suited to someone who is currently undertaking higher educational studies in this area or recently finished.

During the apprenticeship, the post holder will gain exposure to and work within a variety of health and care sectors, organisations, across the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Integrated Care System (H&W ICS).

Whilst employed within the H&W ICS the post holder will work closely with sustainability operational colleagues across hospital trusts to support the development and delivery of key actions of a Green Plan and national objectives.

The primary responsibilities of this role will be to support the delivery of the key actions / priorities and provide sustainability expertise across the system. With support from the Head of Health Inequalities and Greener NHS, the post holder will collaborate with partners to support the develop and implementation of plans to deliver the actions, actively building in industry best practice.

**System priorities 23/24**:
1. Develop an ICS wide Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA)
2. Build comms and awareness of the Greener NHS agenda across the system, and the simple role everyone can play (this will also be driven by the work of the network below) and promote free training for those interested
3. Create a network to support the adoption and spread of carbon reduction innovations where evidence of success exists e.g. pilots - both clinical and non-clinical

This role will require internal and external partnership working as we operate at ‘system’ level. This ensures we collaborate and add value to work already happening at individual organisational level.

With guidance, the post holder will be required to work effectively, in a fast-paced environment to support the delivery of the agreed local, regional and national actions and priorities.

As an Apprentice, the post holder will receive support and direction from the Head of Health Inequalities and Greener NHS, working as part of a wider dynamic team with strong links to the Regional NHS Greener team.

As an ICS we are committed to embedding environmental and sustainable practices into all areas of our work, as an enabler for better health. We see the work of the green agenda aligned to our principles of delivering high quality care; reducing health inequalities and improving the health and wellbeing for the communities we serve.

We provide a supportive and collaborative environment where we work with our staff to provide opportunities for you to reach your full potential and to develop a rewarding career. We aim to enable our employees to achieve a positive work-life balance through a blend of collaborative workplace attendance combined with regular home working. Joining our inclusive and innovative team comes with a range of attractive benefits including:

- Employee Assistance programmes and access to a wealth of on-line health and wellbeing support
- Competitive NHS Pension Scheme
- Comprehensive opportunities to learn new skills and to develop your career within a caring and inclusive environment
- Generous holiday entitlement, which increases in line with service. There is also the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Flexible working patterns to support individuals work-life balance.

Whilst the main base for the post is at Kirkham House in Worcester, we also have a base in Hereford where the role will be expected to travel to on occasion:
St Owen’s Chambers, 22 St Owen Street, Hereford, HR1 2PL

Please note we operate a 3-month probationary period for new appointments
- To provide sustainability expertise to colleagues, and input into plans
- To review and obtain updates against the ICS Green Plan on a regular basis and with guidance and support provide simple highlight reports, using existing templates
- To identify actions achieved and actions that have been delayed / or at risk
- Escalate issues and risks with suggested mitigations to the Head of Inequalities and Greener NHS
- To work with partners across the system to gather information as required for reporting or NHSE returns
- To assist in preparing returns for NHS England and quarterly reporting on performance
- To work with Sustainability colleagues across the system to share opportunities e.g., funding bids
- To actively identify any funding opportunities for the Greener NHS agenda
- With the Head of Health Inequalities, Prevention and Sustainability, link closely with the Regional Greener NHS team to understand reporting requirements and deliverables required from the ICS / ICB so they can be planned and managed effectively in a timely manner
- To stay up to date with the