“King’s Academy plays a critical role in staff development”

Training rooms available at King’s Academy

The King’s Academy opened in 2023, and since then has supported over 2,400 colleagues and external health delegates in training and learning to help develop their careers.

We caught up with Oscar Mashengele, Deputy Centre Manager for the King’s Academy, to find out what the Academy has to offer to staff.

What is your role at the Trust?

“I am currently the Deputy Centre Manager for the King’s Academy, where I play a key role in supporting the centre manager with the day-to-day operations of the Academy. A large part of my role is ensuring that the Academy runs smoothly, meeting both its educational and commercial objectives. Some of my responsibilities include supporting the business development activities of the Academy, such as room hire and course promotion.”

The King’s Academy was opened just over two years ago, how does it support staff?

“For me, the King’s Academy was established as a dedicated hub for education and training for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs). At present, the Academy is providing a friendly facility for a range of specialised courses to run – such as iRescue, deteriorating patients, PROMPT, Kingston University-validated courses and other clinically-focused programmes. These are designed to enhance both technical knowledge and practical skills to our Trust staff. Through a combination of structured training sessions and access to expert facilitators, the Academy supports staff in meeting professional requirements, developing confidence in their roles, and ensuring high standards of patient care.”

How important is the King’s Academy in helping staff develop?

“King’s Academy plays a critical role in staff development, acting as both an educational resource and a professional development centre. It allows nurses, midwives, and AHPs to continually update their clinical knowledge, refine specialist skills, and pursue new areas of expertise. Importantly, the programmes that run in the Academy are aligned with service needs and national standards, ensuring that training directly benefits patient care. Beyond education, King’s Academy also fosters a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth.”

What current courses are on offer at the Academy and how do staff sign up to them?

“We are currently running several courses that cater to both staff and external delegates. The best way to view which courses are available, and book yourself on one, is via the King’s Academy website.”