NHS Benchmarking Network Away Day - July 2024

Twice a year the NHS Benchmarking Network team meet for a themed ‘Away Day’. On Friday 12th July, we headed to Platt Fields Market Garden in South Manchester where we were welcomed and hosted by not-for-profit enterprise Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD).

MUD was chosen as a venue because of the great work it is doing for the community. MUD’s focus is on revitalising communities within Greater Manchester through sustainable food production. This includes advocating for food sovereignty, providing volunteering opportunities and services and growing fruit, vegetables and herbs to make available to the local community.

The day was split into two halves; the morning session was focused on team developments and sharing of ideas, with the focus on the Networks values and behaviours. The afternoon the Network Team worked as volunteers in the garden and took part in activities to support wellbeing.

To kick off the morning session Director Sarah Atkinson welcomed new colleagues, joining the Network this week. Following this Sarah tested our knowledge of all things NHS Benchmarking Network through a quiz. The quiz allowed everyone to gain a better understanding of all the different elements and mechanisms that make up the Network Support Team.

After a short break, Product Designer David Hughes gave an in-depth presentation on the upcoming technical developments, outlining how the development is progressing and how the various components work together to support the Network. Further details of this will be shared with members in due course.

The morning was rounded off with an input session with everyone, voicing their opinions on how we work together and what areas we can improve.

Following a delicious home-grown and cooked at MUD lunch, small groups took part in wellbeing activities throughout the gardens. These included yoga, basket and bracelet making. Outside of these activities, colleagues also learned new skills, completing different tasks around the gardens. These ranged from weeding, harvesting crops, potting plants, and tidying the gardens.

The activities were a fantastic way to engage in new activities, enhance our teamworking and promote wellbeing.  Engaging in volunteering gave our team a great sense of satisfaction, knowing they’re making a difference and supporting MUD with its community project.

Our Director, Sarah Atkinson had this to say about the day…

“A Great team day today volunteering at MUD CIC. Focused on working together and inspired by everything Mike and the team have created and are doing for the community in the garden at Platt Fields. Launching our new technology project, welcoming our new members of the team, then a bit of everything from harvesting, tidying, chopping and weeding to basket making and a spot of yoga (plus a delicious home-grown lunch)”

The next NHS Benchmarking Network ‘away day’ will take place in December.