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News Archive
2010-2005

October, 2010

New Service: Coaching assistance for CQC Registration for dental practices and grants to help with compliance

UMD Professional have designed a new service to help dental practices with both the registration process starting in November and in ensuring compliance with CQC outcomes from 1 April next year.

Furthermore, dentists may also be eligible for a grant to help you with this; however, these grants are likely to be available for a brief period only as the Chancellor has today (20 October) announced that they are shortly to be withdrawn so early action is advised.

In preparation for registration we are providing half-day coaching assistance for individual practices between now and the first week of December in interpreting and completing the CQC registration form, carrying out a gap analysis to determine areas of non-compliance and action planning.

As the registration form requires you to identify areas where your practice does not comply with the outcomes set out by the CQC and to specify an action plan with proposed activities to ensure compliance, it is recommended that you carry out a review of your current practices against the standards sooner rather than later.

The fee for this service is £646.25 (£550 plus VAT) for a three hour session, but dentists may be able to take advantage of a grant which would provide £525 towards this sum.

For more information please call Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or contact her by e-mail.

October, 2010

UMD Professional Ltd honoured at National Training Awards 2010 for dental management programme

UMD Professional has been honoured with a prestigious National Training Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment to training, learning and development of dentists and practice managers.

UMD Professional was presented with a Regional National Training Award in London on 12 October.

The Awards recognise those individuals and organisations throughout the UK that have achieved outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. UMD Professional was recognised for the success of its dental management qualifications courses at three different levels enabling managers and dentists to make significant changes in their practices.

Fiona Stuart-Wilson, Director of UMD Professional said: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded this accolade in recognition of our management courses in dentistry. Because the judges look at the difference that training has made, the Award also recognises the achievements of our students not just in achieving their qualifications but also in making improvements in their practices This year we have enrolled record numbers on our courses and look forward to seeing our students achieve even greater successes next year.’

Simon Bartley, Chief Executive of UK Skills which manages the National Training Awards said: “I would like to offer congratulations to all regional and UK winners for the National Training Awards 2010. Achieving an award is a fantastic achievement and one that all winners should be really proud of. "

National Training Awards

Fiona Stuart-Wilson (centre left) and Penny Parry (centre right) of UMD Professional Ltd receive their trophy from Jacqui Henderson, UK Skills Board member (far left) and Michael Osbaldestonn, of Worldskills London 2011 (far right)

August, 2010.

National Training Award success for UMD Professional

UMD Professional is a finalist in this year’s National Training Awards in recognition of their suite of dental management qualifications.

Last year saw a record number of practice managers and dentists achieve an Institute of Leadership and Management qualification with the company, and UMD Professional’s entry for the Awards focused on the successes of the managers undertaking the qualification. The judging process looked at the results of the training for individual managers, and the improvements that the managers made to their effectiveness in their roles within their practices.

Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional said: ‘We are delighted to have received this recognition for our work with dental practice managers, and thrilled that we are finalists in these prestigious awards. We intend to build on this success and continue to develop and offer relevant training to both dentists and managers seeking to develop their management skills in increasingly challenging times.’

UMD Professional is commencing more workshop courses and distance learning programmes in the autumn and grants towards course fees are still on offer in many areas. More information on the courses and the grants is available from Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or contact her by e-mail.

April, 2010.

UMD Professional student wins Learner of the Year Award

Joanne Holroyd, Practice Manager of Meltham Dental Care, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, was hailed the Institute of Leadership and Management Learner of the Year 2010 at a glittering City and Guilds dinner in London this week. Joanne won the title in recognition of the outstanding results she has achieved through putting her management training into practice. She received her trophy in front of an audience of 500 people from Ralph Bauer, Chairman of City and Guilds, and Jake Humphrey, the BBC Sports presenter. Joanne also picked up a second award, one of the coveted City and Guilds Lion Awards in recognition of her achievements.

Joanne had already won the ILM Learner of the Year for England regional title earlier in the year and was up against stiff opposition from other managers from a variety of professions and industries to take the overall title. Joanne had been nominated for the award by Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional, with whom she had studied successfully for the ILM Level 7 Diploma in Executive Management last year.

Speaking after receiving her award, Joanne said ‘I am absolutely delighted to have won the title of ILM Learner of the Year 2010 and to have been awarded a City and Guilds Lion Award. I hope that my success will encourage other practice managers to invest in formal management development, and reap the same sort of rewards for their teams and their practices that I have done.’

Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional, said: “Joanne’s ability and determination to put theory into practice have not only resulted in the recognition that this award brings, but also act as an inspiration to other managers. Winning this title is testament to the fact that Joanne’s achievements are judged to be of a very high quality not just within dentistry, but right across the management spectrum. ‘

For more information about the ILM Diploma courses for dentists and managers, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson: fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

Joanne Holroyd, ILM Learner of the Year 2010

Joanne Holroyd and Jake Humphrey
Joanne Holroyd with Jake Humphrey who presented her with her Awards.

March, 2010.

UMD Professional have announced new regional venues for their highly successful ILM level 5 Diploma in Management course starting this spring.

The regional venues are:
Leeds
Truro
Oxford
Tewkesbury
Channel Islands
Dublin
Cork

For a full prospectus and information about part-funding that may be available, please call Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or contact her by e-mail.

February, 2010.

The new UMD Professional management self-assessment questionnaire.

This assessment tool has been designed to help managers establish what level of management qualification is most suitable for them to work towards.

It is free to use, so please go to Management Questionnaire.

February, 2010.

Award ceremony in London for Dental Practice Managers

Award ceremony
Photo by Filip Gierlinski

Staff from UMD Professional (centre, back row) with some of the 47 dental practice managers they helped to achieve ILM management qualifications at an awards ceremony in the Rubens Hotel, London on 12 February 2010. The successful candidates were presented with their certificates by Stephen Hancocks OBE before enjoying an afternoon tea overlooking Buckingham Palace.

If you are a practice manager and would like to join our ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) workshops or distance learning programmes, please go to our practice managers page for more information and contact details.

October, 2009.

Grants for Dental Practice Management Courses starting in the New Year (2010)

Grants are still available for both dental practice managers and dentists for management qualification courses starting in Gatwick, Winchester, Teesside, Tewkesbury and London.

The courses lead to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management, and one of the London courses leads to the postgraduate level Level 7 Diploma in Executive Management. Each course has a limit on the number of participants and so early application is strongly advised to secure a place, particularly if you wish to apply for the part-funding available.

The ILM diplomas are nationally recognised management qualifications and the courses provide verifiable CPD.

The Level 5 course involves a combination of twelve monthly workshops and tutorial support, and covers a broad range of essential management skills and knowledge. Assessment is through a series of practice-based assignments (there is no exam) and the workshops are highly practical in content.

Candidates who successfully complete the course can then also progress to a BA Hons. in Professional Studies via a one-year distance learning programme.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson at UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070 or e-mail her at fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk for a prospectus with full details of the course and its content, together with dates and fees.

What previous students have said:

"This course has been tremendously helpful in practical terms as it has given me the confidence to manage the practice strategically through challenging times."

"Thank you for your help over the past few months, I really do appreciate that, also your support has been brilliant and boosted my confidence in order to get through all the work."

"My biggest thanks must go to yourself for all your help and support throughout and for just giving me the chance to prove I had it in me. Many, many thanks."

"I wanted to achieve the Diploma partly to provide me with management credits for the FGDP Fellowship, but just as importantly to help me to take control of my practice and implement my ideas effectively – and the course has enabled me to do that with greater confidence."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Penny and Roger specifically, and all your team for all your help and support. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and appreciate all the help your team has given me throughout the course. I will be continuing to develop my skills and it is all down to you."

"I have really enjoyed the diploma, it couldn't have been more relevant to what I do. I have gained a lot of confidence and learnt an awful lot and am trying to use it."

June, 2009.

Grants for Dental Practice Management Courses starting this autumn

Grants are still available for both dental practice managers and dentists for management qualification courses starting in Gatwick, Winchester, Loughborough, Chelmsford, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Coventry and London.

The courses lead to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management, and one of the London courses leads to the postgraduate level Diploma in Strategic and Executive Management.

These diplomas are nationally recognised management qualifications and the courses provide verifiable CPD.

The level 5 course involves a combination of twelve monthly workshops and tutorial support, and covers a broad range of essential management skills and knowledge. Assessment is through a series of practice-based assignments (there is no exam) and the workshops are highly practical in content.

Candidates who successfully complete the course can then also progress to a BA Hons. in Professional Studies via a one-year distance learning programme.

The level 7 course involves a combination of nine weekend workshops held every two months in London and leads to a postgraduate level Diploma which is also recognised by the Faculty as providing all management credits for the Fellowship Career Pathway. Each course has a limit on the number of participants and so early application is strongly advised to secure a place, particularly if funding is required.

What previous students have said:

"This course has been tremendously helpful in practical terms as it has given me the confidence to manage the practice strategically through challenging times."

"Thank you for your help over the past few months, I really do appreciate that, also your support has been brilliant and boosted my confidence in order to get through all the work."

"My biggest thanks must go to yourself for all your help and support throughout and for just giving me the chance to prove I had it in me. Many, many thanks."

"I have really enjoyed the diploma, it couldn't have been more relevant to what I do. I have gained a lot of confidence and learnt an awful lot and am trying to use it."

January, 2009.

Dental Practice Management Courses starting Spring, 2009

New management qualification courses for dental practice managers will be starting this spring in Manchester, Newcastle, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Exeter and London.

This cause leads to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management.

Part funding may be available for this course from local Business Links or Development Agencies under the "Train to Gain" or "Business Leaders" initiatives.

The diploma is a nationally recognised management qualification and the course is recognised by the British Dental Practice Managers Association, as well as providing verifiable CPD for Dental Care Professionals.

The course involves a combination of twelve monthly workshops and tutorial support, and covers a broad range of essential management skills and knowledge. Assessment is through a series of practice-based assignments (there is no exam) and the workshops are highly practical in content.

Candidates who successfully complete the course can then also progress to a BA Hons. in Professional Studies via a one-year distance learning programme.

Each course has a limit on the number of participants and so early application is strongly advised to secure a place, particularly if funding is required.

What previous students have said:

"Thank you for your help over the past few months, I really do appreciate that, also your support has been brilliant and boosted my confidence in order to get through all the work."

"My biggest thanks must go to yourself for all your help and support throughout and for just giving me the chance to prove I had it in me. Many, many thanks."

"I have really enjoyed the diploma, it couldn't have been more relevant to what I do. I have gained a lot of confidence and learnt an awful lot and am trying to use it."

September, 2008.

Dental Practice Management Courses starting this Autumn

In response to a number of requests from practice managers, UMD Professional will be starting their year-long management course for dental practice managers in Sheffield, Swindon, Aberdeen and London during November, December and January, 2008.

This course leads to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management.

Part-funding may be available for this course from local Business Links or Development Agencies under the 'Train to Gain' or 'Business Leaders' initiatives.

The Diploma is a nationally recognised management qualification and the course is recognised by the British Dental Practice Managers Association, as well as providing verifiable CPD for Dental Care Professionals.

Candidates who successfully complete the course can then also progress to a BA Hons. in Professional Studies via a one-year distance learning programme.

Each course has a limit on the number of participants and so early application is strongly advised to secure a place, particularly if funding is required.

June, 2008.

Life after registration - a guide for dental nurses, next series of workshops.

With the arrival of compulsory CPD for dental nurses in August, UMD Professional has announced its next series of practical workshops designed specifically for dental nurses to help them to understand and interpret the 'Standards for Dental Professionals' laid down by the GDC.

Following registration, dental nurses are expected to abide by the professional standards laid down by the GDC but there is evidence to suggest that not all nurses may be aware of the importance of the standards or how they affect their working lives.

The workshop looks at the practical implications of the standards for dental nurses and their practices, and are being held on various dates during the autumn at venues around the country.

Click here for the booking form.

For more information about the courses, please call Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or contact her by e-mail.

Life after registration - a guide for dental nurses.

UMD Professional is launching a series of practical workshops around the country designed specifically for dental nurses to help them to understand and interpret the 'Standards for Dental Professionals' laid down by the GDC.

Following registration, dental nurses are expected to abide by the professional standards laid down by the GDC but there is evidence to suggest that not all nurses are aware of the importance of the standards or how they affect their working lives.

The workshop looks at what registration means and the practical implications of the standards for dental nurses and their practices.

The UMD Professional roadshow starts in February and will take in a variety of venues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For more information about the courses, please call Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or contact her by e-mail.

November, 2007.

New regional venues for ILM Diploma in Management for Dental Practice Managers.

UMD Professional has added several new regional venues for their ILM Diploma in Management course for dental practice managers. The new locations are Tewkesbury, Nottingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Belfast and Cambridge.

All of the courses start in the New Year, but grants towards the course fees are currently available in many areas and so early application is advised to take advantage of this.

The Diploma course provides a combination of workshops and assignments carried out in the practice, and focuses on practical management skills in the areas of planning, communications, marketing, finance and people management.

For more information about the courses please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson at UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070 for a prospectus.

September, 2007.

Launch of new approach to CVPM

The VPMA and UMD Professional have launched a joint initiative to provide a new approach to preparation and assessment for the Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM).

Managers wishing to achieve the CVPM can now take UMD Professional’s distance learning course for veterinary practice managers which also leads to the Institute of Leadership and Management’s (ILM) Level 5 Diploma in Management. The course provides the theoretical grounding required for the CVPM, but also focuses on practical management skills in the areas of planning, communications, marketing, client care, finance and people management.

To achieve the CVPM by this route, candidates need to complete the ILM Level 5 Diploma course followed by a presentation to the CVPM examination board and undertake an oral examination set by the VPMA.

“This new arrangement means that practice managers can access management training relevant to their careers in a flexible way, and have the benefit of achieving two qualifications at the same time. “ said Brian Wright of the VPMA.

Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional said: ‘Our courses continue to meet the rigorous standards of the VPMA as well as the ILM and we are very pleased to be working with the VPMA to extend opportunities for learning and development within veterinary management.“

More information on the course is available from Penny Parry of UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070 and on the new arrangements for the CVPM from the VPMA Secretariat on 07000 782324.

August, 2007.

UMD Professional launches new qualification through CPD modules for the dental team

UMD Professional has launched an exciting new qualification for dental team members which allows students to build up learning modules into a recognised management qualification whilst gaining verifiable CPD hours.

This also provides a flexible way of spreading both the fees and the work required for the qualification to fit around work, family and other commitments.

The modules are delivered through distance learning and focus on non-clinical subjects relevant to today's dental practice. They include people management, customer care and marketing as well as two new subject areas, "Professionalism in dental nursing' and 'Ethics for dental nurses'. All of the modules can be purchased individually to provide verifiable CPD and training.

Prices for each module start at £35, depending on the level and subject matter and the number of verifiable CPD hours each module attracts.

For further information, please contact UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070.

September, 2006.

Launch of New Distance Learning Practice Management Qualifications for Dental Practice Managers.

UMD Professional has added to its range of courses by launching a distance learning programme for both the Institute of Leadership and Management's Certificate in First Line Management and the Diploma in Management.

The courses offer a cost-effective solution for practice managers unable to attend regular workshops enabling them to benefit from a comprehensive management training programme which they can undertake in their own time.

The distance learning programme is in two parts, which provides an additional option for those seeking to broaden their management knowledge and skills without the full qualification. The first part provides a series of management modules, supported by telephone or e-mail tutorials. For the full qualification participants also attend two weekend workshops six months apart and complete a number of management assignments.

"These courses have been designed to ensure that access to management qualifications and relevant learning is as wide-ranging as possible, allowing for distance learning without leaving the student feeling isolated", said Fiona Stuart-Wilson, Director of UMD Professional Ltd. "Our new courses continue to meet the rigorous standards of the ILM and we are very pleased to be working with them to extend opportunities for learning within dental practice management."

For a full prospectus, please contact Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to penny@umdprofessional.co.uk.

September, 2006.

Launch of New Distance Learning Practice Management Qualifications for Veterinary Practice Managers.

UMD Professional has added to its range of veterinary management courses by launching a distance learning programme for the Institute of Leadership and Management's Diploma in Management for veterinary practice managers. The course also provides much of the management knowledge and requirement for those working towards the Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management.

This distance learning course provides managers unable to attend regular workshops with a comprehensive management training programme which they can undertake in their own time.

The programme is in two parts, which allows participants to gain further management knowledge and skills without the full ILM qualification. The first part comprises the study of a series of management modules, supported by telephone or e-mail tutorials. For the full qualification participants also attend two weekend workshops and complete a number of management assignments.

For a full prospectus, please contact Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to penny@umdprofessional.co.uk.

July, 2006.

New regional venues for Hands-On Management Programme for Dentists.

New courses start in September 2006 in Newcastle, Cambridge, Cardiff and Leeds with others planned for later in the year.

This innovative programme is a comprehensive and intensive business management series for dentists.

Click here for more information on the Hands-On Management Programme.

To book a place, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

July, 2006.

Venues for Hands-On Executive Strategy Clinic for Dentists.

These Executive Strategy Clinics provide an opportunity for dentists and senior practice managers to explore and develop advanced strategic thinking and planning skills, and to enable them to plan for and respond to the continually changing dental environment.

Friday/Saturday 13/14 October 2006
The Thurlestone Hotel, near Kingsbridge, South Devon.

Friday/Saturday 17/18 November 2006
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1.

Click here for more information on the Executive Strategy Clinics.

To book a place, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

April, 2006.

New regional venues for ILM Diploma in Management for Dental and Veterinary Practice Managers

UMD Professional has added new venues for their ILM Diploma in Management courses in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bournemouth and Okehampton in Devon. These new venues are in addition to the courses being offered in London.

In some areas part-funding is available to offset part of the fees.

For further information, please contact Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to penny@umdprofessional.co.uk.

March, 2006.

New venues for Hands-On Management courses for Dentists

UMD Professional has added new venues for their Hands-On Management courses for dentists in Kent, Nottingham and Newcastle.

The programme covers business strategy, people management, finance, marketing, strategic forecasting and leadership. Delegates on the programme try out management concepts and ideas through the use of an extended case study of a dental practice which they 'purchase' and 'manage'. The workshops are highly practical and are called 'Hands-on Management' as they have been designed to provide the participants with relevant experience, similar to a clinical 'Hands-on' course.

For further information, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson or Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

December, 2005.

Launch of new-look Hands-on Management Course for dentists

UMD Professional has launched a new version of its highly successful Hands-on Management programme. This highly practical course, held over six weekends, features a unique extended case study of a dental practice, known as the 'phantom practice'. Delegates work through management problems and issues using the phantom practice, and get to see the results of their management decisions through the workshops.

The course has been updated to include recent changes in legislation, including employment law, and latest good practice thinking. The course also prepares practices fully for Investors in People.

Part-funding is available for the course, which provides 70 hours of verifiable CPD, and courses start in early 2006 in London, Bristol and Belfast.

For further information, please contact Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to penny@umdprofessional.co.uk.

November, 2005.

New training grants for dentists and vets in the West of England.

UMD Professional has a number of grants worth up to £800 each for dental practices and veterinary clinics in Bristol, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset to spend on training.

To qualify for the grant, it is necessary for practices or clinics to have 10 or more people working in them. The grant can be used for a variety of non-clinical purposes, including management development, team training days, courses, books, coaching and mentoring.

The grants are being provided by the local Business Links and are available only for a limited period.

Fiona Stuart-Wilson, Director of UMD Professional, said "This is a useful opportunity for dentists, vets and practice managers to take advantage of government funding to spend on training which will benefit individuals and the practice as a whole."

For further information, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson or Penny Parry on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

June, 2005.

£1000 grants for veterinary management development

UMD Professional has a number of £1000 grants for Principals, Partners and practice managers of larger veterinary clinics in a number of areas of the country to spend on management development activities for themselves.

To qualify for the grant, clinics need to have 20 or more people working in the clinic, and there can only be one recipient per business. The grant can be used for almost any management development training, including courses, coaching or mentoring, or it can be put towards initiatives such as Investors in people or management qualifications. The choice as to how to spend the grant is the individual's.

The grants are being provided by the local Business Links and are available in most parts of the country, but only for a limited period.

Fiona Stuart-Wilson, Director of UMD Professional, said "This is an unusual and really valuable opportunity for vets and managers to take advantage of substantial sums to improve and enhance their management skills in the way most appropriate for them."

For further information, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

March, 2005.

Grants for dental management development

UMD Professional has a number of grants for Principals, Partners and practice managers of larger practices in many areas of the country to spend on management development activities for themselves.

To qualify for the grant, practices need to have 20 or more people in the practice. The grant can be used for almost any management development training, including courses, coaching or mentoring, or it can be put towards initiatives such as Investors in people or qualifications such as FGDP (UK) Career Pathway or other management qualifications.

The grants are provided by the local Business Links and are available in most parts of the country, but only for a limited period.

Mike Grace, Director of UMD Professional, said "This is a really valuable opportunity for dentists and managers to take advantage of substantial sums to improve and enhance their management skills in the way most appropriate for them."

For further information, please contact Fiona Stuart-Wilson on 020 8255 2070 or by e-mail to fiona@umdprofessional.co.uk.

February, 2005.

Faculty accreditation for UMD Professional Management Qualification

The faculty of General Dental Practitioners has accredited UMD Professional's Executive Diploma in Dental Management as providing the full 30 management credits for the FGDP (UK) Career Pathway. The Executive Diploma is awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management, a respected management institute.

The Diploma course is a two-year programme designed with an emphasis on the practical application of management and business theory for dental practices. It involves 9 weekend workshops and a series of practice based assignments, supported by regular tutorials.

The next programme commences in London in May and further details are available from Penny Parry at UMD Professional on 020 8255 2070, or by e-mail to penny@umdprofessional.co.uk.

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