News

We are pleased to announce that Empowering U are now proud supporters of IRCM (Institute of Registered Case Managers). The IRCM is a not-for-profit organisation whose role will be to safeguard the users of case management services:

• Through setting standards for the case manager practice
• Through publishing a public register of people who meet requirements and commit to practising in line with IRCM standards
• Through providing a process through which concerns can be reported, and then investigating and taking action where registered case managers do not meet IRCM standards

Currently in the set-up phase, we look forward to seeing the IRCM become an accredited body and allowing our case managers to become IRCM accredited.

Empowering U Director and Head of Services, Nicola Protheroe-Jones, has been re-appointed as a Governor of Black Country NHS Foundation Trust. Nicola has already completed a 3-year stint in the role, and this further 3-year tenure is a testament to the positive impact that she has had.

Nicola brings to the role over 30 years’ nursing experience, as well as the expertise and experience gained as a Director of Empowering U.

“As a Governor, I’m involved in a multitude of activities as part of my role. Whilst attendance at Board Meetings is a key part of it, I’m also involved in monitoring aspects of patient care, which includes spot checks on wards and monitoring processes to ensure positive patient progress and outcomes” explains Nicola.

“It’s important that I adopt a hands-on approach to the role, which can (if required) involve challenging and holding to account Trust executives.”

Most recently, Nicola met with Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive and Tom Cahill, National Director for Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England to discuss the unique work done by Empowering U’s emergency response team which handles crisis situations involving patients with learning disabilities and autism, thereby reducing hospital admissions. This programme is unique in the UK, and 4 other UK Trusts are keen to learn more from Nicola about this service and how they can adopt a similar approach.