Working in the health sector requires skills that can’t always be taught in a classroom. While student radiographers are regularly put through their paces in both lecture halls and hospital settings, some choose to take their training further by developing their leadership skills.
Enter the SoR leadership placement, a 4.5-week long scheme that educates students on how to hone and demonstrate leadership abilities. This year marked the fourth iteration of the programme, which ran from 5 June to 4 July as six students from across the country were selected to take part after submitting successful applications.
As part of the programme, each year the students must complete a project relevant to a certain theme – this year, the theme was: ‘Explore barriers to student engagement with the SoR.’ Course participants were challenged to identify potential barriers that might stop students from becoming SoR members or engaging with the SoR during their training.
With support from their course mentor – Nichola Jamison, students and new professionals officer at the SoR – students completed the project and presented their findings to SoR staff and members of their academic programme team.
Gill Harrison, SoR professional officer for ultrasound, spearheads the programme. She says the placement allows participants to grow in confidence and prepare them for a professional role. “It is fantastic to see a group of final year students come together and learn so much in a short space of time, about leadership, radiography and the scope of the professional roles available, but also about themselves and how they work within a team,” she says. “Nichola and I get so much satisfaction from seeing the growth in confidence on an almost daily basis.
“The learners do work extremely hard and are challenged to take ownership of the project from day one. Additionally they are encouraged to think about their own values, beliefs, strengths and areas for improvement throughout the coaching part of the placement.”
Reflections from the students
Chloe Drake – University of Exeter
I have been studying at the University of Exeter on a three-year degree apprentice scheme, with my full-time employment being with Mid and South Essex Trust (Southend).
During my third year of studies, the university mentioned the leadership programme with the Society of Radiographers, and the opportunity seemed too good to miss. But I was worried that I wouldn’t be good enough for the programme, and the fact that we had to do a pitch made me nervous. But I thought this was the time to push myself outside my comfort zone.
Once the course started and it came to the first day of meeting everyone I was anxious, but it ended up being a fantastic opportunity. We worked well as a team to create a report and presentation about the barriers to student engagement with the SoR, clubbing together our resources and different courses to figure out why students aren’t members of the society. We then delivered our presentation to different members of the SoR and universities.
From the placement with the SoR, I wanted to gain confidence. I also gained prioritisation skills from juggling assessments for three of the 4.5 weeks on the course, which was a struggle at times, but also gave me opportunities to complete the assessments. It enabled me to achieve a high standard in the leadership programme.
As an apprentice in radiography, I feel that I was able to offer a different perspective to my undergraduate degree, which gave different insights into how and why students may not be members, and also how apprentices are viewed in this newer upcoming method of learning.
During the leadership programme, the networking was incredible. We were able to meet wonderful leaders who have climbed ladders and completed different life paths. This shows the impact of networking – who to turn to for advice and a sense of community. Each person I met throughout this leadership course, from my other cohort members and the leaders to Gill and Nichola, will remain with me throughout this profession, and I’d like to think we will stay in contact one way or another, even if it’s just to help each other out.
I would recommend the leadership programme to any third-year student as an opportunity to learn new skills that will aid their professional development and to meet the kindest and most determined career-driven people as inspiration. The skills I’ve learned, including communication, prioritising workload and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, will help me in my future career as a radiographer.
Thank you to the University of Exeter, the Society of Radiographers and my workplace for this amazing opportunity.
Chloe Drake – University of Exeter
I have been studying at the University of Exeter on a three-year degree apprentice scheme, with my full-time employment being with Mid and South Essex Trust (Southend).
During my third year of studies, the university mentioned the leadership programme with the Society of Radiographers, and the opportunity seemed too good to miss. But I was worried that I wouldn’t be good enough for the programme, and the fact that we had to do a pitch made me nervous. But I thought this was the time to push myself outside my comfort zone.
Once the course started and it came to the first day of meeting everyone I was anxious, but it ended up being a fantastic opportunity. We worked well as a team to create a report and presentation about the barriers to student engagement with the SoR, clubbing together our resources and different courses to figure out why students aren’t members of the society. We then delivered our presentation to different members of the SoR and universities.
From the placement with the SoR, I wanted to gain confidence. I also gained prioritisation skills from juggling assessments for three of the 4.5 weeks on the course, which was a struggle at times, but also gave me opportunities to complete the assessments. It enabled me to achieve a high standard in the leadership programme.
As an apprentice in radiography, I feel that I was able to offer a different perspective to my undergraduate degree, which gave different insights into how and why students may not be members, and also how apprentices are viewed in this newer upcoming method of learning.
During the leadership programme, the networking was incredible. We were able to meet wonderful leaders who have climbed ladders and completed different life paths. This shows the impact of networking – who to turn to for advice and a sense of community. Each person I met throughout this leadership course, from my other cohort members and the leaders to Gill and Nichola, will remain with me throughout this profession, and I’d like to think we will stay in contact one way or another, even if it’s just to help each other out.
I would recommend the leadership programme to any third-year student as an opportunity to learn new skills that will aid their professional development and to meet the kindest and most determined career-driven people as inspiration. The skills I’ve learned, including communication, prioritising workload and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, will help me in my future career as a radiographer.
Thank you to the University of Exeter, the Society of Radiographers and my workplace for this amazing opportunity.
Rachel Woodbridge – London South Bank University
When Gill asked me why I’d applied for the placement, I didn’t really have a good answer: it seemed like a good idea at the time!
I was curious to meet some Diagnostic Radiographers – I had one shared module at university, almost all online, and had been confined to my therapeutic cohort of about 20-something ever since. I liked the idea of a project, something to work towards during summer when you feel you should be doing something but are stuck waiting for your HCPC. The leadership element? Who, me?
The experience immediately surpassed my expectations. There was so much more to it than I had thought, and it was varied, informative and engaging for the entire five weeks. It enriched my studies and enlightened me to so many things that I simply hadn’t had the chance to learn about.
From a teamwork perspective, we gelled from the start. There were no black screens or extended periods of grim silence over the ether. Everyone brought something different, contributed consistently and, most importantly, did what they said they would do.
Perhaps a hidden gem of the placement is its ability to connect you with radiographers and AHPs all doing vastly different things. Interested in research? Someone will know about that. Special interest group? Here’s a few already on the go. Want to know more about the SoR? Well, you’ll learn plenty about that.
My highlight was our final presentation which, naturally, I was silently dreading for the entire month preceding it. I was so proud of what we’d achieved and how we delivered it. The engagement from the audience was extremely motivating, and the atmosphere was electric throughout.
If you are reading this and wondering if you should apply – go for it. We are all going to be leaders throughout our careers, so you might as well start now.
Rachel Woodbridge – London South Bank University
When Gill asked me why I’d applied for the placement, I didn’t really have a good answer: it seemed like a good idea at the time!
I was curious to meet some Diagnostic Radiographers – I had one shared module at university, almost all online, and had been confined to my therapeutic cohort of about 20-something ever since. I liked the idea of a project, something to work towards during summer when you feel you should be doing something but are stuck waiting for your HCPC. The leadership element? Who, me?
The experience immediately surpassed my expectations. There was so much more to it than I had thought, and it was varied, informative and engaging for the entire five weeks. It enriched my studies and enlightened me to so many things that I simply hadn’t had the chance to learn about.
From a teamwork perspective, we gelled from the start. There were no black screens or extended periods of grim silence over the ether. Everyone brought something different, contributed consistently and, most importantly, did what they said they would do.
Perhaps a hidden gem of the placement is its ability to connect you with radiographers and AHPs all doing vastly different things. Interested in research? Someone will know about that. Special interest group? Here’s a few already on the go. Want to know more about the SoR? Well, you’ll learn plenty about that.
My highlight was our final presentation which, naturally, I was silently dreading for the entire month preceding it. I was so proud of what we’d achieved and how we delivered it. The engagement from the audience was extremely motivating, and the atmosphere was electric throughout.
If you are reading this and wondering if you should apply – go for it. We are all going to be leaders throughout our careers, so you might as well start now.
Karen Saynor – University of Suffolk
I participated in the leadership placement during the final weeks of my BSc degree in diagnostic radiography, which I studied at the University of Suffolk. Our cohort for the placement comprised six final-year radiography students (myself being one), including one learner on the apprenticeship pathway.
The project that we worked on, for approximately four weeks, was titled ‘Explore the barriers to student engagement with the Society of Radiographers’, which was allocated to us by our SoR placement coaches, who provided mentorship to us throughout the process.
It has been a privilege to work alongside my fellow members in delivering the results of the project in the form of a Powerpoint, presented to a virtual audience (representatives of the SoR and our university course tutors), and a report of our findings to accompany it. We worked efficiently, inclusively and coherently as a group, ensuring all members’ voices were heard, ideas were shared and tasks were divided evenly.
The Powerpoint presentation was an amalgamation of contributions by all of us, both independently and as a group. Discussions were vibrant and each of us acted conscientiously – ultimately leading to thorough research being conducted and the successful completion of our project.
I feel I have learned a lot about developing my leadership skills for the future, and how I can apply them in my first post in my radiography career and beyond.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the key differences between leadership and management skills, just one of many interesting themes covered in a series of specialist seminars delivered to us by experts in this field over the course of the placement. Another valuable seminar was on the topic of ‘imposter phenomenon’, and being an interactive session made this stand out in its appeal and relevance.
I feel that my confidence grew steadily over the duration of the placement – one of the key personal goals set between my coach and myself at the start of the placement. In addition, this has helped the development of my networking skills. I have enjoyed the whole experience immensely, finding it to be rewarding and worthwhile in encouraging my future potential as my career progresses.
I would definitely recommend the SoR’s student leadership programmes to other final-year students.
Karen Saynor – University of Suffolk
I participated in the leadership placement during the final weeks of my BSc degree in diagnostic radiography, which I studied at the University of Suffolk. Our cohort for the placement comprised six final-year radiography students (myself being one), including one learner on the apprenticeship pathway.
The project that we worked on, for approximately four weeks, was titled ‘Explore the barriers to student engagement with the Society of Radiographers’, which was allocated to us by our SoR placement coaches, who provided mentorship to us throughout the process.
It has been a privilege to work alongside my fellow members in delivering the results of the project in the form of a Powerpoint, presented to a virtual audience (representatives of the SoR and our university course tutors), and a report of our findings to accompany it. We worked efficiently, inclusively and coherently as a group, ensuring all members’ voices were heard, ideas were shared and tasks were divided evenly.
The Powerpoint presentation was an amalgamation of contributions by all of us, both independently and as a group. Discussions were vibrant and each of us acted conscientiously – ultimately leading to thorough research being conducted and the successful completion of our project.
I feel I have learned a lot about developing my leadership skills for the future, and how I can apply them in my first post in my radiography career and beyond.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the key differences between leadership and management skills, just one of many interesting themes covered in a series of specialist seminars delivered to us by experts in this field over the course of the placement. Another valuable seminar was on the topic of ‘imposter phenomenon’, and being an interactive session made this stand out in its appeal and relevance.
I feel that my confidence grew steadily over the duration of the placement – one of the key personal goals set between my coach and myself at the start of the placement. In addition, this has helped the development of my networking skills. I have enjoyed the whole experience immensely, finding it to be rewarding and worthwhile in encouraging my future potential as my career progresses.
I would definitely recommend the SoR’s student leadership programmes to other final-year students.
Charlotte Sweet – University of Portsmouth
Before starting my studies in diagnostic radiography and medical imaging at the University of Portsmouth, I was working as cabin crew for nearly 17 years. Although I enjoyed this role, I felt there was something missing and so I took a leap of faith and decided to change my career.
In the third year of my studies, I was made aware of the SoR leadership placement by my lecturers. I felt honoured to be put forward to apply for this competitive placement. I wanted to take part because I was keen to expand my professional network, meet inspiring leaders and gain new skills. I knew this would mean stepping out of my comfort zone, but I could only see it as a positive experience.
This placement has been engaging and motivating for me. By meeting inspiring and motivated individuals I have learnt that there are many types of leaders and leadership journeys, and that my own leadership journey has already begun. I can now recognise what it takes to be a good leader and that being in a position of leadership does not equate to being ‘in charge’.
I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people during this placement and it has made me appreciate that being a part of the SoR means being part of a community. I have also learned lots about the SoR | CoR as a professional body, trade union and charitable organisation.
Working collaboratively with fellow students from around the country has been very enjoyable. I think we were so successful in producing an engaging and informative presentation because we gelled so well and worked harmoniously together.
I’ve discovered that I have skills I was unaware I possessed. Through mentoring and coaching I have been able to highlight my strengths and be proud of them. Alongside this, I have an awareness of how I would like to develop in my career.
Charlotte Sweet – University of Portsmouth
Before starting my studies in diagnostic radiography and medical imaging at the University of Portsmouth, I was working as cabin crew for nearly 17 years. Although I enjoyed this role, I felt there was something missing and so I took a leap of faith and decided to change my career.
In the third year of my studies, I was made aware of the SoR leadership placement by my lecturers. I felt honoured to be put forward to apply for this competitive placement. I wanted to take part because I was keen to expand my professional network, meet inspiring leaders and gain new skills. I knew this would mean stepping out of my comfort zone, but I could only see it as a positive experience.
This placement has been engaging and motivating for me. By meeting inspiring and motivated individuals I have learnt that there are many types of leaders and leadership journeys, and that my own leadership journey has already begun. I can now recognise what it takes to be a good leader and that being in a position of leadership does not equate to being ‘in charge’.
I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people during this placement and it has made me appreciate that being a part of the SoR means being part of a community. I have also learned lots about the SoR | CoR as a professional body, trade union and charitable organisation.
Working collaboratively with fellow students from around the country has been very enjoyable. I think we were so successful in producing an engaging and informative presentation because we gelled so well and worked harmoniously together.
I’ve discovered that I have skills I was unaware I possessed. Through mentoring and coaching I have been able to highlight my strengths and be proud of them. Alongside this, I have an awareness of how I would like to develop in my career.
Nate Harley – University of Derby
Having taken part in the leadership programme, I have learned a lot more about both the SoR and myself. I came into the leadership programme quite nervous that leadership wasn’t for me, even feeling a touch of imposter syndrome. But I enjoyed meeting with people from other universities, being able to talk about our different experiences throughout our time at university. What I found interesting was that no matter which university we went to we all had similar views.
It was also great to meet and learn from different leaders about their leadership journeys. Having these role models to follow has enabled me to develop.
It has been really interesting to work together as a group with a shared goal, where each individual has a skill that they are able to bring to the project. It has been something where I had someone who had my back during the placement, which enabled us to create a report and presentation with our findings. I don’t think at the beginning of this placement I would ever have the confidence to present in front of a group of people I didn’t really know. I also had the opportunity to develop my creativity by designing things that we could use to incentivise students.
Overall, it was a really positive placement that has left me feeling ready to start as a radiographer and able to use the skills I have learned to continue on my leadership journey.
Nate Harley - University of Derby
Having taken part in the leadership programme, I have learned a lot more about both the SoR and myself. I came into the leadership programme quite nervous that leadership wasn’t for me, even feeling a touch of imposter syndrome. But I enjoyed meeting with people from other universities, being able to talk about our different experiences throughout our time at university. What I found interesting was that no matter which university we went to we all had similar views.
It was also great to meet and learn from different leaders about their leadership journeys. Having these role models to follow has enabled me to develop.
It has been really interesting to work together as a group with a shared goal, where each individual has a skill that they are able to bring to the project. It has been something where I had someone who had my back during the placement, which enabled us to create a report and presentation with our findings. I don’t think at the beginning of this placement I would ever have the confidence to present in front of a group of people I didn’t really know. I also had the opportunity to develop my creativity by designing things that we could use to incentivise students.
Overall, it was a really positive placement that has left me feeling ready to start as a radiographer and able to use the skills I have learned to continue on my leadership journey.
More about the SoR leadership placement
The first SoR leadership placement took place in 2021 and saw four students participate. The programme has since grown in size, offering more opportunities to students who wish to take part. To find out more about opportunities to develop your radiography career, visit the SoR’s career development resources here.
Information on how to apply for the June 2025 intake will be made available in October/November.
Image credit: Nuthawut Somsuk / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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