This networking group, drawn from the five PCTs in Essex, started meeting after discussions at the 2007 PRIMIS+ conference. Its sessions are used for a number of purposes, including training, discussing primary health care issues, problem solving and networking opportunities. Sessions also involve local PRIMIS+ Learning Consultant, Jacky Skeel, who attends to provide training and support.

The group calls itself the ‘JAFFAs’, which is short for Jacky’s Absolutely Fabulous Facilitators and Associates – dreamt up as a team name at the PRIMIS+ Conference. Jacky continues to attend their meetings, running training and support sessions within them. She explained the sessions were very friendly and worked without a formal agenda, although each member is asked if there is anything specific they want to discuss.

Jacky said; “The primary purpose of JAFFA was for members to network with each other, share good practice and receive training, support and updates from PRIMIS+ via their learning consultant. We’ve been able to stick to that intention and take-up has been really good, with at least one member from each PCT attending every meeting. It has worked well because group members have been very open and have shared their experiences.”

The five PCTs involved are West Essex, North East Essex, Mid Essex, South West Essex and South East Essex and are represented by twelve facilitators and their line managers. Four of the five Essex PCTs are recent PRIMIS+ schemes, only having joined up to the service’s free training and support within the last two years, although South West Essex has been involved with PRIMIS+ for eight years.

Sue Turner, Data Quality Lead and PRIMIS+ Facilitator at Mid Essex PCT, explained how the JAFFA group began. “It all started as a support network; an opportunity to discuss what was happening in our own PCTs with others going through the same processes. We have been focusing on the Information Management and Technology Directed Enhanced Service (IM&T DES) up to now, but are starting to talk through its forthcoming completion and the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.”

Tracey Kalp, Head of Information Governance at South West Essex PCT added; “Other recent hot topics for us have included the Information Governance Statement of Compliance, the Summary Care Record and SystmOne template development.”

As well as information sharing and current issues, training has been a regular occurrence at the sessions. Karen Blair, Information Governance and PRIMIS+ Facilitator at West Essex PCT, explained: “As there are a number of us all together in one place, it makes sense to take advantage of this by incorporating training into the sessions.”

Jacky is keen to emphasise the fantastic opportunity that the sessions present for training and support. Often, the facilitators receive training in one session (for example on the CHART Online analysis tool) and report back at their next event when Jacky is able to answer queries and troubleshoot any issues.

Although the JAFFA group was not set up with a specific project in mind, it keeps this theme of support and sharing running through every session. Tracey hinted that once the IM&T DES ceases to be such a priority, then the group may be able to develop further or look at shared goals. As a line manager, Tracy feels the group crucially provides protected learning and sharing time for her staff. She believes it boosts team morale by showing group members they are not isolated in their work experiences and so there is no need to face difficult challenges alone.

Apart from the IM&T DES, the group has been communicating other experiences and resources. South East Essex PCT shared its paper light strategy quite early on, before many of the other PCTs had developed their own version, West Essex PCT shared its policies and procedures for the IG toolkit and South West Essex PCT gave its experiences as an early adopter site for the Summary Care Record Service.

Each PCT takes turns to host the meetings, with some even providing lunch (making them very popular hosts!) In keeping with their friendly style, meetings do not have an ‘official chair’. However, Jacky’s attendance has naturally progressed into an informal lead, and the group feels she represents an independent voice.

Everyone involved has commented that the networking group is a great achievement. Sue commented: “I feel it has been a great success. We have each developed certain strengths and areas of expertise, with different clinical systems for example. It is extremely encouraging to know that there is someone you can call for assistance to tap into their area of knowledge, whilst sharing your own. It has become real teamwork on a number of occasions.”

Karen summed up: “Personally, I think it has been a huge hit. We all have the opportunity to get things off our chests in a confidential environment where we understand that ‘what gets said in the room stays in the room’. After a quick, but therapeutic, grumble, we get on with a very fruitful group discussion, especially as everyone has expertise in different areas – and in Essex we do love to share!”

Sue, Karen and Tracey do have some advice for any PCTs who are considering setting up a similar network in their region. Sue said, “My advice would be to start as soon as possible, get some dates in your diaries and keep it informal to begin with. That way everyone feels able to contribute, however long they have been in post or whatever position they hold.”

“I think it is important that management supports both the development of such networks and the release of staff to attend the network meetings,” commented Tracey. “It provides vital protected time for the facilitators to enable reflection on jobs well done and problem and issues sharing and solving.”

Karen added: “I think it’s best to decide at the outset whether you want a formal meeting, with minutes and an agenda, or an informal approach. Get your venues booked in advance and last, but not least, enjoy the meetings. It is the networking and the relationships that you build between group members which are the basis of all the work and productivity that is achieved.”

If you would like to investigate setting up a similar network, please contact your local PRIMIS+ Learning Consultant who can help bring together like-minded PCTs in your region.