This September, around 400 members will descend on the NEC in Birmingham for the 2018 UK-wide Q community event, and anticipation is building.

The annual event provides a space for members from all over the UK to get together. It’s a time to forge connections, share learning and hopefully take away some valuable tools to support collective and individual improvement journeys all over the country.

We’re consistently told by members that the opportunity to meet other people passionate about improvement face-to-face, is one of the most important aspects of being part of Q – reminding us all that both our struggles and successes are shared.

Here at the Q team project office we’re working hard to make sure the day delivers what members want, and as part of that we’ve been looking back at the learnings from last year’s event in Liverpool. We want to make sure we take all the best bits forward this year, building on what you said you loved and what you wanted more of.

Highlights from 2017

Something you loved last year was interactive, engaging sessions with practical takeaways, and that’s what we’ll be looking to replicate this year.

One of the most highly rated aspects of the 2017 event was the Pecha Kucha (20 slides x 20 seconds) session.

I was so impressed with the programme that I made the trip from New Zealand to attend[…] The highlights for me were the contributions made by Helen Bevan and I particularly enjoyed the Pecha Kucha sessions.

I put this learning into the National Allied Health Conference that I organised in Wellington NZ. The Pecha Kucha sessions were acknowledged as the highlight of the conference and will be used by others organising conferences and meetings in NZ.

Andy Phillips, Chief Allied Health Profesions Officer, Hawkes Bay District Health Board, New Zealand

Getting some funny looks as I run through my PechaKucha presentation – again – on train but looking forward to doing it for real! @theQCommunity @HealthFdn #Qevent2017

— Helen Crisp (@HelenMCrisp) November 23, 2017

Seeing so many Q members get involved on the day was a major highlight and brought to life the value of the connections being made within the community on a regular basis.

[…] my lived experience of my son’s care was used a back story for the coaching workshop. I attended the workshop and saw our lived experience come to life, helping to encourage health professionals to practice person centred care and shared decision making.

Mandy Rudczenko, Carer; Lay member: Expert by Experience; Patient Partner, East Midlands

Looking ahead

Based on the feedback from last year’s event we’ve focused on some key areas for the event this year.

You said

• You’d like even more time to meet other members
• You’d like practical tools and learning to take back to the workplace
• It’s helpful to have more information about the objectives of each break-out session, to help you choose the best option for your particular needs
• You want to know who else is attending the event

We did

• We’ve allowed plenty of networking time through the programme to allow you to meet with other members
• Our expert-led break out session speakers will be working hard to provide lots of take-home tools
• We’ll be adding more information on the event link in the coming weeks, including draft objectives and some suggestions of who might benefit from the session
• You can see the other members by going to the event link. You can also download the Bizabo app to connect with other members before the day.

The Agenda

This year, the first half of the day will be dedicated to the Q Exchange, where we’ll see the 25 shortlisted project teams pitch for votes from the Q community. There’s already been tons of activity online, with members commenting on and supporting all the projects put forward, and the buzz is building in the lead up to the day.

[…] can’t wait to see all the Q Exchange bidder presentations – the ideas submitted are so diverse and necessary, it’s going to be very tough to vote.

Jen Elllis, Programme Manager

The afternoon will host a series of expert-led break out sessions. A big thank you to all the Q members that got involved choosing the topics for the day – some of the winning themes are liberating structures, measurement, evaluation and joy in work. We’ll be releasing the booking slots for the break out sessions soon, so watch this space.

The day will close on a high note, with the announcement of the winning Q-exchange projects following the casting of final votes.

We still have a small number of spaces left for the event, so reserve your spot if you’d like to join us. If you’ve already registered, don’t forget to book your travel as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing you!