DBTH was chosen as one of 26 early implementer sites for a new national multi-professional framework, which ensures preceptorship is available for all healthcare professions, not just nursing and midwifery.

To achieve the Quality Mark, the trust's programme was assessed against strict national standards, looking at governance, leadership, supervision, educational support and feedback from those who have taken part.

Professor Sam Debbage, director of education and research at DBTH, said: ‘This is a significant achievement for DBTH and a testament to the dedication of our education and clinical teams. Preceptorship is essential in ensuring our newly qualified and returning colleagues have the right support to thrive.

‘Achieving the National Quality Mark demonstrates our commitment to professional development, workforce retention, and ultimately, delivering exceptional care for our patients. It also reflects our strategic ambition to become a leading centre for research and education, making DBTH a place where people want to train, work, and grow.

‘On behalf of the trust, I also want to thank Natalie McCarthy, one of our Education Leads, for leading this work so effectively, as well as our senior colleagues, matrons and Allied Health Professionals for their fantastic collaboration in making this possible.'

The recognition builds on DBTH's Interim Quality Mark for Nursing in 2023 and its Gold Standard for Nursing and Midwifery Preceptorship, placing the organisation among the very best in the country for supporting healthcare professionals at the start of their careers.