LLR Buddying Framework
Shape careers and build relationships
Open to all LLR ICS partners.
Starting a new role can be both exciting and overwhelming. Workplace buddying is a proven way to help new colleagues feel welcomed, supported, and part of the team from day one.
The LLR Buddying Framework has been designed to enhance the induction experience by enabling managers to nominate team members as ‘LLR Buddies’; trusted colleagues who can provide guidance, encouragement, and everyday support to new starters – particularly during their induction period.
While buddying itself isn’t new, this framework offers clear guidance and practical resources to define what good buddying looks like across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR). It sets a consistent standard for how individuals entering health and care roles in LLR should be supported as they settle into their new roles and teams.
Being an LLR Buddy: A Chance to Grow and Give Back
While the LLR Buddying Framework is a fantastic way to support new starters, it also offers a meaningful development opportunity for existing team members. The people we work with play a huge role in shaping how we feel about our jobs – yet we often overlook those whose positivity, kindness, and compassion quietly lift the whole team.
By creating a dedicated role for individuals who embody these qualities, the LLR Buddying Framework recognises and celebrates the invaluable contribution of supportive colleagues. It’s a chance to grow professionally while making a real difference to someone’s start in a new role.
Time dedicated to being an LLR Buddy can count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). In addition, the LLR Academy will host quarterly development sessions covering a range of topics designed to strengthen the skills, confidence, and knowledge of our LLR Buddies. These sessions offer a great opportunity to learn, connect with fellow Buddies, and grow in your role.
Find out what’s involved in being an LLR Buddy
How to Register
Join others from UHL, LPT, Local Authorities, LHIS, and LLR ICB. Whether you’re a team lead, manager, or someone who’d make a great LLR Buddy, the LLR Academy would love to support you in getting involved.
If you’re a manager or team lead interested in introducing LLR Buddying within your team, service, or area, please contact us to express your interest. We’ll be happy to share helpful resources (including our highly rated Manager’s & Buddy Guides), answer your questions, and provide tailored support. You’ll also be invited to join our Community of Practice, where you can connect with others championing Buddying across the LLR system.
If you’re an individual who’s passionate about supporting others and think you’d be a brilliant LLR Buddy, share this page with your manager to start the conversation. If you’d like further help with navigating the next steps, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’re here to help!
LLR Buddying e-Guides
Beside are sneak peeks from our LLR Buddy and LLR Buddy Manager e-guides. These comprehensive resources outline the full LLR Buddying Framework and offer practical guidance to support successful implementation. Importantly, they clearly define the distinct roles of Managers and LLR Buddies in supporting new starters, and highlight how Buddies can engage meaningfully with new colleagues throughout a 90-day induction journey.
The guides were highly rated during the pilot phase for their clarity, usefulness, and relevance. The full guides are available on request – contact us to receive your copy.
Making LLR Buddying Happen
This video provides a road map through implementing the LLR Buddying Framework using the e-guides, along with other key resources, to ensure success.
You may find it useful to share with colleagues, managers, or senior leaders- whether you’re introducing the concept, making the case for adoption, or looking for clear guidance on getting started.
Testimonials
- “Our buddy’s have become a vital part of every induction, they’re the friendly face that makes the first few weeks less daunting for new starters.”
- “New starters tell us it’s the buddy support that makes them feel welcome, valued and part of the team straight away.”
- “When people feel supported early on, they settle in faster, grow in confidence and are more likely to stay.”
Leila Bahadur- LLR Buddy Manager and,
Principal Pharmacist Professional Development and Clinical Assurance, University Hospitals Leicester
- “Our buddies have been a lifeline, during busy periods of recruitment.”
- “Our new starters say our buddies are “ kind/supportive/welcoming/role models!” who made the start of their journey a really positive one”
- “For it to be effective, we must provide protected time for buddies to build relationships and provide support for our new starters. Remember the alternative is far more costly.”
Carys Plant- LLR Buddy Manager and,
Children’s Speech and Language Therapy, Leicestershire Partnership Trust
- “Having a buddy helps me to feel welcomed, supported included in a new team.”
- “It’s great to have someone to approach knowing that there’s no such thing as a ‘silly’ question.”
- “First impressions last – feeling valued can really help new workers to settle in – it certainly helped to reassure me.”
Jo Angrave- New Starter with LLR Buddy and,
Quality Assurance Practice Manager, Safeguarding and Professional Practice, Leicester City Council
- “The pilot helped us identify there is work we need to do internally to adapt the buddying pilot framework to fit our organisation.”
- “Staff told us anecdotally buddying has helped them feel supported both emotionally and practically.”
- “We heard from staff that they want more structure and consistency around the buddying role. The buddying pilot provides a framework to support this.”
Susan Moore- LLR Buddy Manager and,
Learning and Development Manager and Best Interest Assessor, Social Care and Education, Leicester City Council
More Helpful Resources
This time-lapse animation captures key moments from a celebratory event held in March 2025, marking the successful completion of the LLR Buddying pilot phase. Six areas from various organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland came together to showcase how they’ve brought the LLR Buddying Framework to life in their areas – sharing powerful stories of how the initiative has supported smooth, meaningful inductions and made a real difference to new starters.
Anonymous Feedback Surveys
This section is for LLR Buddies, their managers, and the new starters who have applied (or are planning to apply) the LLR Buddying Framework as part of their induction process.
To allow us to understand the value of LLR Buddying from your perspective, please complete the survey(s) below. Your feedback is extremely valuable and we will be using the information you provide to make changes as we continue to develop the LLR Buddying Framework. Don’t worry if you think you’ve missed a previous survey, we’ve included a link to this below too.
Please do take some time to complete the surveys and if you are a an LLR Buddy or Manager, ensure your new starters have completed theirs too.
We would also welcome your feedback via email to llr.academy@nhs.net
Start Point (Day 0) | Mid Point (6wks – 8wks) | End Point (Day 90 or beyond) | |
LLR Buddy | |||
New Starter | |||
LLR Buddy Manager | N/A |