The document discusses the importance of commercial awareness in professional settings, particularly in the healthcare sector, where a lack of this skill is a major shortcoming among graduates. It highlights the financial challenges faced by NHS trusts, indicating that many are in serious trouble, and reflects on the characteristics and responsibilities of a commercially aware professional. The text calls for professionals to develop specific competencies to navigate these challenges and contribute to sustainable practices in the health sector.

2. 
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What is commercial awareness?
What are the features of the „commercially
aware‟ person?
How does this relate to health?
The professional worker
Making commercial and professional choices
Debate!

3. 
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„A lack of commercial awareness is the single
most common failing in graduates applying
for employment‟ (CIHE What do employers
want, 2008)
67% of employers surveyed said that there
was a shortage of grads with commercial
awareness – more than any other skill
Money makes the world go around..

4. 
“Six other NHS trusts face joining South
London Healthcare in "administration" as they
have taken on projects viewed by ministers as
"unsustainable", it has emerged. Despite
efforts to improve its financial
performance, it is still thought to be on track
to lose between £30 and £75 million a year
for the next five years – June 2012

5. 
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The spectre of hospitals going bankrupt is raised
today in a damning report by MPs which suggests
that one in five NHS trusts is in serious financial
trouble and “there is a real concern that some
will fail”.
The scale of the challenge facing the NHS is
revealed in figures showing that 34 trusts ran up
combined debts of £356m in 2011-12 and
another 42 relied on handouts from local health
authorities or the Department of Health to keep
them going – almost 19 per cent of the 411 NHS
organisations in total, MPs say. Oct 2012

6.  "the
knowledge of how
businesses make money, what
customers want, and what
problems there are in a
particular area of business.“

i.e. Understanding the bottom line

7.  What
does the commercially aware
person know or do?
 Come
up with at least 10 items

8.  Look
at each of the features.. Do
they apply in health?
 If
so why, give an example of
where or how you would need
this.

9.  What
does the „professional
worker‟ look like?
 How
act, look, behave?

10. 
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Has specialist knowledge - acquires it and
develops it
Is reliable - prepared, keeps promises, meets
deadlines, manages expectations
Acts with high standards of honesty and
integrity
Does not compromise their own values, those
of their professional body or organisation
Takes personal responsibility for their own
actions
Shows their commitment

11. 
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Self manages – keeps cool, avoids emotive
conflicts
Presents an image which gives confidence
Is respectful of authority, polite, says thx
Is prepared and has the tools for the
job, learns the jargon and the systems
Focuses on the job in hand
Has a strong work ethic, goes when the job is
done
Stays relevant on the job
Takes initiative
Shares knowledge and expertise but keeps
appropriate confidences

12.  What
does the commercially aware
professional do in these
circumstances?