[Anglican Communion News Service] People who manage church health services in developing Commonwealth countries can apply now on-line for a place on a Commonwealth fellowship scheme organised by the Anglican Alliance.

The scheme is now live for applications on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

Candidates need to read the material here and then they can start applying here.

The scheme builds on the programme run by the Alliance earlier this year for church education administrators that enabled schools administrators from four Commonwealth countries to study education systems in the United Kingdom.

The new scheme, funded by the UK Government, has been devised by the Anglican Alliance jointly with USPG: Anglicans in World Mission and will focus on the shift to community-based health services. It will be run in the first quarter of next year.

There are four places on the scheme which will include:

• Two weeks placement with a public sector health agency in London
• Two weeks placement with an independent sector health provider in London
• A short course in health administration at Northampton University
• A one-day course in public participation in health services
• Meetings with key health agencies in London

Travel costs will be met by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission which will also provide a small stipend. The successful applicants will work with a professional facilitator to develop a learning contract for implementation on return home.

The scheme is open to people who are managing delivery of church health services, either in provincial or diocesan offices, or in church hospitals and clinics. It is especially designed for those who are reconfiguring services to take them out of hospitals and into the community, and to increase public participation.

Applications can only be made through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website, which also provides more information and guidance for prospective candidates. Candidates need to read the advice carefully  — it is a competitive process, and special care needs to be taken over providing information about the benefits that will programme will bring to the applicants area of work.

Applications must to be made by Sept. 21.

Sally Keeble, Anglican Alliance director said: “The church provides health services to millions of people in developing countries. This is a unique chance for some health administrators to look at different models of health care and consider how to develop their own services and improve health standards for the communities they serve.”