In this episode of SimCast, we welcome Mandy Wilford from the University of Staffordshire to explore building a culture of simulation across higher education. Drawing on her experience in nursing, NHS education and the commercial sector, Mandy shares how collaboration, leadership support and structured staff development have supported simulation across healthcare and policing. We discuss preparing learners for simulation, developing facilitators and adapting debriefing approaches to different professional contexts.

The conversation also explores authenticity, the language of fidelity and the importance of involving technologists in simulation design. Mandy shares examples of students designing, facilitating and debriefing their own scenarios, revealing learning needs and challenging assumptions about their priorities. Whether you teach, support simulation delivery or lead educational change, this episode offers practical ideas for developing your colleagues, strengthening student partnership and building support within your institution.

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In this episode of SimCast, Tony Jermy and Lawrence Hill welcome Helen Jarratt and Annie Constant from MPFT to explore organisational readiness for simulation-based learning. They trace the development of an early idea into a dedicated simulation suite, explaining how workforce engagement, leadership support and persistence shaped provision across a large, geographically dispersed community trust.

The discussion covers lessons from poorly attended sessions, the move towards bespoke support for clinical teams and the use of simulation within recruitment. Helen and Annie explain how SCORS provided an honest baseline, informed practical improvements and demonstrated progress in organisational readiness. They also explore faculty development, quality assurance, investment in staff and future plans for satellite facilities, streamed learning and simulation-informed career pathways.

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Recorded live at the Maudsley Learning Mental Health Simulation Conference, this special SimCast panel brings together speakers and faculty to reflect on some of the major issues shaping mental health simulation. Tony and Lawrence are joined by Liz, Nikki, James and Camilla to explore what prevents effective simulation from producing sustained change in healthcare systems, and how transformative simulation might move beyond education to influence systems, services and patient care.

The discussion examines the opportunities and risks associated with AI and technology-enhanced simulation, the importance of lived experience and inclusive design, and the role of multi-agency working in creating more representative learning. The panel also considers psychological safety in challenging mental health scenarios, how far simulation should stretch participants, and what they have taken away from two days of shared learning. The episode closes with a reminder that effective simulation does not depend on expensive facilities, and that creativity, collaboration and thoughtful design remain central to meaningful simulation practice.

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