NHS report: Key findings and recommendations

THE review uncovered:

• Creation of a blame culture

• Bad news not passed up the line

• Staff told to “put a gloss” on reports

• Staff told to “fix it” without support

• Inappropriate management styles that were emulated by staff

• Fear about using the board’s whistleblowing/staff concerns policy

• An inappropriate culture that has lasted for “some time”

• Breaches of the Dignity at Work policy

The to-do list

THE recommendations say the health board should:

• Reassess the way it works

• Bring in an intensive programme of support and development to embed new leadership style

• Make senior management more visible across the organisation

• Turn executive directors into organisation champions for initiatives on culture and staff engagement

• Train managers on difference between bullying and firm management

• Become an open learning organisation and not one based on blame

• Reappraise staff survey to better listen to workers

• Redraw whistleblowing policy and set up external helpline to support staff

• Simplify HR policies