Content originally from NHS England
The ambulance service, a cornerstone of our healthcare system, is currently facing significant challenges related to workplace culture. The National Guardian’s Office report, ‘Listening to workers: a speak up review of ambulance trusts in England‘, highlighted deeply concerning cultural issues. These included leadership styles that do not adequately support staff to speak up and instances where those who voiced concerns faced intimidation or inaction.
These finding are consistent with the 2022 NHS Staff Survey, which benchmarks performance in the seven People Promise elements. This shows that ambulance sector is below the NHS national average across all elements, although some indicators have seen the biggest improvements on the previous year.
Other blue light services such as the National Fire Service and the Metropolitan Police Service, offer valuable paradigms for the ambulance sector. These services, despite their distinct challenges, have implemented strategies that emphasise collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
This independent review, commissioned by NHS England, considers the prevailing culture within ambulance trusts in England. It considers the core factors impacting cultural norms and offers actionable recommendations for improvement.
Based on insights from key stakeholders, this review has identified 6 key recommendations to improve the culture in ambulance trusts:
- Balance operational performance with people performance at all levels.
- Focus on leadership and management culture and develop the ambulance workforce.
- Improve the operational environment, line management and undergraduate training.
- Translate the NHS equality, diversity, and inclusion improvement plan into a bespoke plan for the sector.
- Target bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment and enable freedom to speak up.
- Prioritise, support and develop human resources and organisational development functions.
Read the full review here
SWF Health & Social Care Group 