Employees at Solent NHS Trust have said the Trust is a great place to work and has a compassionate and inclusive culture, the NHS Staff Survey has found.
The Trust ranked among the best when compared with other combined community, learning disability and mental health trusts and was found to be top performing in three out of the ten key themes, and above average in the other seven.
Solent’s best ever response rate
Over 68 per cent of staff responded to the annual survey – which is carried out by all NHS Trusts in England – and is Solent’s best ever response rate.
The results help the Trust understand employees’ experiences at work, including how motivated they feel and the changes that can be made to make an even bigger difference.
Tracked against national ambitions
Engaging with employees was a vital component in Solent recently winning the prestigious HSJ Staff Engagement Award in 2021.
For the first time, in 2021 the questions were aligned with the NHS People Promise to track progress against the national ambition to make the NHS the best workplace it can be.
Strevens: We have an excellent speaking up culture
Andrew Strevens, Acting Chief Executive of Solent NHS Trust, said,
“It has been another challenging year for the NHS and I am so proud and privileged to work with such an incredible team of people. Seeing how our people continue to put patients first, despite continued pressures is testament to their hard work, resilience and dedication.
“Our results demonstrate how our people embody our HEART values which guide and inspire all our actions. We really do have a compassionate and inclusive culture. People shared that the organisation respects individual differences, that people feel a strong attachment to their team and that colleagues are understanding, kind to one another, polite and treat each other with respect.
“We have an excellent speaking up culture where people feel psychologically safe to express their concerns knowing that we will take the time to listen and act. Ultimately this improves patient care and outcomes.
“Our priority of developing an inclusive culture where we all feel we belong is making a difference. We can see good progress in responses to questions around equality and diversity. Whilst this is positive, there is still further work to be done. With more insight into how people feel at work, we will have more opportunity to make significant and effective changes.”
The survey also highlighted some areas which need improvement.
Strevens: We want staff to reach their full potential
Andrew added,
“We continue to build a values-based, people-centred organisation in which our people can thrive and do their best work.
“However, we know there is still more to do around employees meeting conflicting demands and time pressures.
“We also want staff to reach their full potential through learning and development.”
You can read the report in full via the Website.
News shared by Solent NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
