Cultural issues related to allegations of bullying and harassment in NHS Highland: independent review report

37. Quick Summary of Main Points and Proposals

(See paragraph 33.7)

• Collective, collaborative, cooperative culture and leadership
• Compassion, kindness, relationships and people at the heart of NHSH
• Acceptance of uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity
• Acknowledgement of past, willingness to look forward
• Use best practice and current excellent resources wherever possible
• Deal with disagreements and difficulties early and promote civility
• Mediation and facilitation have important roles to play
• Measured, thoughtful and coherent strategy needed to take matters forward
• Build on earlier reports
• Seek to align how things are done in NHSH with the National Performance Framework and its outcomes
• Reset senior management – openness and communication are key
• Engage with other public sector leaders
• Chief executive to lead by example, supported by able senior managers and the Board Chair
• Engagement with staff at all levels, recognising impact of the past and recent events and acknowledging the commitment shown at all levels
• Scottish Government to demonstrate and support people-centred leadership
• Board to exercise governance function well; review governance structures
• Non-executive board members to be well trained and supported
• Board strategic vision needed
• Ensure clinical engagement and effective relationships with managers
• Enhance relationships with GPs
• Role of trade unions and staff representation to be reviewed
• Review management and other arrangements in Argyll and Bute
• Ensure support available, including listening, for those who have experienced inappropriate behaviour
• Consider strategy for meetings, safe spaces and other forums to address issues and build relationships
• Instigate programme of training for staff and managers
• Adopt social media and communication standards so that simple, clear, consistent and regular messages to all staff become the norm
• Support and develop HR-related strategies to deal with issues adequately
• Recognise importance of mental health
• Introduce effective "speaking up" / "whistleblowing" facilities
• Convene a three-day retreat to consider this report, assess its proposals and plan the way ahead
• Regular reviews with appropriate benchmarks to assess progress