We helped a primary care network create and establish a new set of shared meaningful values developed by staff as part of their organisational development plan.

Background

Bridgedale Primary Care Network (PCN) requested NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s People and Organisational Development Service to develop a shared set of values for the newly-established PCN. Previously three separate GP practices, they are now working together as one organisation for the first time. The PCN requested a bespoke training programme to be designed and delivered with a focus on aligning all staff to the new values and ethos. They were keen to build on employee resilience and wellbeing, develop leadership skills for all, and to help staff feel they belong to a team.  

Action

We began by undertaking a series of meetings and engagement sessions with the primary care network’s senior leadership team to establish what was important to them and what their vision for the PCN was. From this, we developed a mission statement, purpose and vision for the PCN, along with five core values. 

Engagement with PCN staff enabled us to fine tune this and ensure that all staff had the opportunity to feed into the values – making them meaningful and appropriate.

Along with the creation of the new shared values, a bespoke training package was designed and delivered, focusing on:

• The newly-established values and behaviours, why they are important, and how we follow them on a day-to-day basis

• Resilience and wellbeing 

• Management, leadership, teamwork and belonging.
  

We ensured the new values were used as a ‘golden thread’ throughout the training. We also placed a great emphasis on ‘soft skills’ such as communication and empathy, to enable better teamwork and more progressive relationships – leading to high-performing teams.

Impact

As the new values were received well by all staff, the PCN formally adopted them.

Delegates on the training programme enjoyed the content and structure of the programme. 

The implementation of the values and the associated training programme resulted in:

• Creating a shared purpose, vision and mission for the newly-established organisation

• A set of meaningful values which were developed by staff for staff

• Creating a culture of compassionate leadership

• Developing healthy habits and ensuring staff wellbeing is a priority and aligned to the wider NHS People Plan

• Developing individuals’ resilience 

• Equipping staff with the tools and techniques for effective communications, teamworking and creating a sense of belonging.