CSS News

At our Clinical and Scientific Services (CSS) Clinical Group, colleague feedback is shaping improvements to staff experience. Through the NHS Staff Survey and ongoing engagement conversations, colleagues highlighted the need for visible and compassionate leadership, stronger support for managers, open and honest conversations, and a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to speak up.

In response, the CSS Workforce and OD team has introduced a range of development opportunities designed to strengthen leadership, support wellbeing and create positive workplace cultures.

What we heard was important to colleagues

• Visible and compassionate leadership.
• Managers who feel confident handling people matters and difficult conversations.
• A culture where people feel safe, respected and able to speak up.
• Greater opportunities for feedback, learning and development.
• Supportive workplaces where colleagues feel recognised, valued and well.

Turning feedback into action

To address these priorities, CSS has introduced three key development programmes:

• Foundations of Leadership: Designed for Band 7 and 8a colleagues, this face-to-face programme focuses on the practical realities of people management. Sessions cover compassionate leadership, effective conversations and applying people management principles with confidence and consistency. 
• Active Bystander Training: This training empowers colleagues to challenge inappropriate behaviours, support one another and contribute to a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and included. 
• Thriving on Feedback Sessions: These sessions help colleagues and managers develop the confidence to give and receive feedback effectively, encouraging open conversations, continuous learning and stronger team relationships.

Together, these programmes are helping CSS respond directly to colleague feedback by strengthening leadership capability, encouraging open conversations, promoting inclusion and creating supportive environments where people can thrive.

Making a difference

The response to the Foundations of Leadership programme has already been extremely positive, with 55 leaders completing the programme and a further 100 booked onto upcoming sessions.