News
Effective and Sensitive Methods to Deal with Poor Performance
02 Jan 2007
Developing 'U' has had great success in supporting NHS managers to develop an effective, sensitive and lawful process to deal with poor performance.
Initially developed for North Hampshire Hospital Trust this programme has a practical 3 stage process. It includes balancing the requirements of equal opportunity legislation, stress at work guidelines and work life balance with a clear process to motivate members of staff to perform to the required standard. Ultimately, and if appropriate, to implement the disciplinary process where staff are unwilling to achieve the required standard.
Our unique practical sessions take leaders through a range of challenging NHS based scenarios to enhance their communication and relationship building skills, linking with the KSF to inform action planning and training needs.
We also offer one-to-one independent coaching for individuals who are not performing to requirements. By using this approach, organisations are able to demonstrate that adequate and objective support has been given to the individual if dismissal becomes the only option.
>> Course related to this news article
Promoting Equality and Diversity in the NHS
28 Dec 2006
For 2007 we are updating our Equality and Diversity programme which has been delivered across many Trusts by Marcia Slack. We are very fortunate to be joined by a new consultant, Liz Bailey, who will be supporting this project. Liz is highly experienced in the field of Equal Opportunities having recently left her position as Equal Opportunities Manager for Barclays Bank PLC.
Outstanding Savings and Results through Whole Team Training
20 Oct 2006
South & North East Dorset PCT approached us in 2005 to design a ‘new approach’ to meeting the challenges of NATPAC and the NHS Plan. Whole Team Training was seen as an innovative systematic approach to meet these needs. Seven teams from across several professional groups, performing to various levels were chosen for the pilot programme.
This unique programme included awaydays, personal coaching and team leader meetings designed on the individual needs of each groups.
At the end of the pilot programme, evaluation showed the following results:
* Significant improvements in services and standard of care offered to patients.
* Significant improvements in teamwork, with one team achieving a 30% improvement.
* Many KSF indicators were achieved.
* Four teams showed a significant drop in sickness absence resulting in a Trust saving of £30,640. By the end of the programme only one of the teams remained above the national average for sickness.
* With the worst figure for turnover starting at 28.5%, the Trust was able to reduce all but 2 teams to below the national average of 14.3%. The two above stood at 15%.
KSF makes Recruitment and Selection more Effective
02 Oct 2006
In 2006, using our knowledge of the KSF we have successfully re-designed our Recruitment and Selection Programme to include how the KSF can inform person specifications and selection criteria.
This popular programme continues to include the highly regarded practice sessions, questioning techniques and note taking process.
Appraisal Training for KSF
04 Jul 2006
2006 has seen a massive increase in the demand for Appraisal Training.
As a result we have designed a range of 1 and 2 day programmes, some of which are modular to address the varying needs of our Trusts.
Barking & Dagenham PCT have been creative in piloting two half-day modular sessions to meet their Appraisal training needs. The morning is devoted to enhancing staff’s understanding of the KSF, an area which many staff still find complex and, in some cases, threatening. This is followed by an optional afternoon of skills training where practical sessions are used to cover questioning, listening, conflict, coaching and note taking.
Working Towards Eliminating Stress at Work
01 Feb 2006
The Health & Safety Executive Guidelines launched in 2005 are having a significant impact on addressing workplace stress. We now have three consultants within our team who hold a Diploma in Stress at Work. In 2006 we developed three new programmes to equip staff with the ability to take responsibility for their team and their own well-being at work.
• ‘The Manager’s Role in Dealing with Workplace Stress’ ensures leaders are able to work in line with the requirements of the HSE guidelines. It clarifies the difference between pressure and stress and has practical activities which enable them to agree and produce risk assessment plans as required by the HSE.
• "Eliminating Stress and Developing Wellbeing at Work" - designed to support staff to recognise and deal with their own stressors in the workplace. This programme forms part of the HSE guidelines for organisations on how to tackle organisational stress.
Involvement in the KSF Gateway Policy
30 Jun 2005
Mandy Underwood was seconded to work with the North East London Strategic Health Authority to produce a model KSF Gateway policy for their linked Trust.
This exciting opportunity enabled Developing 'U' to become involved in the roll-out of the KSF and to design and map our courses to it.
Eliminating Bullying at Work
11 Nov 2003
During 2001 – 2003 we were involved in a major project to eradicate bullying in the workplace. With several senior members of staff suspended on allegations of bullying in the workplace, this prominent NHS Acute Trust approached Developing ‘U’ to provide a 2 year programme to help the department to recover from the trauma of the experience and develop a more harmonious culture through effective leadership and enhanced relationships across the department.
The Phoenix Programme, as it was called, used a range of methods to support the new culture including: psychological debriefing, focus groups, a Change Team, a new Appraisal System, a leadership development programme and relationship training for staff at all levels.