Listening into Action: Empowering Frontline Staff
Everyday, our staff go above and beyond to provide compassionate care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. That's why we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our colleagues as much as our service users.
Listening into Action (LiA) is one of the ways we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our team members and learn from those on the frontline about how we can enhance our services.
What is Listening into Action?
Listening into Action (LiA) empowers staff to work together for better patient care by removing barriers. It's a fundamental shift in how organisations operate, allowing teams to drive improvements from within. LiA gives staff the autonomy to act, with tools to support change, creating a culture of engagement, pride, and value.
LiA Team: Dr Shaji Sukumaran, Melissa Wood, Asha Clarke Registe
Recognising Staff Contributions
Celebrating the hard work and dedication of our staff is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture. Our recognition programme includes several key elements:
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Monthly Recognition Awards: Leaders interact regularly with staff through walkarounds and monthly awards to highlight those who excel. This recognition promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment
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Long Service Awards: We honour the commitment of long serving NHS staff members, acknowledging their loyalty and invaluable role in our success
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Seasonal Celebrations: Annual events, such as summer and Christmas parties, provide staff with opportunities to relax, have fun, and connect with colleagues
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Annual Staff Awards: Our a nnual Staff Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams and bring them together, enhancing unity and appreciation across the Trust
Overcoming Challenges Together
Every team faces unique challenges, and we are dedicated to addressing these collaboratively. By adopting a 'lead through engagement' approach, our leaders work with teams to identify and resolve issues, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered.
B ased on staff feedback, we’ve introduced new systems for flexible working arrangements and hosted workshops to promote cultural awareness and anti-racism. These efforts reflect our commitment to a workplace where all staff feel valued and included.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our goal is to be among the top three NHS m ental h ealth t rusts for staff engagement, as measured by the NHS Staff Survey. With over 5,800 staff across more than 70 sites, this ambitious target is only achievable through continuous improvement and innovative initiatives like LiA .
LiA conducts regular workshops across the organi s ation to explore deeper into specific areas and issues, going beyond standard surveys. By collaborating with the People & Organisational Development and Staff Survey Directorate Leads, we identify key areas for improvement and best practices. Staff are encouraged to share their thoughts on what is working, what isn’t, and what changes they would like to see.
Staff Feedback in Action
Melissa is one of our LiA Practitioner s. She f inds satisfaction in turning staff input into reality:
Listening to staff and seeing their ideas come to life is incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with the Staff Support Team to deliver Rest and Recharge Hubs and working with Maudsley Charity for grants to enhance patient or staff experiences are great examples of this.
Asha, another of our LiA Practitioners, values making tangible changes:
I’m proud to take ideas from conversations and implement them to improve work environments. For instance, we’ve helped secure a vending machine at Bethlem Royal Hospital and expanded summer events from one or two to four, which staff have appreciated.
Supporting Staff Wellbeing
The LiA team works closely with Staff Support colleagues to run Rest and Recharge Hubs across the Trust. These hubs offer staff a space to relax. Additionally, during summer garden party events, LiA helps create wellbeing areas to further promote health and joy among staff.
Melissa highlights the importance of these projects:
“Staff are good at caring for others, but to provide the best patient care, we need to take care of ourselves. The Rest and Recharge Hubs allow staff to take breaks and connect with colleagues, which is crucial for their wellbeing. Maudsley Charity grants also enhance patient care by providing resources.”
Asha adds:
Organising events where all staff are treated equally has helped us understand professional group distinctions better. These conversations pave the way for cultural changes and new initiatives.
Dr Shaji Sukumaran, another of our LiA Practitioners , notes the dynamic nature of the role:
Our work involves aligning with the CEO and Chairman’s vision, addressing key issues like patient safety and recruitment, and promoting inclusion and diversity. Recogni s ing staff contributions and empowering them is vital to improving patient care.
A Movement for Change
Listening into Action is more than an initiative; it’s a movement towards a more engaged, motivated, and satisfied workforce. By valuing staff contributions and addressing challenges collaboratively, we are building a stronger, more resilient organisation.
