Measures to improve workplace culture within Health questioned by Scrutiny
12 June 2023
The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) held its second Quarterly Public Hearing of 2023 with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson, on 8 June.
The Panel questioned the Minister about the work of the Health and Community Services Change Team and heard that improving workplace culture was a priority. The Panel was informed that work was being done to build a more collaborative culture and that a 'Freedom to Speak Up Guardian' had been appointed to listen to staff concerns. The Panel raised the topic of exit interviews and asked whether a more formalised method of gathering feedback could be incorporated into exit strategies.
The Panel also asked about the lack of existing regulation for medicinal cannabis and heard that the Minister plans to establish a Cannabis Agency to identify the regulation requirements and reduce the risk that prescriptions could be sold on to third parties for recreational use.
The Panel noted that the Minister's proposition to establish a Health and Community Services Interim Board was due to be debated by the States Assembly on Tuesday 13th June and questioned the Minister on the cause for her amendment to the proposition. The Panel heard that the amendment was intended to 'clarify what the purpose and function of the board always has been' following feedback from the Council of Ministers that its advisory nature was not clear.
Other topics covered in the Hearing included:
- the implementation of the new electronic patient record system and the view given by the Interim Chief Executive that although there had been teething problems it had been better than expected and was working smoothly;
- a draft Cancer Strategy had been developed and the costs of implementing it will be reflected in the 2024 Government Plan;
- there had not been any significant progress regarding the scoping of a Neurodiversity Strategy but the Minister remained committed to undertaking this work.
Deputy Rob Ward, Chair of the Panel, said: "It is encouraging to hear that the Change Team has a particular focus on improving workplace culture and staff wellbeing, however the Panel maintains some concerns over the efficacy and independence of 'Freedom to Speak Up Guardian' role. The Panel sees the benefit of having this in place but feels that building a system where staff feel they can challenge managers directly would have a more significant impact on wellbeing in the workplace.
"A more clearly defined exit strategy for those members of staff who do choose to leave their roles would also be of benefit and would provide the opportunity for learning and honest feedback. We have seen little evidence that exit interviews are taking place in a consistent manner and it is unclear whether they are provided at all for agency staff. I would also like to stress the importance of Ministerial plans having clear timelines which are adhered to, as there is a risk of valuable work and time being lost if these deadlines are not respected."
A full recording of the hearing can be accessed here.
