Improving employee performance management in the health and social care sector

Background

In response to a recommendation in the Cavendish Review into Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers in the NHS and social care settings the Secretary of State for Health asked us for advice on what best practice looks like when it comes to employers' identifying, managing and dismissing under performers including any who have been referred to a professional regulator. 

Our recommendation

Our advice considers the extent of the problem, sets out relevant good practice and recommends steps the Department of Health could quickly take to support improved performance management among health and social care employers.

We consider the way in which people management is viewed in the health and social care sector needs to shift away from largely being seen as a vice to one in which it is valued and regarded as a virtue. Our view is that this will not only assist in effecting fair dismissals when such action is appropriate, but will also contribute to achieving the cultural change called for by Francis and Berwick.