28 April 2026

Listening to staff isn’t a one-off event - it’s an ongoing commitment.  Across High Secure Services (HSS) regular Listening and Engagement Forums give colleagues the space to speak openly, raise concerns and suggest improvements.

What matters most though, is what happens next.  Through a clear ‘You Said, We Did’ approach, feedback isn’t just heard but acted on - turning conversations into meaningful change that aims to benefit both staff and patients. 

Themes from conversations at recent forum events include:

You Said

We Did
Staffing levels, rostering and punctuality
  • Strengthening escalation processes
  • Reviewing shift patterns and making improvements to roster planning to balance skill mix
  • Introduced a system to record and address lateness
  • Exploring budding and mentoring for new starters, to include a pool of volunteers
  • Reinforce use of sign-off checklists and probation feedback
Leadership, attitudes and professional standards
  • Increased manager presence in clinical areas
  • Addressing issues locally
  • Reinforce professional expectations through supervision and conversations
Operational processes and timings
  • Continuing to monitor medication timings locally with medical teams
  • Reviewed ordering processes and suppliers
  • Improving communication between services during busy periods
Resources and facilities
  • Clarifying ward budget flexibility
  • Reviewing processes for restricted item
  • improvements to lockers and ward facilities
  • Increased access to cups, crockery and dishwashers in relevant areas and addressing hygiene concerns
Staff support, safety and wellbeing
  • Promoting reporting of abuse and access to support routes, including Freedom to Speak Up
  • Improved access to wellbeing and psychological support
  • Planning a range of joint events with wellbeing leads throughout the forthcoming year
  • Exploring more opportunities for staff meetings and reflective practice

Listening and responding to staff helps create a more supportive working environment where colleagues feel valued and heard.  That directly impacts patient care, improving quality, safety and compassion across services

This work continues, with regular updates ensuring staff can see the difference their feedback makes.

The next Listening and Engagement Forum will take place:

  • Thursday 7 May 2026, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
  • OER Conference Room (First Floor, OER Building)

For more information, please contact Chris Stewart or Helen Towler on their Trust email addresses.

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