Staff Governance is a term which describes the framework for managing employees inside NHS Scotland. The commitments surrounding the framework, are in place to ensure all staff have a positive experience at work, where they feel motivated and engaged with their role, team and the Board.
If you have any queries please contact the Staff Experience team: ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
What does it mean?
Staff Governance is defined as: “a system of corporate accountability for the fair and effective management of all staff”.
It can be measured through assurance that the Standard commitments are being met, and this is assessed locally via the Staff Governance Committee of each Board.
Staff Governance Standard
The Staff Governance Standard sets out what each NHSScotland employer must achieve in order to continuously improve in relation to the fair and effective management of staff. Click on the links for more information.
There are 5 Staff Governance Standard commitments set out what staff can expect from their NHS Scotland Board, and they are that staff should be:
- Well informed
- Appropriately trained and developed
- Involved in decisions
- Treated fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect, in an environment where diversity is valued
- Provided with a continuously improving and safe working environment, promoting the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the wider community.
However, the Standard also sets out corresponding responsibilities for staff (at any level within the organisation). Staff should:
- Keep themselves up to date with developments relevant to their job within the organisation
- Commit to continuous personal and professional development
- Adhere to the standards set by their regulatory bodies
- Actively participate in discussions on issues that affect them either directly or via their trade union/professional organisation
- Treat all staff, patients and service users with dignity and respect while valuing diversity
- Ensure that their actions maintain and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff, patients, service users and carers.
These dual commitments are in place to ensure all staff have a positive experience at work, where they feel motivated and engaged with their role, team and the Board.
NHSGGC Staff Governance Committee assesses how well the Board is complying with these Standards.
Fair Work Framework
The Vision and Framework for Fair Work in Scotland, state that, by 2025, people in Scotland will have a world-leading working life where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and for society.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is committed to the Fair Work principles in order to deliver Scottish Government ambitions of a Fair Work Nation.
As a large public sector organisation, we work in partnership to align the Fair Work principles through commitment to the Staff Governance Standard, as well as a range of other activities and plans across the organisation including, the Procurement Strategy, Workforce Equality plans, Learning and Education activity, the Staff Health Strategy, Safety and Wellbeing plans, flexible and family friendly HR policies, and our Workforce Plan. Additionally, NHSGGC are proud to be a Living Wage Accredited employer.
Staff Governance Committee
The Staff Governance Committee (SGC) is a standing committee of each NHS Board which, together with the Clinical Governance Committee and Audit Committee, forms the full governance framework for NHS Boards.
The purpose of the Staff Governance Committee is to provide assurance to the Board that NHSGGC meets its obligations in relation to Staff Governance under the National Health Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Staff Governance Standard. The Staff Governance Committee is a Standing Committee of the Board.
The Committee ensures that structures and policies are in place to provide assurance that all staff are:
- Well informed
- Appropriately trained and developed
- Involved in decisions
- Treated fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect, in an environment where diversity is valued
- Provided with a continuously improving and safe working environment, promoting the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the wider community.
Each Health and Social Care Partnership, Acute Services and Corporate Directorate have their own Staff Governance arrangements and structure.
The Staff Governance Committee meets four times per year to review and as part of each Committee meeting, speakers provide assurance that structures, actions and processes are in place to meet the Standard.
The NHSGGC Staff Governance Committee is co-chaired by Ketki Miles (Non-Executive Director) and Ann Cameron-Burns (Employee Director).
Approved minutes of Staff Governance Committee meetings can be accessed via the NHSGGC Board papers page or by emailing ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
The Staff Experience Team runs a programme of Collaborative Conversations Staff Engagement Sessions to hear more from staff about their staff experience.
Our recent programme of conversations was run with staff to test how we were using feedback from iMatter and Investors in People. At those Staff Engagement Sessions we asked staff for their input on what difference they’ve seen over the last year and what they think would make the biggest difference to their experience at work and the experience of colleagues.
The staff feedback was provided to the Investors in People Cluster groups to inform their improvement plans and help create a better workplace in all our areas.
The team is now working with local services and teams to identify key themes from the 2023 iMatter survey and following up with staff to better understand what improvements we can put in place.
If you have any queries please speak with your manager and you can also email ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
Staff experience takes account of a staff members full employment journey, from being a prospective candidate right up the point they leave an organisation.
As an employer, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) wants to ensure all staff have a positive experience at work, through:
- Ensuring visibility of, and access to, the right people and the right information at the right times
- Developing capability, inspire ownership, accountability and trust at all levels, and empowering the workforce
- Ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion to continuously establish a fairer workplace for all
- Creating and embedding two-way, feedback rich conversations throughout the organisation
- Encouraging a culture of excellence, celebrate success, benchmark against world class standards.
The Staff Experience team work in a number of areas, to ensure NHSGGC staff to have the most positive experience. The key areas of work and contact details for the team are outlined below.
The Staff Experience Team
Our Staff Experience team is committed to growing an inclusive organisation, where every employee is treated fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect. To get in touch, please email us at ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The team consists of the following members and you can contact them via the buttons below:
iMatter is the NHS Scotland Staff Experience continuous improvement tool, developed nationally, and used within all NHSScotland Boards.
iMatter is designed to help individuals, teams, Directorates, Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) and Boards, understand and improve staff experience. This is a term used to describe the extent to which employees feel motivated, supported and cared for at work. It is reflected in levels of engagement, motivation and productivity.
The process is based on a staff engagement questionnaire which all staff are asked to respond to, which generates a Team Report. The team discusses the report and agrees the team strength along with up to 3 improvement actions. This improvement plan is captured on a team ‘Storyboard’ which the team then uses to monitor progress. The process is then completed annually.
National Staff Experience Reports
iMatter Supporting Documents
1. Action Planning
Please note, Actions Plans should be completed for all teams. The below documents are designed to support the Action Planning process, however please get in touch at iMatter@ggc.scot.nhs.uk if you require any further support.
2. Line Manager Support
3. Paper copies
For any questions, support or guidance regarding iMatter, or if you would like to share any iMatter success stories, please contact the iMatter mailbox at imatter@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The security of our staff is paramount within NHSGGC. To enable our line managers to support their staff, the Human Resources teams monitor the international threat level for the UK. The UK threat levels are set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)
JTAC analyses and assesses all intelligence relating to international terrorism, at home and overseas. It sets threat levels and issues warnings of threats and other terrorist-related subjects for customers from a wide range of government departments and agencies, as well as producing more in-depth reports on trends, terrorist networks and capabilities.
JTAC brings together counter-terrorist expertise from various organisations. This information is analysed and then shared across UK Government organisations.
JTAC works closely with MI5, which manages investigations into terrorist activity in the UK. This enables it to assess the nature and extent of the threat in this country.
Current national threat level
The five UK threat levels are categorised as follows:
- Low means an attack is highly unlikely
- Moderate means an attack is possible, but not likely
- Substantial means an attack is likely
- Severe means an attack is highly likely
- Critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future
The UK threat level was lowered from Severe to Substantial on 09 February 2022.
If you are concerned about security within your workplace, you should discuss your concerns with your line manager in the first instance. Alternatively, you can contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit for further guidance.
This webpage will summarise the key amendments, policy changes or workforce initiatives updated on HR Connect.
2022
18 July – Staff Bank Newsletter (Summer 2022)
The Summer 2022 Staff Bank Newsletter, focuses on:
- Our brilliant Bank teams
- the DNA procedure
- Staff wellbeing
- Moving to other wards
11 February – Dying to Work Charter
The Dying to Work Charter was adopted by NHS Scotland in March 2021, and endorsed by NHSGGC Chief Executive and Employee Director. It sets out an agreed way in which our staff will be supported, protected and guided throughout their employment, following a terminal diagnosis. Please select the header above to be taken to the agreement and management guide.
2021
01 April – Whistleblowing Policy review
From today, the new National Whistleblowing Standards are in place forming the Once for Scotland Whistleblowing Policy.
For further information on training and contact information, view the Whistleblowing Policy.
29 March – Gender Reassignment Policy review
The Gender Reassignment Policy sets out NHSGGC’s roles and responsibilities as a service provider to patients who have the protected characteristic of Gender Reassignment.
01 March – Scottish Government Bonus Payment
Please refer to the frequently asked questions regarding the NHS Scotland’s agreed qualifying criteria for the £500 one-off payment announced by the First Minister.
2020
09 November – Living Wage Employer
We are delighted to announce NHSGGC are now a Living Wage Employer.
What is a Living Wage employer?
A living wage employer ensures that all employees aged 18 and over, including certain classes of contracted staff, are paid at least the living wage.The employer also agrees to increase the amount which it pays to employees by the same amount as any increase in the living wage within six months of the date of the official announcement.
What is living wage accreditation?
Living wage employer accreditation is managed by citizens UK and provides employers with a licence to the living wage employer mark. The accreditation process is simple and is open to employers already paying the living wage, or those committed to an agreed timetable of implementation.
12 August – Medical Appraisal and Revalidation
Dr Gregor Smith (Interim Chief Medical Officer to all Responsible Officers in Scotland) has written to all NHS Scotland Health Boards regarding the national arrangement for restarting Medical Appraisals.
Please review the updated information on the NHSGGC medical appraisals website and email medical.revalidation@ggc.scot.nhs.uk if you have any further questions regarding the letter.
23 July – Jobtrain version 7 upgrade
The NHSGGC recruitment system will shortly be upgraded to version 7. This briefing outlines what this will mean as one of NHSGGC’s hiring managers.
16 March – COVID-19 update
Please keep up to date with the latest guidance and frequently asked questions on the designated NHSGGC Coronavirus website. This information is updated daily and if you have any questions not covered, please contact email your specific query at staff.covid19@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and we will arrange to update the FAQs to respond to your questions.
02 March – NHS Scotland ‘Once for Scotland’ Workforce policies
Individuals currently within an NHSGGC process should complete the process under that policy, unless they are at the very start of the Attendance or Capability policies in which case they should move across to the NHSScotland Workforce policy on the completion of Stage 1, provided both sides are in agreement. If both sides are not in agreement, the individual will remain on the NHSGGC policy.
Where a process is underway within an NHSGGC policy, the policy and supporting documents, including template letters can be accessed through HR Connect – Policies & Associated Guidance.
05 February – NHS Scotland Staff Pension Policy
Further to the Core Brief on the 29 November 2019 and following the recent Pension Information sessions delivered across GGC, a copy of the presentation and frequently asked questions can be found at REC Information.
To support employees who may be affected by the impacts of international conflicts, we want to ensure staff are aware of the resources available to them. We take the wellbeing of our employees very seriously and pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive workforce.
It is understandable that international events might make you may feel anxious, upset or overwhelmed. In recognition of this, we ask that anyone who is experiencing difficulties, whatever they may be, to raise this with their line manager in the first instance or through the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit. By advising us of any concerns you have will enable us to take a person-centred approach to assist you in your role, during these uncertain times.
If you have loved ones currently in an area directly impacted by a conflict, we appreciate you may wish to keep in more regular contact with them. As such, should you wish to discuss temporary adjustments to your working hours, rest breaks or duties, we will do our upmost to accommodate this through our Flexible Working Policies.
We would also like to remind you that you have access to a range of confidential support. This includes: self-help, money advice, mental health and wellbeing and the NHSGGC Counselling Service.
We understand people may have differing views of international conflicts; however, the organisation does not condone any form of bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour. We would like to remind all staff members to use respectful and appropriate language and be kind to colleagues.
Similarly, staff are reminded to only use appropriate channels to communicate in line with our Email Usage policy, Internet Acceptable Use policy; and our Personal Use of Social Media policy, and to, at all times, be sensitive to the individual circumstances of others.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these matters, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit. If you are a member of a Trade Union/Professional Organisation they may also provide you with advice and support.
HR Connect was launched in 2016 Since then it has grown and developed based on staff feedback.
Your views and suggestions are valuable to us in helping us to know what works and what can be improved and may help shape future developments.
Staff are encouraged to provide feedback relating to HR Connect using the survey below.
Feedback can be provided anonymously if preferred.
Supporting staff that also care for someone when they are not at work, is important. It is important for line managers to understand how caring for someone can have an impact on a staff members’ health and wellbeing and to ensure appropriate support is put in place to maintain their health and wellbeing. This will also ensure staff, who are carers, can continue to work if they wish to do so.
There are many ways line managers can ensure a supportive working environment for carers and we recommend that you have a discussion with staff members to discuss the options. This does not necessarily require big changes within the workplace, it can be small adjustments which can make a big difference.
Identifying staff who are carers
To be able to identify staff, who have caring responsibilities outside of work, it is important to have a clear definition. The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’
Many carers do not identify themselves as a carer, they may describe themselves as ‘looking after’ or ‘supporting’ someone. Many do not think about informing their line manager that they are a carer. Although the aim is a supportive working environment where carers feel comfortable informing their line manager that they are a carer, it is important to recognise that it is the staff member’s choice whether they disclose this.
Line managers might be aware of family circumstances that might suggest that the member of staff is also looking after or supporting someone. Think about opportunities when you could have a conversation with the staff member, for example at one to one meetings. If you require support on how to approach this conversation, please contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.
Supporting Carers in the workplace
There is a range of support that line managers should be aware of when discussing an employee’s caring responsibilities with them.
Supportive NHSGGC Policies
As a line manager, you should familiarise yourself with the NHS Scotland Special Leave Policy, and the associated Manager Guide. In addition, you may find it helpful to look at this in conjunction with the NHS Scotland Flexible Work Pattern Policy.
For further advice on Workforce Policies, contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit.
Practical support
Supporting carers within the workplace is not always about changing working hours. There are practical and often small changes that can make a difference in the workplace. Here are some suggestions that might help:
- Telephone access: providing private access to a telephone or allowing an employee to keep their mobile phone on in case they need to respond to an emergency. Staff are encouraged to provide work telephone numbers to dependents in some clinical areas where mobile phones are not permitted.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: There are a lot of support services available for carers. Managers should make themselves aware of what is available for staff. Posters and flyers promoting carer support services within the workplace, are available from the Public Health Resource Directory. Additionally, health and wellbeing information for NHSGGC staff is available on HR Connect. Occupational Health can provide support to staff if their own health is impacted.
Carer Support Services
There are dedicated support services across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for carers, they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person they look after.
You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service on the ground floor of the New Victoria and New Stobhill Hospitals and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Are you looking after someone when you are not at work? If this is you, then you could be a carer.
You may not identify yourself as a carer – you may see yourself as a partner, sister, brother or friend, and this relationship will not change. However in recognising yourself as a carer, this entitles you to certain rights and access to information and support, specifically for you as a carer that may assist you in your caring role. This may also be helpful for the person you care for.
The NHS Scotland Special Leave policy defines a Carer as ‘someone who has responsibility for a family member, partner, friend, or another individual who relies on the employee.’
Many carers say they do have a good balance between caring and being able to do other things in life. However for some, trying to balance working life and caring can be stressful and can affect health and wellbeing.
“Research tells us that it is important to understand how caring can have an impact on wellbeing and to ensure that appropriate supports are put in place to maintain the health and wellbeing of the carer.”
We understand that it can be difficult at times to balance working life and being a carer. For this reason, we want to recognise and value our staff who are carers and raise awareness of the help and support that is available.
Help and Support
If you do look after someone, support is at hand. This includes supportive NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies and local community-based services dedicated to carers. Even if you do not need this help and support just now, it is good to know there are services out there should you need this in the future.
You can find out more information on support available, please visit our dedicated NHSGGC Carers page.
Carers Manager Information and Guidance
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Policies
Local Carer Support Services
There are dedicated support services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and further afield. These services provide practical and emotional support for you as a carer and they understand what it means to be a carer. The support these services provide can also help the person you look after.
What do carer support services provide?
- Practical information for you. They will let you know about your rights as a carer and what help and support is available for you.
- Emotional support and a listening ear for you.
- Access to training that will support you in your role as a carer.
- Information about financial support that may be available for you or for the person you look after.
- Information about how to access short breaks from providing care.
Click on the Carer Contact Information webpage to find the contact information for services within your area.
Health, Wellbeing and Wider Support
There is a dedicated Staff Health page which provides information and support for staff on a range of health topics and factors that can impact on our health, all in one site.
You can also drop-in, call or email the Support & Information Service. Find out more on the Support and Information Services webpage.
The Spiritual Care team can also provide confidential, compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental, person-centred spiritual, emotional and bereavement care and support. You’ll find out more information on the Spiritual Care team webpage.
Support for Staff with Money Worries
In the current economic climate, many staff are experiencing money and debt problems, which can increase personal stress. NHSGGC has a number of resources to support staff.
The NHSGGC Money Management Guide covers money advice and affordable credit options for staff including the NHS Credit Union.
The ‘Help for You’ leaflet can also be used for staff experiencing money difficulties and copies can be left in staff informal meeting areas and notice boards.
Childcare Voucher Scheme
Staff are able to join the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme (TFC) via Childcare Choices.
Information relating to the former childcare scheme can be accessed at Fideliti Childcare Vouchers
