By Alison Wynne, founder of Connecting for Talent
Our substantive NHS executives, and I include CEOs as part of this, are a great asset in the NHS. Why don’t we use their skills and experience in a different way, or indeed their deputies whose next move will be into executive positions? And, do we really provide them with enough support when things are difficult or simply when they’re new into post?
We could ask these senior staff to review pathways or corporate processes where we want an objective opinion. For instance, why don’t we ask a Chief Finance Officer from the Midlands to go to the South West to review their long-term financial model and present back to the Finance and Performance Committee?
Why don’t we ask a Deputy Chief Nursing Officer from the North West to go to London to review the complaints process and present back to the Quality Committee?
It’s a block of a week to two weeks’ work. It could be undertaken very ably by a substantive executive or deputy executive who brings their knowledge and objectivity for the benefit of the requesting organisation, increases their network and takes back learning to their own organisation. I know times are busy and it’s difficult to release people. But. Times are always busy in the NHS… and if we don’t get on and do it... who will?
And for those whose organisations subscribe to our community, let’s help look after your executive teams. They deserve it. If things are difficult, and we know those times arise, we can talk it through with you and then link you in with supportive colleagues from around the country. If you’re new into your first CEO or executive post, let us link you with other colleagues who want to connect and support you – they’re already signed up, willing to offer their help.
If you would like to help others, do let us know and we’ll put your details as part of our ‘buddy network’. It’s really important that we build up this group of supportive colleagues.
One of the great things about the NHS is that we help each other. So let’s do that. Let’s do it in a consistent and easily accessible way.
Comments