Background:
In 2023, the National Health Service England (NHSE) commissioned Maudsley Learning to undertake a comprehensive process and effect evaluation of the People Promise programme, aimed at enhancing NHS staff retention and wellbeing. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, gathering primary data from program delivery personnel, senior leaders, and employees across 23 trusts. This data was analysed in conjunction with secondary datasets; NHS Staff Survey datasets, enabling a thorough assessment of the key factors driving the program's success and challenges. The evaluation also focused on understanding the program's perceived value by its participants.
Method:
A process evaluation of the support provided at national level to exemplar sites. We utilised Qualitative and potentially quantitative evaluation methodology (mixed methods) from survey data and interviews/focus groups. The research involved the triangulation of the qualitative findings with existing quantitative data collections. We then provided evaluation findings that demonstrate the short-term outcomes and impact of the Exemplar Programme. The interviews and focus groups collected data from different stakeholders including staff within the Trust pilot sites who engaged with the interventions.
We investigated the following questions:
- How successful has the role of the People Promise Manager and the ICS Retention Lead been in the delivery of the People Promise Exemplar Programme?
- How has the relationship and the offer between various partners/organisations e.g. National retention team, people directorate teams (health and wellbeing, flexible working, staff experience, and engagement, reward, and recognition, freedom to speak up, equality, diversity and inclusion) contributed to the success of the People Promise Exemplars?
- What is the early impact of the People Promise Exemplars overall on improving staff experience and retention (with a specific focus on nursing and midwifery)?
Findings: (1 core Qualitative and Quantitative finding included in this case study)
Staff across the participating exemplar sites were asked to rank each of the six People Promise themes focused on as part of the Programme in terms of the personal importance these held. Overall, the theme of ‘We are Compassionate and Inclusive’ was overwhelmingly ranked as the most important theme across sites, with ‘We Work Flexibly’ being the theme that was most consistently ranked sixth1.
One key impact of the Programme is the improved well-being and professional development of staff. Staff reported that the use of well-being services, a work-life balance from flexible working, and feeling like their voices are valued, all had positive effects on their well-being. Work-life balance had a prominent effect on well-being not only by reducing responsibilities and improving home-life, but also freeing up capacity to do more work by reducing time in transport or sorting personal responsibilities. Well-being services also helped reduce mental health issues in staff.
Impact:
Influences and obstacles impacting the success of the programme were identified. These insights are essential understanding the program's worth from the perspective of various stakeholders. Critically, the results provide a data-driven foundation to guide NHSE in making informed decisions for future program commissioning, ensuring continuous improvement in staff retention strategies and overall staff wellbeing within the NHS.
Project Members:
Marta Ortega Vega, Research Lead
Aleks Saunders, Evaluation Lead (previous)
Tala Al-Shurafa, Honorary Assistant Psychologist (previous)
Himanshi Naredi, Research Associate (previous)
Samaara Malhotra, Organisational Consultant Associate (previous)
Selena Galloway, Organisational Consultant
Olivia Scott – Research Assistant (previous)
Chris Attoe – Head of Research and Development (previous)
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