How Accountability links to our Human Resource (and Professional Standards) Processes.

At NUH, accountability is integral to maintaining high professional standards and a supportive, value-driven workplace. Our expectations for conduct are outlined in our HR compassionate policies and professional standards, ensuring that all staff adhere to Trust values, Trust policies and professional standards.

Accountability within HR processes is not limited to incident investigations but extends to everyday behaviour. Whilst incident investigations focus on understanding systemic and individual factors, HR processes are used to address any actions that deviate from organisational values or professional standards.

Our HR policies ensure that matters are handled in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner, with a focus on learning and development where appropriate. We believe in offering support and opportunities for improvement whilst holding individuals accountable for actions that undermine the organisation's culture or values. By promoting accountability for both behaviour and performance, we foster a respectful and professional environment that supports both staff well-being and patient care.

There are a number of statutory regulators for healthcare professionals, established by law to oversee various aspects of the NHS in the UK. Employers are legally required to ensure that healthcare professionals are registered with the appropriate regulatory body and are fit and licensed to practise. A list of Statutory Professional Regulators relevant to the NHS is provided in appendix 3.

NUH is embedding the NHS Just and Restorative (Learning) Culture Charter to guide our approach to workforce-related concerns, including professional conduct and behavioural standards. We recognise that compassionate leadership, psychological safety, and early resolution of concerns are vital to a fair and thriving culture. This approach reinforces our aim to distinguish between human error, at-risk behaviour, and reckless actions, ensuring staff are treated fairly and proportionately, while also addressing wider system issues that contribute to incidents.