Better leadership means better patient care

Effective leadership has been identified as a key ingredient in modernising today's health service. Better leadership means better patient care and improved working practices.

"Spotting and developing confident leaders is a priority for us all if improving quality is our shared purpose." David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive.

The Department of Health published guidance for planning leadership and talent development within the NHS in 2008/09. Inspiring Leaders: leadership for quality (PDF 1.7Mb) outlines the priorities and responsibilities for SHAs in developing effective leaders.

Resources

Where can you go to develop your leadership skills?

• Chief executive and board level development - tools and resources to help executive leaders develop
• NHS Leadership Framework
• NHS Leadership Website
• 360 degree feedback - an excellent way of ensuring you continue to develop as a leader
• Resources for developing leadership skills

Further information

In addition to the resources provided above, the following organizations can provide further information about leadership development for the NHS:

• British Association of Medical Managers
• Businessballs
• Health Services Management Centre (Univ. of Birmingham)
• Institute of Directors
• Institute of Healthcare Management
• Management Standards Centre
• National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (Wales)
• National Audit Office
• National Library for Health (For references search for 'Leadership')
• The Kings Fund
• School of Management, Cranfield University