The NHS Constitution, its pledges, principles, values and responsibilities need to be fully embedded and ingrained into everything the NHS does.
A number of materials are available to help NHS organisations do this.
Top tips and short films
A series of short films have been made to help employers promote the NHS Constitution. Filmed at the stakeholder engagement event on 11 November 2009, they include coverage of the event, together with two 'vox-pop' style interviews. Download or view the films.
If you are having difficulty downloading the films then you may find this format easier to use.
Developing your own local NHS Values
NHS Values, developed in consultation with patients, public, staff and stakeholders were announced in 2008. To help NHS organisations develop their own local values, NHS Employers has compiled a series of case studies from NHS organisations who have already done this. Find out more from our NHS Values page.
Our top tips will help you embed the NHS Constitution locally.
The Department of Health has published three short films on You Tube. These can be used to provide staff with a short guide to the NHS Constitution. Watch the films.
Core publications
NHS Constitution (revised March 2010)
The 12 page core document. Additional hard copies can be ordered from the Department of Health orderline or by telephoning 0300 123 1002.
NHS Constitution handbook (revised March 2010)
An interactive PDF of the detailed guide to staff rights, responsibilities and NHS pledges to staff and patient's rights responsibilities and pledges. The handbook also outlines the legal source for both the staff and patient rights.
Interactive version
The NHS Constitution interactive version is for electronic use and designed to make navigation between the NHS Constitution, the handbook and the statement of accountability easier.
State of readiness group report
The report contains recommendations and examples of good practice designed to help organisations implement the NHS Constitution locally as well as a series of practical case studies from NHS organisations which other employers may find useful.
In addition, the group also commissioned research into the awareness of the NHS Constitution amongst staff and the outcomes of this research are shown in the report.
Print materials
Staff guide
The staff guide helps explain what the NHS Constitution is and how it supports staff and patients. Additional hard copies can be ordered from the Department of Health orderline or by telephoning 0300 123 1002.
Posters
Five PDF posters that explain what the NHS Constitution is, what it does, how it was created, how it will help and who it is for.
Adaptable poster for local use
Poster template in a word document format which allows you to add local messages.
An article for local use
Copy from NHS Chief Executive Sir David Nicholson that you can use in your staff newsletter or on your intranet to raise awareness about the NHS Constitution.
Interactive tools and other materials
Briefing presentation
A powerpoint presentation outlining the NHS Constitution - suitable for cascading at team meetings.
E-learning module
An e-learning programme that staff can work through at their own pace. This can be used by existing and new staff as part of their training or induction.
Key messages
A short document outlining the key messages around the NHS Constitution.
Induction messages for new staff
Key messages for new staff, supported with guidance for managers.
The NHS Constitution and your annual report
A short guide to how the NHS Constitution could be embedded within your annual report.
Patient rights introduced - March 2010
The Department of Health published an revised version of the NHS Constitution on 8 March 2010. This followed a consultation on new patient rights, which came into effect on 1 April 2010.
Over 8,000 people responded to the consultation and the new version of the Constitution includes rights for patients to start non-urgent treatment within 18 weeks and to see a specialist where cancer is suspected within two weeks of referral, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers where this is not possible.
See the Government's response to the consultation on new patient rights.
