Guidance and policy documents for NHS organisations

Codes of conduct and good governance

• The Code of Conduct for NHS Managers (2002) - the core standards of conduct that is expected of NHS managers. Employers are required to incorporate the code in the employment contracts of chief executives and other directors
  
• Standards of Business Conduct for NHS Staff (1993) - these health service guidelines were published to assist NHS employers and staff in maintaining ethical standards in business conduct and replaced HM(62)21.
  
• The NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance (2006) - Monitor's code of governance that outlines the principles of good governance for Foundation Trusts and how they should be applied.
  

Termination of contracts and severance

• Guidance on the process for making severance payments to senior managers - NHS Employers has published guidance to assist those handling severance payments to senior managers who are generally covered by the Very Senior Managers Pay Framework. This guidance includes draft templates for proposals to the remuneration committee, writing to the SHA and applying for HM Treasury approval Please note this guidance is intended to provide an aid to employers involved in these types of situations, but is not a replacement for the need to take legal and audit advice in each particular situation.
  
• The Department of Health has written to PCT and Trust chairs and chief executives on the process for making severance payments to senior managers.
  
• HM Treasury guidance on how to handle public funds. Annex 4.13 covers 'Special Payments' including severance payments.
  
• Health Service Circular 2004/001 covers the use of confidentiality and claw back clauses in connection with termination of a contract of employment. Health Service Circular 199/138 covers conditions of service for general and senior managers early termination of fixed term rolling contracts.

Codes of practice for audit and value for money in organisational change

• Code of Audit Practice 2005 - for local NHS bodies. The Audit Commission's code determines the nature, level and scope of audit work for 'local NHS bodies'. It provides assurances on proper stewardship and value for money in the use of resources which underpin the delivery of high quality public services.
  
• Standards for implementing good human resource practice and value for money when staff are affected by organisational change (2006) - originally issued to support the organisational change under Commissioning a Patient-led NHS, this document helps Remuneration Committees in standing up to internal and external scrutiny.

Appointments and strategic leadership 

• Governing the NHS - a Guide for NHS Boards developed by the NHS Appointments Commission and the Department of Health to reinforce the importance of good governance and strategic leadership.
  
• Information on the appointment and support of chairs and non-executives is available from the Appointments Commission website.