HPMA publishes report on NHS disciplinary processes
A new report, co-developed between the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) and NHS Employers, sets out clear opportunities to strengthen disciplinary processes and reduce avoidable harm to staff.
‘Leadership in HR: Balancing People and Process’ draws on interviews with Chief People Officers and senior HR leaders. Their reflections offer insight into how policies are applied in practice and the changes needed to implement fairer, more compassionate systems.
The report recognises the emotional toll that disciplinary measures can have on staff. Its content builds on the HPMA’s Avoiding Harm programme which focuses on avoidable employee harm and the impact on wellbeing and organisational culture.
The paper identifies seven themes for improvement:
- The essential role of HR leadership
- Putting people at the centre
- Support for everyone involved
- Addressing inequality
- Choosing the correct process
- Taking a last resort approach
- Pursuing continuous improvement
Andrew Cooper, Development Director for HPMA’s Avoiding Harm Programme and lead author, said the themes offer a strong basis for organisations to build safer, fairer and more people‑centred processes.
Dean Royles, Interim Chief Executive of NHS Employers, said: “We know we can make changes to improve outcomes. This paper gives organisations a clear, practical checklist to review their own practice so that disciplinary processes work better for our employees, and the patients and communities we serve.”
