NHS Staff Standards
Working alongside the NHS People Promise and local initiatives, they set a nationally required minimum standard, providing a clear framework for accountability.
There are six standards and we have set out below the resources we have to support you in implementing each standard.
1. Line management
Good line management is one of the most powerful levers organisations have to improve staff experience. This standard sets out what employers must put in place to ensure line managers are properly trained, supported and given the time they need to lead their teams well, because investing in line managers is fundamental to a high-performing NHS workforce.
Access our resources to support line managers.
Case studies
2. Health and wellbeing
NHS staff cannot care for patients if they are not cared for themselves. This standard requires employers to take a proactive, evidence-based approach to protecting the physical and mental health of their workforce, going beyond reactive support to prevent harm before it happens, with clear accountability at board level.
Access our resources to support health and wellbeing below.
Case studies
3. Tackling racism
Data consistently shows that ethnic minority staff face worse experiences at work, from higher rates of bullying and harassment to significant barriers in career progression. This standard sets out the minimum expectations for how NHS organisations must prevent, respond to and learn from racism, calling on employers to take sustained, meaningful action to change the cultures that allow it to persist.
Access our resources to support tackling racism below.
Case studies
4. Promoting flexible working
Flexible working should be the norm, not the exception. This standard requires employers to embed a 'flexible first' culture where requests are openly encouraged, fairly considered and not unreasonably refused, supporting recruitment, retention and staff wellbeing across the NHS.
Access resources on flexible working below.
Case studies
5. Violence prevention and reduction
No one should come to work in fear. This standard requires employers to take consistent action to prevent and reduce violence, aggression and abuse in all its forms, with robust reporting systems, compassionate post-incident support, and appropriate training so staff feel safe and empowered at work.
Access resources on violence prevention and reduction below.
6. Championing sexual safety
Every member of NHS staff has the right to work free from sexual harassment, abuse and unwanted sexual behaviour. This standard sets out what employers must do to prevent sexual misconduct, support those affected, and ensure incidents are reported and acted upon swiftly, so staff can be confident their concerns will always be taken seriously.
Access resources on sexual safety below.
For more information on the NHS Staff Standards, visit the GOV.uk website.
