Home > News > June 2004 > 30-Jun-2004

New induction programme for NHS staff announced

NHS Chief Executive Sir Nigel Crisp has announced a new induction programme aimed at all new starters in the NHS. Entitled Introduction to today's NHS and developed by NHSU, this short interactive programme is designed to explain the core mission and values of the NHS to new starters. Sir Nigel Crisp has strongly endorsed the programme which has the potential to provide a consistent country-wide approach to the NHS corporate induction process. The programme will be available from July 2004 onwards and is structured around the core NHS values: equal access; dignity and respect; control and choice; and working as a team.

Welcoming the programme, Nigel Crisp said, "I am delighted to announce this new induction programme. Introduction to today's NHS will bring the core principles of the NHS to life, whilst welcoming individuals into their new roles with the NHS. I have been actively involved in the planning of this programme, which will be updated regularly to ensure it is always relevant and timely to new staff. This is the first time the NHS will have a consistent approach to corporate induction and I shall be strongly encouraging all trusts to use the programme. By having this programme in place staff across the country will clearly understand how we can all play a part in the continuous improvement of the NHS."

The programme was developed by NHSU, in consultation with the NHS and Department of Health, the Stroke Unit at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH), Speakability (the charity that support people with language loss following aphasia) and patients and carers. The programme follows a stroke patient's pathway through the NHS from the initial treatment he receives from a paramedic, through to the care he continues to receive a year after his stroke. Available on CD-ROM and DVD, it uses video and audio to engage the learner and information screens to prompt discussion and aid learning.

Bob Fryer, Chief Executive of NHSU said, "The beauty of the programme is that it provides a flexible learning tool that can be adapted to the induction needs of individual NHS organisations across England. We are looking forward to seeing the programme integrated into local NHS induction processes over the summer of 2004 and we are confident that it will provide an exciting and engaging introduction to the NHS. It will also offer a taster of the high quality, interactive programmes that NHSU is committed to producing and encourage individuals to embark on further learning."

The programme is designed for all NHS staff from senior consultants to healthcare assistants and chefs. It comes complete with supporting documentation from NHSU and a ‘virtual tutor' to guide facilitators at each trust and help them familiarise themselves with the content. NHSU regional teams and local learning co-ordinators will organise workshops and briefings and support NHS organisations in their implementation of the programme.

Delegates at the NHS Confederation Annual Conference were today also able to obtain information on NHSU's additional induction programme - Working for the NHS. This programme will be a regularly updated resource for all employees. It is recommended that once staff have completed the Introduction to today's NHS programme, they follow on to the longer, more in-depth programme, Working for the NHS. Through programmes such as these NHSU aims to encourage lifelong learning for all NHS staff, making them aware of the pathways and development opportunities open to them.

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top