Independent review

Messenger Review

Health and Social Care Review: Leadership for a Collaborative and Inclusive Future

Completed

General Sir Gordon Messenger and Dame Linda Pollard · Published 8 June 2022 · Commissioned by DHSC Health & Social Care

Index summary

Independent review examining leadership and management across health and social care in England. Identified cultural, structural and talent management weaknesses and proposed system-wide changes to leadership standards, accreditation and career pathways for NHS managers.

Original evidence

Report page Government response

Government Response

On the day of publication (8 June 2022) the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, accepted all 7 recommendations of the Messenger Review in full. The measures covered uniform management standards delivered through accredited training, a standard appraisal system, and a new career and talent management function for managers. Implementation has been taken forward through the NHS Management and Leadership Programme.

8 June 2022

Recommendations

Recommendation 1

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

1. Targeted interventions on collaborative leadership and organisational values.

A new, national entry-level induction for all who join health and social care.

A new, national mid-career programme for managers across health and social care.

Recommendation 2

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

2. Positive equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action

Embed inclusive leadership practice as the responsibility of all leaders.

Commit to promoting equal opportunity and fairness standards.

More stringently enforce existing measures to improve equal opportunities and fairness.

Enhance CQC role in ensuring improvement in EDI outcomes.

Recommendation 3

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

3. Consistent management standards delivered through accredited training

A single set of unified, core leadership and management standards for managers.

Training and development bundles to meet these standards.

Recommendation 4

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

4. A simplified, standard appraisal system for the NHS

A more effective, consistent and behaviour-based appraisal system, of value to both the individual and the system.

Recommendation 5

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

5. A new career and talent management function for managers

Creation of a new career and talent management function at regional level, which oversees and provides structure to NHS management careers.

Recommendation 6

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

6. More effective recruitment and development of non-executive directors

Establishment of an expanded, specialist non-executive talent and appointments team.

Recommendation 7

DHSC response_published

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

7. Encouraging top talent into challenged parts of the system

Improve the package of support and incentives in place to enable the best leaders and managers to take on some of the most difficult roles.

No recommendations with this response.