Skip to page content

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you’re happy with this or read more about our cookie policy and privacy policy.

Dismiss

Values and behaviours

The way we go about our work is as important as what we do. Our values guide our behaviour, whether with our patients, with one another or with wider stakeholders.

On this page

Last updated: November 2025

Our values

We believe the best care happens when it is compassionate, inclusive and responsive.

  • We are Caring – always showing kindness and concern for others
  • We are Compassionate – focusing on our relationships with others by listening, respecting and valuing their experiences
  • We are Inclusive – ensuring everyone gets the care and support they need, regardless of identity or background
  • We are Accountable – taking personal responsibility for our actions, decisions and behaviours

These values sit alongside the wider NHS Values which all NHS employees are expected to uphold.

Our behaviours

Attend to others’ needs

We are attentive to our patients and colleagues, which means we:

Do

  • welcome and introduce ourselves to everyone we meet

  • give you our full attention when we communicate, and acknowledge your perspective

  • listen and respond accordingly when you explain, challenge or ask us something

  • say thank you and recognise everybody’s contributions

Understand one another

We are understanding of our patients and colleagues, which means we:

Do

  • check we both understand each other, and that you feel listened to

  • invite feedback on what could be better, remaining open to discussion and other views

  • offer flexibility to different communication needs and give you time to express yourself

  • seek to understand what matters to others and respect different priorities

Show empathy and compassion

We show empathy and compassion to our patients and colleagues, which means we:

Do

  • behave respectfully, kindly and treat others fairly

  • act with care towards others and try to understand without judgement

  • encourage and support others to make suggestions on how we can improve

  • always try to make a positive difference

Help by taking action

We are helpful to our patients and colleagues, which means we:

Do

  • offer support and encouragement

  • take action when someone needs help

  • take responsibility and reflect on actions and behaviours to help us improve

  • call out unlawful discrimination, bullying or harassment, and support anyone who experiences it

Behaviours we do not accept

Unacceptable behaviours undermine our compassionate culture, and reduce our ability to maintain a happy, healthy organisation.

We expect everyone in our Trust to act with civility, kindness and compassion, because it saves patients’ lives:

Don’t

  • do not bully, harass or unlawfully discriminate

  • do not act dishonestly

  • do not disrespect others, ignore your right to privacy and confidentiality, or your ability to make your own choices

  • do not behave rudely, aggressively or dismissively

  • do not knowingly allowing someone to fail or make a mistake if it could cause harm to them or others

Give feedback

Please tell us if you spot something that you feel does not fit our values and behaviours. It allows us to address any problems so that we can continue to offer best care for everyone.

If you work for our Trust and you see something that does not fit our values and behaviours, speak to:

Our strategies

Find our more about our Trust strategies:

Back to top