Introduction
This code sets out the core principles and behaviours expected of every leader and manager within our health and care system.
The code equips you with the non-negotiable principles that underpin good leadership and management. It gives specific examples of what effective and ineffective practice looks like. It is relevant to all clinical, non-clinical and social care roles.
Does the code apply to you?
It’s for anyone with leadership or management responsibilities in health and social care.
You might be:
- directly managing people or teams
- indirectly responsible for achieving outcomes through others
- leading on key organisational priorities
- accountable for delivery or support services
- operating as part of your organisation’s senior leadership
Leadership and management are slightly different things. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding people: setting direction, building trust, and empowering others to achieve shared goals. Management is about organising and overseeing daily work: planning, managing resources, and ensuring tasks are completed. In reality, they go hand in hand – and many of us do both throughout our working lives – so this code brings them together, recognising that doing both well is essential for delivering better care and lasting improvements.
Why do we need the code?
The code was developed in response to the Messenger review, which highlighted the need for improved support for leadership and management across health and social care and called for clear and consistent standards. The code is designed to help fill that gap and sets out, for the first time, the principles and characteristics that all leaders and managers are expected to meet in the sector. It aligns with key elements of policy and guidance, including the NHS Constitution for England, Our people promise, Our leadership way, the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s 7 principles of public life, and A healthier Wales: our plan for health and social care.
The core principles
As a leader or manager in health and social care, you must: