Our values are more than words – they guide how we work together and care for patients.
Before merger, each former Trust shared similar values but had distinct cultures. In 2020, more than 3,900 staff and public contributions helped us to shape six core values:
Communication & Compassion, Inclusion & Respect, Teamwork & Professionalism.
In 2024, we launched a Trust-wide Values Inquiry as part of our culture programme, engaging more than 1,500 staff through workshops, surveys, and focus groups.
Colleagues told us they wanted values that are “lived, not laminated”- visible in behaviour, decision-making, and their teams. They asked for clear, practical guidance on how to live these values every day.
In 2025, following further engagement with colleagues, we simplified our values into three ‘We…’ statements to create shared ownership:
These refreshed values underpin our Trust Strategy and show us how to deliver our ‘Excellent Care Everywhere’ vision. They guide our choices, shape how we behave, and help us build a culture where everyone belongs.
We are working to develop a behavioural guide which will focus on delivering the strategy by creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve high-quality patient outcomes. It will move beyond a list of dos and don’ts to support effective delivery throughout the strategy’s full lifecycle. It will influence the entire workforce and shape the employee experience, especially the moments that matter – recruitment, induction, appraisal and during change. Additionally, it will guide the organisation in becoming truly values-led by enabling the cultural and behavioural shifts needed to achieve the vision.
