NHS workforce director-general seeks HR input on reforms

NHS workforce director-general Clare Chapman has called for fellow HR professionals to help her reform people management in the health service.

She gave HR directors from across the nation a sneak preview of proposed changes within the NHS at a closed meeting at the Ivy restaurant in London yesterday.

At the Ceridian Executive Forum, Chapman shared several proposed policies for the health service, and later opened the floor to guests from both the public and private sectors for feedback.

Speaking to Personnel Today after the event, Chapman said she agreed with the phrase "two heads are better than one", and appreciated the input from fellow practitioners.

"It was a chance to share where we're going and encourage professionals across the country to get involved and help us," said Chapman. "I think we started a conversation today, rather than finished one."

Chapman said she was heartened by recent results from an employee opinion survey, showing the majority of staff satisfaction measures had improved.

"There is a lot to do, but we're clearly making progress," she said.

Chapman also called for HR workers with "good ideas or possible solutions" to join the NHS.

"I'm confident we've got interesting work for anyone after it," Chapman added. "Good people like challenging roles, and the agenda we're pursuing will attract those sorts of people."