Compassionate conversations training

The NHS People Plan 2020-21 sets out a number of key ambitions that will support our drive to make sure our colleagues have the practical and emotional support they need to do their jobs. Our aim is to build on the support provided during the COVID-19 response and make sure it continues.

Despite the pandemic bringing a compassionate and positive focus on the NHS, more recently there has been a noted increase in the number of incidents of uncivil behaviour towards NHS staff, particularly those in patient-facing roles. There are colleagues who have shared their experience of challenging or negative behaviour, inappropriate language and difficult conversations, and how this has impacted on their health and wellbeing. If not handled correctly, this can impact on motivation and potentially increase an individual's intention to leave.

After completion of an engagement exercise with a number of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and regional colleagues, it was identified that there is a clear need to support NHS colleagues, in particular patient facing staff, to be able to manage potential difficult situations safely.

It is therefore important that we address this and equip colleagues with the skills they need to handle challenging situations with compassion, whilst ensuring they feel able to look after their own wellbeing if needed.

Our intention is to commission a training course that will be offered to front line, patient facing NHS staff, to equip them with the skills they need to handle challenging situations with compassion, whilst ensuring they feel able to look after their own wellbeing if needed.

This training programme is being commissioned in two Lots, with 7,000 places (specifically targeted at primary care staff) being requested in Lot 1, and 14,000 places (targeted at NHS staff working in hospitals, trusts and community care) being requested in Lot 2.

Interested suppliers should register on the NHS England & Improvement e-procurement system here: https://health-family.force.com/login

• Once logged in click 'Find Opportunities' and search for 'National training programme for NHS staff - Compassionate conversations'
• Click 'Register Interest'
• Once you have registered your interest you will be able to view the Requirements and submit a response to the question within the portal
• Any messages about the opportunity should be sent via the e-procurement system. You can do this by going to the home page and:
• oClick on 'My proposals & Quotes'
• oClick the relevant Project Title
• oClick 'Messages' & 'New Message'