The NHS Framework for Managing Practitioner Performance

Effectively managing practitioner performance concerns is crucial for maintaining high standards of care – leveraging structured frameworks can help practice managers navigate these challenges

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS Resolution

Addressing concerns about a practitioner’s performance can be a challenging and delicate process for practice managers. Often, they are directly involved in handling these cases, which can place them in a difficult position as they balance the need to maintain professional standards with the dynamics of managing interpersonal relationships within the practice.

Practice managers need to address performance issues without damaging their working relationships or the overall team dynamic however, practitioners may initially respond to performance concerns with defensiveness, denial, or even shifting blame. Such issues can also impact the wider team, potentially creating tension or uncertainty that requires thoughtful management to maintain a cohesive and supportive work environment.

Fairness Through Framework

In January, NHS England’s Professional Standards Team introduced a new framework designed to promote fairness, proportionality and consistency in decision-making when addressing performance concerns for practitioners. Developed in collaboration with NHS Resolution, the framework aims to support balanced and equitable approaches to managing concerns about practitioner performance.

Focus Areas

The framework focuses on five key areas in case management: ensuring the welfare and support of the practitioner, gaining a clear understanding of the issues at hand, ensuring the practitioner’s voice is heard, adhering to established processes and maintaining equity and proportionality throughout the process.

These elements are designed to foster a fair and balanced approach to managing performance concerns while providing the necessary support to the practitioner.

Practices can incorporate the framework as a documented part of their local case management process, providing a valuable tool for engaging with Practitioner Performance Advice. The benefits for practices include a better understanding of the circumstances and context in which concerns have arisen and improved adherence to policies and regulations.

By implementing the framework, practices can ensure a more consistent and fair approach to managing performance concerns. Additionally, it allows practice managers to strengthen their confidence in decision-making when addressing performance issues.

Practice managers should actively utilise and share this framework within their teams to ensure that performance management cases are handled smoothly and efficiently. By integrating this resource into the practice’s case management process, managers can foster a supportive environment where issues are addressed fairly and effectively, allowing the practice to continue providing high-quality care without unnecessary conflict or disruption.