NHS Employers responds to the latest results of 2024 NHS Staff Survey

Responding to the results of the latest NHS Staff Survey, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: 

“NHS leaders will welcome the latest staff survey results which show that most indicators are now back to pre-pandemic levels and positively, seven of them are at the highest level ever. NHS staff experienced the busiest October on record for A&Es and across other parts of the healthcare system and dealt with a waiting list backlog, so it is good to see that scores achieved in 2023 were sustained in 2024 thanks to the concerted efforts of leaders and teams. 

“However, while maintaining progress is important, further improvements were not achieved which is a real concern. Moreover, it is distressing that perception of discrimination from the public and perception of discrimination from managers worsened. Such behaviour undermines good care and we must act to improve the experience of our people in this vital regard.  

“It remains of profound concern that the experience of BME staff in the NHS is still poorer than for their white colleagues: the continued experience of racism in our workplaces is a stain on our aspiration to be better employers.

“It is also worrying to see that levels of unwanted sexual behaviour rose from the public but fell slightly from other staff. All staff should be able to work without fear of unwanted sexual behaviour, whether from colleagues or patients. We need to keep taking visible action to give confidence to staff to speak up and to promote safer workplaces, especially for women. Important work has been done in this regard in the ambulance service, and we will work with our trade union colleagues to ensure that the lessons are applied in all workplaces and teams.

“It is also of concern that overall levels of violence worsened, but it is positive that that there has been an improvement in staff confidence in reporting on violence. No one should have to face violence at work – it has a huge impact on staff health and wellbeing along with retention. Working with our trade unions we encourage organisations to use the Violence, Prevention and Reduction Standard to improve staff protection.

“NHS leaders know that more needs to be done to improve staff experience and wellbeing to improve patient care. In the present challenging context, some encouragement can be taken but there is more work to do.”