Think of this as the "toolkit essentials". Your SDM facilitator, or Coach will support you with this.

It enables you to share lessons and progress with other colleagues & draw on support from senior leaders, to unblock any barriers to the success of your work/projects.

The leadership council will give you the opportunity to:

• boost your confidence

• build a vital staff network

• boost the success of your council work

• improve your own professional development - build/enhance your own leadership skills such as influence and professional networking

• learn about other initiatives going on in the organisation which may help you

Voluntary participation is key. We want wards/departments to come to us and say "we really want this!". The enthusiasm really will help achieve what it is you want to achieve.

Perhaps you're already doing some great quality improvement work as a group, that could be recognised as a shared decision making council?

Email us: leedsth-tr.journeytoexcellence@nhs.net

SPDM is non-hierarchical and places staff at the centre of decision-making by sharing responsibility and accountability for the decisions that directly affect daily practice. This can drive forwards quality and service improvement, supporting innovation and delivering better outcomes for individuals, populations and staff. 

SPDM approaches encourage and enable workforce to get involved and have their voices central to decision-making. It does this by assuming that everyone has valuable and unique information and experiences pertinent to the relevant decision. 

SPDM moves away from traditional hierarchical or command-and-control leadership, titles and pay grades do not determine a leader and everyone has the ability and opportunity to influence and inform decisions. SPDM supports the adoption of inclusive and collaborative cultures whilst allowing professionals to identify better ways of working, solutions to problems.

We are proud to announce that we have 13 active councils across the Trust, most of whom were represented at the meeting.

Council members were joined by Chief Nurse Rabina Tindale, along with other directors and senior leaders, to discuss their ongoing service improvement projects.

The meeting was an inspiring showcase of the dedication and innovative approaches that our teams are using across the organisation. It was very encouraging to hear about the impactful work being undertaken and how the Leeds Improvement Method has facilitated these positive changes.

The commitment and talent within our workforce are driving significant enhancements in our services for our patients and our people.

During the meeting, council members talked through their projects, explaining their significance and challenges. A key focus of the discussions was exploring how senior leadership can provide the necessary support to try to unblock any barriers to the project success.

The Leadership Council meeting also fostered meaningful conversations with senior leaders, enhancing professional development and expanding professional networks, which are critical elements for ongoing quality service improvement.

Our Perfect Ward/Department Decision Making Councils initiative continues to champion the empowerment of all staff, emphasising that both clinical and non-clinical staff, regardless of banding or job title, can and should engage with or initiate a Shared Decision Making Council.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.