Creating a just and learning culture
Within the NHS, employers in partnership with trade unions have been working hard to create a culture of civility, respect and honesty, so that when something goes wrong, staff can speak up without fearing blame, and all parties share learning. This is known as a restorative just and learning culture.
When it’s okay to tell the boss bad news
Read about Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust's journey of implementing a restorative just and learning culture in this case study.
Just and learning culture – online learning
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has developed online learning modules on establishing a restorative just and learning culture. The modules are available through the trust's restorative just and learning culture web page.
Just culture guide
A just culture guide, which encourages managers to treat staff involved in a patient safety incident in a consistent, constructive and fair way, is available on NHS England's website.
Being fair report
NHS Resolution published the first being fair report in July 2019, which set out the argument for organisations adopting a more reflective approach to learning from incidents and supporting staff.
In March 2023, NHS Resolution published a second being fair report, which follows on from the first and aims to promote a person-centred workplace that is compassionate, safe and fair.
Just and learning culture in the North West – guiding principles – June 2021
Employers and trade unions working in partnership through the North West SPF, agreed to guiding principles to develop and sustain a restorative just and learning culture for people working in the NHS across the region.
Working in partnership to influence compassionate case work
Midlands and East regional SPFs developed a resource to support trade union and management colleagues to understand the difference that managing employee relations case work in a compassionate, just and learning way, can make to individuals, staff and the organisation.
