Background and commitment principles

Background

It is well evidenced that good leadership in healthcare enables:
• Improved patient satisfaction
• Improved patient outcomes
• Improved staff wellbeing and engagement
• Improved organisational financial performance
• Reduced staff turnover and staff absenteeism

Despite recent policy improvements and recommendations for improving clinical leadership development8, it is widely recognised that many junior doctors believe they lack the required opportunities, feedback and time to develop these skills.

Commitment principles

The principles laid out in this commitment are based on five key themes that have been identified as barriers to junior doctors developing leadership skills, and where clear and accountable actions to overcome these can be implemented. Organisations that sign up to this commitment will pledge to offer the essential criteria and will endeavour to deliver desirable criteria aligning to each of the principles. The five key themes are: Opportunities: to access and engage with leadership in the workplace Time: to develop leadership skills and undertake leadership activities Feedback: to support self-awareness and development of leadership skills Recognition: to value and celebrate the role junior doctors have as leaders themselves Role Modelling: to be visible and lead by example.