Thank you to the 3,365 colleagues who took part in this year’s NHS Staff Survey. With a response rate of 51 percent, your feedback continues to play a vital role in helping us understand what is working well and where we need to focus our efforts.

This year’s results show that CHFT is the most improved acute trust in the country, with a 4.4 percent increase in the proportion of colleagues who agree or strongly agree with the statement “I would recommend my organisation as a place to work.”

This year’s results show encouraging progress across several areas of the NHS People Promise, with CHFT performing above the national average in key measures of colleague experience. Our Engagement score has risen to 6.9, up from 6.8 in 2024, and Morale has improved from 6.0 to 6.1. Both scores sit above the national average, reflecting the commitment, compassion and connection colleagues show every day across our hospitals and community services.

Director of Workforce, Jason Eddleston, said: “Thank you to every colleague who took the time to complete this year’s survey. Our results show real progress is being made, especially in how supported, trusted and connected people feel across the organisation. We know there is more to do, local action plans are in development and we are committed to working with you to make the Trust an even better place to work.

“Your honesty and your contribution make a real difference, and we are appreciative of everything you do to deliver compassionate care for our patients and One Culture of Care for each other.”

Alongside the positive findings, colleagues also highlighted areas where more focus is needed. These include tackling burnout and emotional exhaustion, reducing experiences of discrimination particularly from patients or members of the public, and improving the quality and value of appraisals. These themes will shape our improvement priorities for the coming year.

Over the next few weeks, divisions and corporate teams will review their local results in detail and begin developing targeted actions based on colleague feedback. A Trust wide improvement plan will also be shared, setting out how we will respond to what you have told us.

Thank you once again to everyone who took part. Your voice genuinely shapes what happens in our Trust and helps us keep building a supportive, inclusive and open organisation where everyone can thrive.

You can read the results on the NHS Staff Survey website.