Board Level Assurance for Resolving Performance Concerns

The Board Level Assurance for Resolving Performance Concerns workshop has been developed by NHS Resolution to support Boards in meeting their responsibilities under the Maintaining High Professional Standards in the Modern NHS (MHPS) framework. This session is adaptable for other jurisdictions.

Designed specifically for Board members and senior leaders, the programme focuses on strengthening confidence, consistency and clarity in how performance concerns are overseen at organisational level, supporting safe, fair and transparent decision-making through a compassionate lens.

About the workshop

This practical, discussion-led session draws on over 20 years of experience supporting organisations to manage and resolve performance concerns.

• The workshop provides a structured space for Boards to:
• Explore what effective assurance looks like, and how it can be evidenced in practice
• Gain clarity on roles and responsibilities under MHPS (or equivalent local policy), including the Designated Board Member and Case Manager
• Consider how collective Board accountability supports robust governance
• Test organisational arrangements through real-world scenarios and “what if?” discussions
• Reflect on how compassionate leadership underpins high-quality decision-making and organisational culture

Why this matters

Strong board-level assurance of practitioner performance concerns is critical to:

• Ensuring patient safety and quality of care
• Promoting fairness, transparency and consistency in the management of concerns
• Supporting Boards to confidently ask: “How do we know our processes are working fairly and effectively?”

This workshop supports Boards to move beyond process compliance towards a more insightful and assured understanding of how concerns are managed within their organisation.

What participants will gain

By the end of the workshop, delegates will:

• Be able to articulate the role of the Designated Board Member within the MHPS framework
• Understand how designated roles operate within the wider context of Board accountability
• Reflect on the role of compassionate leadership within governance and performance management
• Identify opportunities to strengthen local assurance mechanisms relating to safety, quality and professional standards

Who this is for

This workshop is designed for:

• Executive and Non-Executive Directors
• Designated Board Members
• Senior leaders supporting Board governance and assurance functions

It is particularly relevant for Boards seeking greater confidence in how they oversee and assure the management of practitioner performance concerns.

Delivery

Duration: 2.5 hours
Format: Virtual or face-to-face delivery, depending on organisational need
Approach: Facilitated discussion, practical scenarios and shared learning

To support meaningful discussion and reflection, we recommend attendance from a range of Board members and senior leaders.

Evaluation and ongoing learning

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, participating organisations are invited to take part in an evaluation process using the Kirkpatrick model, with follow-up activity to assess learning, behaviour change and organisational impact over time.

Get in touch

If you would like to explore how this workshop could support your Board, please contact:
nhsr.adviceeducation@nhs.net