Improving Wellbeing and Working Cultures across NHS Scotland

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11:15 - 12:30

The Scottish Government’s  Improving Wellbeing and Working Cultures (IWWC) sets out a bold vision to support and enhance local workplace cultures across health, social care and social work. Grounded in the three pillars of wellbeing, leadership and equality, the programme supports national-level action that makes a meaningful difference on the ground.  

This session, chaired by NHS Scotland Chief People Officer, Fiona Hogg, will explore that vision in practice – aiming to inspire, inform and share good practice of culture change already underway. Through case studies from three NHS Boards, delegates will hear how focusing on one of the three pillars has helped  improved  working culture and support staff and driving lasting change. 

There will also be an opportunity for colleagues to ask questions and interact with the speakers to deepen learning and share their own experiences.  

Delegates attending the session, will hear more about the following case studies: 

  • Equalities: Addressing Racialised Health Inequalities (Public Health Scotland). PHS will share how they are working to become an anti-racist organisation by embedding anti-racism in NHS policies and workforce practice, improving organisational culture and understanding of racialised health inequalities.  

  • Wellbeing: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Ambulance Service. The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will share the development and delivery of its Sexual Safety at Work programme — an initiative shaped by staff, data, and collaboration with other UK emergency services.  The session will explore the role of data, engagement, and facilitated conversations in enabling cultural change, while sharing key learning and early outcomes. It offers practical insight for those seeking to build safer, more inclusive NHS workplaces. 

  • Leadership: NHS Forth Valley will share the impact of introducing the Culture Change and Compassionate Leadership approach based on Professor Michael West methodology by listening to staff and involving them in identifying issues and developing solutions.

Speakers

Fiona Hogg

Chief People Officer, Health Workforce, Scottish Government

Fiona has been Chief People Officer for Health Workforce since May 2023, as professional lead she is working to build strong links between Government, the 22 NHS Boards and the wider Health and Social Care system to ensure the people priorities are aligned and resources used to best effect.

Rishma Maini

Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health Scotland

Dr Rishma Maini has 15 years of experience intertwining work on both domestic and international public health issues.

Jennifer Summers

HR Manager, MCIPD, Scottish Ambulance Service

Jenni Summers is an HR Manager within the Scottish Ambulance Service with over 19 years experience as an HR professional within the public sector.

Jo Tolland

Programme Director, NHS Forth Valley

As a CIPD Chartered Fellow with experience across numerous sectors including Community Education, Local Government, Finance, Housing, Care and Manufacturing, Jo has specialised in Organisational Development & Cultural Change.  

Daren Nelson

Organisational Development Lead, Scottish Ambulance Service

Daren is an Organisational Development Lead with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) with a keen interest in people and culture.

Manira Ahmad

Chief Officer, Public Health Scotland

Manira’s background includes systems leadership across local, regional and national arenas, supporting cross-sector collaborative decision making to improve health and well-being of communities.