Policy News - 14 November 2021

The following policies have recently been ratified by the Trust’s Policy Committee.   Please take the time to review those which may be relevant to your role.  

Appraisal Policy (Excluding Medical and Dental Staff)

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that STSFT has a robust, consistent and inclusive framework for appraisal.  The policy and supporting documents, guides and training resources aim to ensure that all our staff:-

• Understand how their role helps STSFT achieve its objectives.
• Are recognised and thanked for their achievements.
• Understand the importance of maintaining 100% compliant mandatory training.
• Receive clear and constructive feedback on their work and behaviour.
• Agree objectives for the year ahead to support STSFT’s strategic objectives.
• Have an opportunity to discuss training and development opportunities that will help them carry out their role. 
• Have an opportunity to explore career aspirations and what development might help them to achieve these.
• Have an opportunity to discuss other matters such as work-life balance, retirement plans, flexible / agile working and wellbeing.

The policy applies to all substantive STSFT staff employed under NHS (Agenda for Change) Terms and Conditions of Service and those employed under Trust local contracts.  It does not apply to employees on short term contracts of three months or less and medical and dental staff, for whom there is a separate Medical Appraisal Policy.

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Email Acceptable Use Policy

This policy has been developed to cover specific risks associated with the use of Email.  This policy makes clear what the Trust considers to be acceptable use of the service, but it does not replace the Common Law Duty of Confidentiality which applies to all staff.  This policy is not exclusive and should be read in conjunction with other guidance and policies relating to access to, and use of, information.  Specifically, staff should pay attention to the Trust’s Data Protection, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information Policy, and observe the principles that underpin the protection of sensitive data.

From 26^th April 2021, the Trust migrated to the national NHSmail system for the provision of Email services.  All staff must read and abide by the national NHSmail Acceptable Use Policy, other national policies identified in Section 10, in addition to specific requirements identified in these policies.

This document clarifies the Trust’s position on:

• when the use of Email is acceptable;
• what would be considered unacceptable; and
• best practice for ensuring security and confidentiality of information.

This policy applies to all parties authorised by the Trust, together with their staff (including temporary workers, locums and staff seconded or contracted from other organisations).

This policy also applies to persons who, although not directly employed by the Trust, have authorised access to the Internet and NHSmail through devices or systems owned or managed by the Trust or who have been provided with an account by the Trust and access using their own device.

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Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000 Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• identify and detail the roles and responsibilities associated with FOI throughout the Trust; and
• provide a framework within which the Trust will comply with the law and ensure that non-confidential information is readily available to the public.

The policy applies to:

• all employees of the Trust, including but not limited to permanent, temporary, NHS Professionals, contract, honorary and volunteer staff, and all other persons carrying out any function or work on behalf of the Trust; and
• all recorded information held by the Trust in any format.

Any FOI requests received into the Trust must be sent to stsft.freedomofinformation@nhs.net for processing.

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Media Relations Policy

The Communications Team is responsible for all liaison with the media on behalf of the Trust and proactively works with journalists and media representatives at a local, regional and national level to share information, as well as provide briefing and appropriate background context, on a range of issues and priorities. 

This policy outlines the procedure which must be followed by staff with regard to media handling.  It outlines the responsibilities of individual members of staff if they are approached by the media about anything which directly or indirectly relates to their role, or the overall business of the Trust.  It aims to:

• ensure the Trust responds to media enquiries and requests for comment and / or  information in a timely manner;
• ensure all staff understand their responsibilities if approached by the media for comment, including any media requests from links that staff may have with professional bodies or external organisations outside of the Trust, or where they comment as an individual, but can be identified as working for the Trust;
• ensure all staff understand the role of the communications team in handling all media enquiries to ensure messages are consistent and accurate;
• encourage all staff to recognise the value of proactive media activity and to help identify good PR opportunities to the communications team; and
• outline the role the communications team during a crisis or major incident.

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Medical and Dental Staff (Training and Non Training Grades) Supervision Policy

The Trust is committed to a systematic approach to the provision of supervision for Medical and Dental Staff who are in training or non-training grades below the level of Consultant and Specialty and Associate Specialist level, during their employment.

This policy provides a framework that:

• requires medical and dental staff (training and non training grades) receive appropriate supervision;
• requires, for Trust employed, non-training grade doctors there must be a process in place for managing concerns relating to capability and conduct;
• supervisors can follow in order to support them in their role;
• outlines the key roles and responsibilities of supervisors (allowing for differences related to different branches of medical training);
• outlines criteria for the assessment of supervisor performance;
• informs the appraisal of medical staff with formal supervision roles; and
• provides a governance structure  to demonstrate that the processes for supervision and responsibilities to medical and dental staff (training and non training grades) are being delivered and provides an evidenced structure of this to satisfy external bodies with legitimate interest about the Trust's and/or individual’s delivery of effective educational and clinical supervision.

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Reserve and Cadet Forces Training & Mobilisation Policy

STSFT has pledged its support for members of, or those wishing to join, the Reserve and Cadet Forces and acknowledges the training undertaken that enables them to develop skills and abilities that are of benefit to both the individual and the Trust. This policy defines the organisation’s obligations towards all employees who are members of the Reserve or Cadet Forces.

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