Leadership

Why leadership matters

Leadership is key to creating a culture that supports the delivery of high‑quality care. Strong leadership skills are essential across NHS Scotland.

Good leaders:

• build trust
• involve staff in decisions
• encourage people to take part
• support staff to learn and grow

Senior leaders also help promote health equity by:

• challenging unfair systems
• making sure decisions are fair and inclusive

Leadership and wellbeing

Good leadership is linked to:

• better staff wellbeing
• higher job satisfaction
• improved staff retention

Strong supervision can reduce stress and anxiety.

Compassionate leadership also benefits patients by:

• improving teamwork
• creating a better care experience

Poor leadership can lead to burnout.

Developing leadership skills

Healthcare Improvement Scotland provides more details on leadership.

You can learn and strengthen your leadership skills. To support you:

• EiC has developed the Leading Excellence in Care (LEiC) education and development framework.
• Public Services Delivery Scotland also offers leadership and management programmes to support staff across NHS Scotland.