This week’s launch of the Taylor Review Report on Modern Working Practices (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/good-work-the-taylor-review-of-modern-working-practices) is particularly welcome because it refocuses attention on the workplace, and the importance of workplace practices for economic inclusion and health as well as for productivity and competitiveness. The references to “ways of working that support task discretion and involve employees in securing business improvements” are especially pleasing, though given the existence of more than seven decades’ worth of research evidence showing the impact of such workplace practices on health and business performance alike, it will be disappointing if they are lost within Taylor’s vast agenda. As in many such inquiries, the Review sidesteps detailed policy recommendations. This represents a serious missed opportunity, particularly in helping the UK government to understand how it can help ..

‘Creating Fair and Innovative Workplaces – An Industrial Strategy Perspective from Scotland’ Scottish Enterprise hosts a joint event with Workplace Innovation Limited and The Work Foundation Scotland House, London: 20th June 2017 This policy-focused event identified the levers that make a difference in delivering inclusive growth and competitiveness. Senior representatives of UK government departments, companies and trade unions took advantage of an opportunity to hear about Scotland’s practical approach to supporting progressive people practices, and how it leads to enhanced productivity and the reduction of inequality. The workplace is facing unprecedented change as it faces the digital revolution as well as an increasingly volatile business environment. This event, chaired by Grahame Smith (General Secretary, STUC), focused on the future direction of workplace practice and policy. It aimed to stimulate fresh thinking and f..

Introducing Multi-Disciplinary Teamworking to Maternity Services The evidence has been around for a long time. Multi-Disciplinary Teamworking in healthcare leads to better clinical outcomes and experience for patients, and better quality of working life for staff. Yet it is far from universal. Multi-Disciplinary Teamworking challenges traditional professional roles and demarcations, and can be hard to achieve. While the general principles that characterise good clinical teams are well understood, their translation into specific clinical settings involves open dialogue, experimentation, learning from failure, and persistence. All of this must take place without any relaxation of day-to-day clinical pressures. This case study offers practitioners fresh insights into how Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork principles can be translated into practice. It is based on an eighteen month change programme led by Workplace Innovation in partnership with Southern Health and Social Care ..