Our principles

Page contents

There are some important principles that every NHS organisation works to uphold. You can find out more about each of them on this page.

Our vision and values

Our vision

A great place to:

• be born
• live and thrive
• grow old

Our core values

• Citizen first.
• Outcome focused.
• Respectful.
• Excellence in all we do.

The 6 pillars

1. Customer focused.
2. Clinically led.
3. Evidence based.
4. Deliver within financial envelope.
5. Drive place and community (delivery closer to home).
6. Reduce health inequalities.

The NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution sets out the principles and values of the NHS in England.

It explains:

• the responsibilities of the public, patients and staff
• the rights of the public and staff
• what the NHS has committed to achieve

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Constitution

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Constitution is an important document that details how we will conduct our business as the statutory body for commissioning in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It shows:

• how our GP members work with us
• how we involve people and organisations in our work
• how we procure and commission services
• our financial management procedures

It also sets out which GP practices are members and the structure and role of our committees and groups.

If you have a question about the constitution, email our corporate governance team.

Nolan principles

The 7 principles of public life (also known as the Nolan principles) set out the ethical standards that people working in the public sector are expected to follow. They were identified by the Nolan Committee in their first report on standards in public life in May 1995.

We actively encourage and strive to follow the principles. All members of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have agreed to adhere to these principles by working within the terms of our constitution which promotes these principles.

Raising a concern (whistleblowing)

Whistleblowing is the term used when a worker contacts on organisation with a concern about the organisation and its services. The concern will typically, although not always, be regarding something they have witnessed at work.

Speaking up about any concern at work is important. In fact, it is vital because it will help us to keep improving services for people and the working environment for colleagues. Senior leaders and our Board are committed to an open and honest culture. Any colleague who wishes to raise a concern will be fully supported.

If you would like to raise a concern to NHS Cornwall and isles of Scilly, please contact our freedom to speak up guardians:

• Martin Sykes, freedom to speak up guardian Board champion, email Martin.
• Emma Goudge, head of people and organisational development, email Emma or call 07881 804925.
• Trudy Corsellis, interim director of corporate affairs, email Trudy or call 07881 804867.

Caldicott Guardian

A Caldicott Guardian is a senior person in an organisation. They make sure we keep people’s information safe and share it responsibly. They do this by looking at the ethical and legal reasons for sharing the data. Caldicott Guardian’s play a vital role in making sure we use information carefully to help us deliver better care.

Our Caldicott Guardian is Helen Skinner, chief medical officer.