This short slide-set explains why one team in the NHS decided to implement a Trust Partner initiative to improve team wellbeing, what it entailed and what effect it has had.

1. Trust Partners initiative
history, purpose and development

2. Horizons’ wellbeing improvement project was launched following
high sickness levels attributed to stress.
Horizons’ Trust Partner initiative was set up to enhance staff
agency to take action for change to improve their individual
wellbeing at work.
An Issues Log was created for Trust Partners to record any issues
relating to the team environment that were affecting individual
staff wellbeing.
2016
2017
2018
• A weekly wellbeing measure
• 30-day improvement sprints
• Priority time to discuss team
wellbeing at the weekly team
“Huddle”
History
• 4 volunteer Trust Partners were
recruited from the team*
• Coaching skills training (2 x ½ day
workshops) was developed and
delivered*
• Terms of reference were co-
designed
• This is a model tested and
developed by Bob Kegan and
reported in his co-authored book
about DDO’s***.
• An entry in the issues log is
completed on the instruction from
and with the agreement of the
member of the staff concerned.
*Team members: Caz, Paul, Tom, Rosanna **Qualified coaches: Catherine Wilton & Rosanna Hunt ***Deliberately Development Organisations

3. Purpose
• provide a safe space for team members to air
issues affecting their wellbeing in a
confidential manner
• expediate access to confidential support by
someone who has contextual knowledge
• provide support to help team members
identify an action plan they put into place to
improve their wellbeing at work

4. Development
• Following the initial 3-year development phase, a review indicated
that the initiative was considered successful and helpful intervention
both by Trust Partners and recipients of the offer.
• In 2019, two new Trust Partners* were recruited and the two half-day
training workshops were refreshed and delivered online. Two further
Trust partners** (who already had coaching qualifications), later
joined and helped to update the terms of reference.
• Although one purpose of the Trust Partner initiative is to build
change agency for wellbeing within the team, the importance of
building positive social energy means that Trust Partners have, on
occasion, taken any agreed issues back to the team Huddle for
resolution, in collaboration with the lead for the wellbeing session at
the Huddle for that particular week.
*Team members: Tom, Rupal **Qualified coaches: Diane and Liz

5. Related work emerging during Covid used support the
development of the Trust Partner initiative
Sonya Wallbank

6. Support systems give you a sense of belonging and approval because a quality partner often encourages
your ideas and values while helping you develop a goal. They often use active listening skills to provide
constructive feedback and celebrate with you when you reach a goal.
How To an Effective Accountability Partner at Work
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/accountability-partner