A Guide for Managers

About this guide The contribution that team working can make to the effective delivery of quality health care was emphasised in the NHS Plan1 and more recently in Shifting the Balance of Power within the NHS: Securing Delivery2 (July 2001). The emphasis is on ‘trusts devolving greater responsibility to clinical teams and the growth of clinical networks across NHS organisations ’ p6. This guide provides information that managers within health care organisations can use to help teams meet the new challenges they face. Information is included on the importance of team working in organisations and the general conditions required to promote effective team working. An audit tool is provided that can be used to assess the extent to which the organisation provides a context that is supportive of team working. Practical guidance is provided on how to develop and improve team working within the organisation by developing the systems and procedures required to support team working. An audit tool is provided that can be used to assess how team leaders carry out their role, and practical advice on how to effectively lead teams