A new podcast launched today, putting the spotlight on NHS leadership and culture and how they impact staff and patient care.

Series one guests are NHS leaders with a history of developing positive cultures, as demonstrated by their organisation’s strong staff survey results, and those working to rebuild cultures in challenging circumstances. The launch coincides with the publication of the latest national survey results on 7 March.

The podcast is hosted by Matthew Winn, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and Chief Executive at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust. Matthew has been leading Cambridgeshire Community Services since 2007, which is rated Outstanding by CQC and has the best community trust staff survey results in the country. He has also held national roles including as NHS England’s national director of community health. Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, which Matthew joined in 2024, is also rated Outstanding.

Guests in the first Leadership and Culture in Healthcare podcasts will include:

• Jane Tomkinson OBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Acting Chief Executive of Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Buki Adeyemo, Chief Executive of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust
• Tracy Allen, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
• Neil Carr, Chief Executive of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Matthew said: “I strongly believe the culture we create as leaders has a direct impact on the care people receive. We have a responsibility to create an environment where the people who work for us feel supported, valued and part of a team, where they can learn and develop, and where they feel safe to speak up when things aren’t right. By doing this, we create a kinder, safer place for patients and service users.

“Sadly we’ve seen what can happen when trusts don’t get that right, and the catastrophic results this can have. It has never been clearer that investing in the right culture is vital.

“This podcast series gives us an opportunity to explore what some of the leaders behind the best staff survey results are doing, and how they are building a positive culture – in some cases from very troubled beginnings. Its an opportunity to learn from each other, but also to feel inspired by what’s possible.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the conversations so far and I hope others find them as interesting and motivating as I have.”

Leadership and Culture in Healthcare are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.