PSA statement on NHS England’s Leadership and Management Framework

The NHS College of Leadership and Management has today (6 July 2026) launched its Leadership and Management Framework. 

PSA Chief Executive Alan Clamp said: “The PSA welcomes the launch of the Leadership and Management Framework. Developing standards that can apply across such a broad range of clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare is an important step. The PSA was pleased to contribute to discussions during the development of the framework, alongside the wide range of other organisations engaged by NHS England. 

With a barring scheme planned to prevent NHS managers who commit serious misconduct from taking up other senior NHS roles, this could provide an important mechanism to support professionalism and help prevent problems occurring in the first place. Strong leadership also has a key role to play in fostering inclusive, respectful workplace cultures where staff feel supported, valued and able to provide safe, high-quality care.  We look forward to seeing how the Framework – the standards, code and competencies – helps guide both clinical and non-clinical professionals to become competent, ethical managers and leaders.”

The NHS Leadership and Management Framework has been developed in response to the Messenger Review, which recommended ‘A single set of unified, core leadership and management standards for managers [and] training and development bundles to meet these standards’.  

The purpose of the Framework is to equip NHS managers – both clinical and non-clinical – with a code of practice, defined set of standards and competencies, a national development curriculum and practical, accessible learning resources to enable them to lead and manage with confidence, care, and consistency and elevate NHS leadership and management as a recognised professional discipline.

ENDS

Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care

Contact: media@professionalstandards.org.uk