TUESDAY, 3 JULY, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO OF MALCOLM WRIGHT ATTACHED

Chief Executive Malcolm Wright receives Churchill Fellowship

NHS Tayside Chief Executive Malcolm Wright has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship in recognition of his research work into ways of managing bullying and harassment in the healthcare sector.

This prestigious title is awarded by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to UK citizens from all backgrounds who have travelled overseas in pursuit of new and better ways of tackling a wide range of the current challenges facing the UK. Successful applicants are known as Churchill Fellows for life.

Malcolm’s research project saw him visiting healthcare systems in Australia and New Zealand exploring new and innovative strategies to manage bullying and harassment in the healthcare workforce, which is a serious challenge for health systems internationally.

Having spent his whole career in the NHS, Malcolm has an unparalleled professional insight into the significant consequences bullying can have on individuals, teams and organisations. He has since presented his research back in the UK and plans to share his work further.

Malcolm said, “It’s an honour and a privilege to receive this Fellowship. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust made it possible for me to visit other healthcare systems in Australia and New Zealand to speak with frontline staff, as well as leadership teams, about bullying and harassment and see at first-hand the working practices and cultures within these organisations.

“My research project was driven by a desire to improve how we tackle this issue and the critical role of leaders in establishing safe working environments for staff who must feel supported in their workplace. Staff wellbeing is vitally important to the performance of any organisation and it is clear from my experiences and observations in Australia and New Zealand that the most effective leadership teams make the direct connection between a positive organisational culture and safe, effective person-centred care.

“I was also able to study at first-hand the innovative and hugely respected system of integrated healthcare in Canterbury, New Zealand.

“I look forward to working hard over the coming months to share the insights of my research with colleagues here in Tayside as, together, we build an organisational culture that promotes individual and team growth, welcomes innovation and achieves the highest levels of staff experience with leaders who lead by example.”

Background

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was established in 1965 following the death of Sir Winston Churchill, using money donated by the British public in recognition of his immeasurable contribution to our nation and its future.

Churchill considered that his international travels had been a hugely positive influence in his life. He believed that the more contact there was between nations at all levels, the less likely it was that the world would descend into war again. He wanted British people from all backgrounds to experience the benefits of overseas travel and be inspired to make their own unique contributions, not only to British life, but to global understanding.

Today, although international travel is easier and technology has made the world a smaller place, there is still nothing to compare with meeting people face-to-face. Time spent together establishes trust and enables a much deeper exchange and understanding, resulting in strong and lasting friendships and the ongoing sharing of ideas and innovations.

To date, over 5400 Churchill Fellowships have been awarded to motivated and inspirational individuals who work tirelessly to develop and improve their communities and professions across the UK.

Contact:

Communications

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138