Culture First: The Quiet Power Behind Productivity Gains
In this article, we discuss how when the culture shifts within a Trust, systems start to work. Data starts to matter. And productivity becomes more than a KPI; it becomes a way of working.
Before and After: What Do Diagnostics Tell Us About Workforce Productivity
In this article, we discuss the process of SARD diagnostics. The bottomline is: if your data is unreliable, your plans will be too. So we run the diagnostics not only at the beginning, but then we run them again once all the plans are in. The results are incredible!
Training That Sticks: The Overlooked Foundation of NHS Productivity
In this article, we discuss the quiet force at work that is sometimes overlooked, but is absolutely essential: Training.
100% Job Planning Completion – What That Really Means for NHS Productivity
In this article, we discuss how our work at a Trust in the northwest of England has 100% job plans. It’s a story of clarity driving productivity.
The NHS Needs Fewer Targets – But Not Like This
In this article, Phil Bottle takes a look at NHS’s new 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance. Fewer national targets? Sounds good in theory. But removing workforce planning, community care, and mental health priorities while expecting better elective, emergency, and GP performance? That’s not reform – that’s wishful thinking.
NHS Workforce Planning: The £10bn Elephant We’re Ignoring
In this article, Phil Bottle discusses how NHS Workforce Planning isn't working even with £10bn of public money and 1.7 million staff especially now that it's been told to 'go faster'. He talks about why we're pretending this is normal, how we got here, and why there might actually be hope.
Meet Jakub and Priyanka: The New Faces of SARD Support
We’re excited to welcome two new individuals to our team. Their unique skills and backgrounds bring fresh perspectives to our support services.
NHS Elective Care Targets: Chasing Numbers, Missing Patients
In this article, Phil Bottle breaks down why the Elective Reform Plan risks chasing numbers over patients, and how we can stop playing this dangerous numbers game. From aligning capacity with demand to rethinking 'productivity,' Phil explores the real solutions the NHS desperately needs. If you're tired of empty targets and want to talk about building real change for patients and staff, this one's for you.
Reframing NHS Productivity—From Breaking Point to Breakthrough
In this article, Phil Bottle tackles the myths surrounding NHS productivity and makes the case for a new conversation — one that values genuine change over relentless pressure. Because better doesn’t always mean more. And our NHS heroes deserve more than bandaid solutions for a system that needs real reform. It's time to start rethinking what productivity truly means.
Cutting NHS Admin: The Cost of False Economy
In this article, Phil explains why dismantling administrative support to save money is like removing a ship's navigation tools to reduce weight. It might look good on a spreadsheet, but it risks capsizing the entire system.
