A key principle of We are the NHS: People Plan 2020/21 – action for us all is to ensure that all of our NHS people feel physically and psychologically safe at work. Having a voice that counts is one of the cornerstones of our NHS People Promise. Each and every one of us should feel empowered to bring our whole self to work, and be confident enough to express our views, knowing that they will be heard.

This has been an unprecedented year for our NHS; our lived experiences of COVID-19 have highlighted more so than ever, the need to listen to each and every one of our 1.3 million strong workforce. To be heard is to be understood; there have been times over my career when I have felt that no one is listening – it is a frustrating and lonely experience. That is why I feel so passionate about our 2020 National NHS Staff Survey – it provides an opportunity to focus on understanding and learning from your experience of working through the pandemic. You have a voice that counts, your story is important, and you will be heard.

In order to accurately measure and understand your lived experience of what it is like to work in the NHS, particularly during this pandemic, we’re asking many of the same questions in the same way as in previous years-this enables us to continue to monitor trends over time. However, this year’s survey includes a couple of changes, to reflect working through COVID-19; you will see that there are a couple of free text questions and additional demographic questions which will allow you to provide further insight into your experiences and help us to learn at both a local and national level.

There are also new questions which will capture your experience of speaking up and feeling safe, as well helping us to better understand parental and caring responsibilities, for those of you who have children or who are carers.

In many ways, COVID-19 has brought out the best in us, but it has also shone a light on the inequalities which still exist and which we know must change. We have an individual responsibility to reflect on our thoughts and behaviours, and a collective responsibility to turn our thoughts and words into meaningful actions to facilitate change for the better.

In terms of feeling safe and confident to express your views, I want to assure you that the Staff Survey is completely confidential. No one from your place of work will be able to see your survey responses or identify your views.

Next year, we’ll be redesigning the staff survey to align with Our People Plan; this will allow us to further ensure that you feel valued, and confident that your insights are being used to shape a more compassionate, inclusive and flexible NHS.

Thank you for everything you have done and are doing during these most challenging times. The 2020 NHS Staff Survey should now be available in your organisation and I encourage you to take part, to make your voice count, and to help us understand what matters to you most.