JON WILKS Chief

even more remarkable that Aneurin Bevan was able to pilot the bill for the formation of the NHS into statute. But pilot it he did – for a nation very different to that which we inhabit today.

Look at those same photographs. Obesity was extremely unusual. Long term conditions such as we know them now did not consume huge percentages of the NHS budget. Our nation, despite the outstanding service of overseas men and women, was not multi-cultural, certainly away from the port cities. As I mentioned earlier, workplaces were predominantly the preserve of men, particularly so in management and leadership roles. So, the business of managing the health service you would imagine came with a completely different set of challenges than those you may face today.

But did they? I wonder.

Certainly, good jobs were scarce in post-war Britain and there was a class and employment hierarchy far more rigid than is the case today. People had become conditioned to doing what they were told to do from above. Employment law was nothing like as fair and equitable as it is today and the idea of whistle blowing wouldn’t even be contemplated.

But the good managers still understood that thoughtfulness, fairness, consideration and promotion of employee well being were vital elements to productivity and success. I absolutely believe that the Institute of the post war years understood that and promoted those virtues in articles and symposia. Certainly there were plenty of draconian health service leaders that ruled by fear and intimidation but better ways of motivating and inspiring people to give of their very best have emerged and I suggest that your institute has played its part.

With the launch of the long term workforce plan timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary, I think that we should all be obliged to take stock of how lucky we are to still have a national health service and also to reflect on how we manage and lead our people today.

Bevan would expect nothing less from us.

Amanda Reynolds MD, Director & Founder, Blend Associates