South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) RISE line management programme. 

Module 4: Being a fair leader

Welcome to this course on being a fair leader, the fourth instalment of the South East London Integrated Care Service (SEL ICS) line management programme.

It goes without saying that fairness is crucial for line managers, but knowing how to be fair isn't always straightforward. Perceived unfairness can really destabilise a team, and be detrimental to individuals' motivation and wellbeing.

This module will help you to practise impactful strategies for being a fair leader, with an emphasis on making transparent, unbiased decisions to prioritise consistency and equitable treatment.

We'll also look at the NHS's model of a just culture – which blends being fair with being effective – so you can ensure the successful functioning of your team. This is especially crucial in the high-pressure environments we’re used to seeing in health and care organisations, allowing you to increase trust, enhance performance and, ultimately, improve patient care. 

By the end of this course, you should be able to:
  • describe the principles of fair leadership, including promoting respect, equity and transparent decision-making processes
  • explain why being perceived as fair is vital for line managers in health and care organisations
  • identify strategies to practise transparent decision-making, including sharing your criteria, explaining processes and communicating openly and empathetically  
  • describe the benefits of building on fairness by promoting a just culture to create a supportive, inclusive environment for everyone.
This module should take you about 30 minutes to complete.