Improving Health Through Human Resource Management : Mapping the Territory

This research report contains the findings from the first phase of a major project sponsored by the Department of Health, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Healthcare People Management Association.

The study is designed to explore how human resource management can contribute to improved performance in the NHS.

People management practices are becoming increasingly important in the NHS as the strategy of putting patients first, transforming the service that people receive and engaging the whole workforce impacts at all levels.

This report details findings from an extensive review of the literature examining the link between HRM and performance.

It also gives an insight into the views of both HR and line managers in the NHS, based on a series of consultation meetings.

The report discusses - the structure and policy framework of the NHS - performance management in the NHS - the work of the HR function in the NHS.

The report has been produced by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Manchester that has been at the forefront of both HRM and health policy research, as well as having extensive understanding of leading-edge HRM in other sectors.