Our FIRST values
At the heart of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust are shared values that guide everything we do — for our patients, our people, and our communities.
These values are not just words; they are the foundation of our culture and the behaviours we expect from every individual across our organisation.
Fairness
We value fairness and treat each other appropriately and justly.
Inclusivity
We are inclusive, appreciating the diversity and unique contribution everyone brings to the organisation.
Respect
We respect and are kind to one another and to patients. We seek to understand each other’s perspectives so that we all feel able to express ourselves.
Safety
We put safety first for patients and staff. We seek to learn when things go wrong and create a culture of learning and improvement.
Teamwork
We work and communicate as a team. We support one another, collaborate and drive quality improvements across the Trust and wider local healthcare system.
The FIRST values are borne out of our commitments to equality, diversity, accessibility and inclusion for every person connected to the Trust. Our ambition is to truly live these values every day, in every way, and through this becoming the best place to work and receive care in the region.
Our values guide how we treat people and how we work together as one. They influence how we respond to adversity, how we learn from mistakes, and how we celebrate success. At times we may need to make difficult decisions, we may need to change direction, and we will need to respond to unexpected challenges. By championing a culture where the right behaviours are recognised and reinforced, we create the conditions for safer, more compassionate, and more effective care.
We are committed to placing values and behaviours at the centre of our strategy — not as a separate initiative, but as a golden thread running through every action and decision we take. It is through living our values every day that we will build the kind of Trust we all want to be part of for the communities we serve
Values and behaviours framework
Fairness
How this feels
- We are treated equitably, not identically
- We neither benefit nor suffer from favouritism
- Our access to development and progression is based on merit.
How we behave
- Respect differences and value diversity
- Speak up to address unfair behaviours or treatment
- Consider how our actions affect others and be accountable for our behaviours.
Inclusivity
How this feels
- Equality, diversity and inclusion is supported actively
- We listen to and learn from colleagues’ lived experiences with curiosity
- Everyone feels valued and able to contribute fully.
How we behave
- Support inclusion and a sense of belonging for all
- Recognise and celebrate different perspectives
- Continuously develop own understanding of bias and inclusivity.
Respect
How this feels
- Civility, compassionate and respectful behaviour are promoted within and across teams
- Colleagues and patients feel listened to and heard
- Diverse thinking and differing perspectives are welcomed.
How we behave
- Treat others as they wish to be treated
- Show respect and care to colleagues, patients and families
- Help each other during challenging times.
Safety
How this feels
- We feel pride in the care we provide
- Our health and wellbeing is an organisational priority
- We feel safe voicing concerns and promote a culture of improvement rather than blame.
How we behave
- Work with integrity, safely following guidelines and instructions
- Support new ideas and ways of working, being flexible in approach
- Speak up and report unsafe behaviours.
Teamwork
How this feels
- We are supported and encouraged to work together
- We have a shared purpose
- Collaborating with wider teams and health systems helps us achieve better outcomes.
How we behave
- Support others helping those who are struggling
- Value and seek input from all team members
- Celebrate success and achievements and build a positive team spirit.