Background The annual staff survey (Birdsong) in 2015 highlighted a drop in positive results, particularly in areas concerned with communication. Whilst staff were proud to work for the hospice (90%) and would recommend a relative being cared for by the hospice (90%), they highlighted poor communication across all departments and staff reported low morale and feeling stressed (62%).

The results were discussed at all levels of the organisation and it was decided to:

• set up a staff/volunteer/management group to advise on all matters affecting staff

• look at organisational culture and develop a framework for hospice culture

• develop a communication strategy, including updating the website and the intranet.

Aim The aim of this project was to bring staff and volunteers together to develop and ‘own’ a framework for hospice culture that would enable the hospice to become a great place to work where staff are happy and motivated and work to our values.

Methods The new staff/volunteer/management group was formed in 2015, the Moving on Together group (MOTG). The group reviewed the literature on organisational culture and then developed a framework for the hospice culture. In addition to this work, in 2017, we have started a Leadership Programme and a series of workshops on resilience and stress.

Results The new framework was presented to the Board and agreed. The communication strategy, website and intranet were developed. The 2016 annual staff survey showed an improvement in communication between teams of 8% and between staff and senior management of 10%. Stress levels were about the same. The 2017 survey results will be out in August.

Conclusions The framework for hospice culture has been developed and is becoming embedded in the organisation. The work is in its infancy but there are signs that communication and morale are improving. We are keen to share this work with others.