Connect aims to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes, patients and GP satisfaction in the shortest time possible and to do this consistently across all its services.

It does this through an attention to detail in its selection, development and support of staff on whom its high standards depend.

Selection – The numbers of applications for posts are high, allowing choice. The process of selection involves an informal visit, formal interview, clinical assessment and psychometric tests – much care is taken to identify those with the relevant skill level and values which Connect seek.

Induction – a detailed and lengthy induction takes place relevant to the service where the individual is to work.

Training – one of the values that Connect cherishes is an ethos of continuous self-improvement.
Connect provides many development opportunities and seeks individual clinicians who wish to exploit this. Connect has developed a number of clinical training programmes to ensure staff progression and service quality - specifically Connects Accelerated Development Programme for physiotherapists delivering PhysioLine and Primary Care Based Physiotherapy and Connects Practitioners with a Special Interest Development Programme, for GP’s and physios working in IMATT.

Supervision – where staff are working remotely in Primary Care Based Physiotherapy and IMATT, regular supervision visits are made. Line managers, themselves clinicians, make monthly visits to staff. Each visit lasts 3-4 hours and includes a process audit as well as a review of outcomes and an opportunity to discuss or see patients with more complex problems. These visits also provide an opportunity for managers to meet with practice managers/GPs to gain feedback on the performance of the service.

Patient/GP Satisfaction Questionnaire - where new services are implemented questionnaires are sent out in the first and third quarter and then annually. Results are shared with practices and commissioners.  Click here for examples.

Appraisal/Feedback – individual staff appraisals are carried out bi-annually with brief quarterly reviews. Informal feedback is given at every supervision visit.

Individual responsibility and accountability is encouraged and staff are given an understanding of the value of their contribution.