Getting communication right: The Cornwall Communication Charter one year on!

Session

3.8

Practice Report

• • Sally Mills (Cornwall Adult Learning Disability Team)

Summary

To share the successes and challenges since launching the multi-disciplinary Communication Charter for learning disability service providers in Cornwall.

Method/Activities/Techniques

Services from across Cornwall have signed up to the Charter, and have committed to meeting the requirements of the Charter and their communication action plan. Nominated communication leaders use their toolkits which include learning outcomes, training resources, and audit tools.

Results/Findings

The need for a charter, and genuine desire to see it succeed, has meant a range of services signing up and developing their communication skills. It has been important to sustain the momentum since the launch. A network of leaders has been formed. A monthly newsletter has also been developed, sharing good practice and additional resources. An NHS Trust has adopted the Communication Charter as a Quality Improvement Priority and we are working with commissioners to incorporate the Standards into monitoring and commissioning documents.

Conclusions

The ultimate goal of seeing a positive change in ethos and understanding of communication needs within services and organisations is beginning to be realised, with nominated communication leaders taking responsibility for in-house training using their toolkits. The audit tool has also been highlighting to services where they are meeting the communication needs of service users and areas for improvement.

Level of Session

Introductory

Age Group

All Ages

Interest

Adult
Transitions