Intro to Organisational Development Toolkit
Organisational Development
Organisation Development (OD) enables people to transform systems.
Defining Organisational Development
What is Organisational Development?
OD is the application of behavioural science to organisational and system issues to align strategy and capability. It enhances the effectiveness of systems through interventions that enhance people’s collective capability to achieve shared goals.
In the NHS, the purpose of OD is to improve the quality and safety of patient care and we describe OD as enabling people to transform systems. OD is a field of practice where behavioural science is applied to organisational and system issues in order to align strategy and capability.
OD enhances the effectiveness of systems through the provision of interventions that build capacity and capability to achieve our collective goals. OD improves the performance and health of systems by amplifying the humanity in our organisations, enabling people to flourish, thrive and have meaning in their work.
An OD approach focuses on leading change, service improvement initiatives, engaging and motivating staff, developing their talents and improving potential of staff.
It’s about understanding context and culture, taking a systems approach and enabling our people to design and deliver great patient care.
A #WeCareTogether toolkit has been developed as an introduction to Organisational Development (OD), for you to use as a practical resource to which you can refer to whenever needed.
Whether you are involved in or leading a change or project, or looking for resources to support effective team working or just wanting to find out more about OD, we hope this toolkit will be useful to you. Each section provides information and signposts to other useful resources.
The Basics: An introduction to OD
This section defines Organisational Development (OD) and what you need to consider when taking an OD approach, and why it matters.
Before you start a project or change
This section offers some most commonly used theories, models and tools that are useful to consider before you start your project. This section explains how they may be used to support and inform your preparation and approach.
During a project or change
This section provides a range of practical tools and techniques for use during your project; from effective communication through to managing stakeholders. During this phase it is important to ensure individuals impacted by your project or change are supported and their needs are considered throughout.
After a project or change
Post implementation there are some important things to consider and reflect on. This section provide tools to help sustain change, support individuals and ensure effective team-working.
Further Information and Support
Where to find more information and support together with useful templates for you to adapt and use.
You can read the full document on the links below.
