Perioperative practice
l Recognising and rewarding positive behaviours aligned with the Charter
l Using the Charter in conflict resolution and performance reviews
l Encouraging staff to ‘check in’ with each other about wellbeing and morale
“This isn’t about ticking boxes,” adds Alex Duke. “It’s about transforming how we show up for each other, every day. When people feel safe, respected, and included, the quality of care improves. That’s the future we’re building.”
A Charter endorsed and empowered The Behaviours Charter is formally endorsed by the Centre for Perioperative Care and Civility Saves Lives, reflecting its importance not just at the organisational level, but within the wider surgical and patient care community. This endorsement highlights that behavioural standards are as critical to perioperative outcomes as technical or procedural ones. It aligns with broader NHS efforts to improve staff wellbeing, retention, patient safety, and service delivery, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape where pressures on teams are higher than ever.
From words to action: launching the Charter at the AfPP Annual National Conference The AfPP Behaviours Charter will be officially launched at the AfPP Annual National Conference at the University of Warwick 8-9 August, 2025, a landmark event in the perioperative calendar that brings together professionals from across the UK. The conference, known for inspiring thought leadership and professional development, offers the perfect stage to introduce a Charter grounded in values that unite the profession. At the conference, every attendee will be
invited to formally sign up to the Charter, signalling their personal and professional commitment to civility, collaboration, and safety. This moment will serve as a public declaration of shared purpose; a powerful act of unity that reaffirms the strength of the perioperative community. “We want delegates to walk away not just
with knowledge and inspiration, but with a renewed sense of ownership over the culture we are creating,” says Oliver Tierney. “By signing the Charter, each practitioner is pledging to be an active contributor to safer, kinder, more effective theatres.” Visual displays and sign-up stations at the
conference will bring the Charter to life; showing what it looks like in action and inviting meaningful discussion around
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Last year’s AfPP Annual National Conference at the University of Warwick
real-world implementation. “The conference is more than just a
launchpad,” adds Alex Duke. “It’s a chance to engage, reflect, and collectively raise the bar on how we treat one another in practice. This Charter will shape conversations and conduct long after the event.”
A culture we all own Creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative perioperative environment is everyone’s responsibility. The AfPP Behaviours Charter provides a clear, practical roadmap to help us get there; one that holds up civility, empathy, safety, and learning as cornerstones of professional excellence. The launch of the Charter at the AfPP Annual National Conference will mark a turning point: not only will it raise awareness, but it will also galvanise a nationwide commitment. With hundreds of delegates pledging their support, the movement for civility and cultural transformation will grow stronger, louder, and more impactful. By committing to the Charter, perioperative
practitioners are choosing to lead with integrity, champion inclusion, and prioritise both patient and staff wellbeing. The impact is far-reaching: fewer errors, healthier teams, and better experiences for those we care for. This is more than a Charter. It’s a movement, and it starts with each of us.
For more information about the AfPP Behaviours Charter or to get involved with the Signed Up for Civility campaign, keep an eye on the AfPP website at
www.afpp.org.uk.
About the Author
Susan Preston is the Marketing Manager at The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP). With over 30 years’ experience in journalism, marketing, PR, and communications, she brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to her role. Known for her collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, Susan also enjoys golf, skiing, and creative pursuits in her spare time.
CSJ
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