How Interface Groups prevent silo working and strengthen professional relationships

Members of the NHS Highlands Interface Group describe the group as essential in preventing the system from slipping back into siloed working. The Interface Group provides a space for day to day operational issues to be surfaced and resolved, such as waiting time visibility, communication challenges and practical irritations. It creates a space where colleagues can professionally disagree on significant topics yet still work together constructively to resolve issues.

It has become a trusted space where people can raise concerns, seek advice and collaborate on solutions. The Interface Group has built the relationships and shared purpose needed to make this possible. Without it, these issues would have no natural home, leaving staff without an outlet to address the pressures that contribute to frustration, burnout and reduced wellbeing. 

This highlights how Interface Groups can solve both operational problems as well as strengthen the culture, trust and professional connections that underpin effective cross interface working.

Coaching support has supported the group to identify how to work well together. Across three coaching sessions with a trained facilitator, the Interface Group discussed frustrations and identified the blockers preventing the groups from realising its full potential. 

Through this, they established a hybrid meeting structure that supports strong working relationships and productive collaboration. 

This now includes three or four in person meetings each year, lasting two hours to allow for more in-depth discussion and meaningful catch ups, with all other meetings held online for 1 hour for efficiency and ease.

For more information on this case study, or how to access funded coaching support through RCGP Scotland's Interface Project, please contact scotland.interface@rcgp.org.uk