Some local health boards in Wales have struggled over several years to deliver satisfactory health services within their existing resources, with one health board in special measures and others receiving additional funding from Welsh Government.
This report synthesises expert academic and practitioner knowledge about what is effective in supporting improvement in health boards, either through intervention or by creating a more supportive environment.
Evidence suggests that having the right people in leadership roles is important, and Welsh Government should consider intervention where this is an issue. However, if an organisation is struggling, just replacing the leader is unlikely to be an effective solution. Whether intervening or not, there needs to be a clear understanding of expectations and how to achieve them, as well as an openness to critique and challenge, to foster improvement throughout the system.