We are delighted to introduce Faisal Izzat as the new People Promise Manager at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
Faisal brings a clear vision and strong commitment to ensuring that all colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered.
His role is integral to embedding the NHS People Promise principles into our Trust’s culture, making CDDFT a place where everyone can thrive.
Faisal said: "My role is to ensure that all colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered. The People Promise is about making the NHS the best place to work, and my focus is on embedding its principles into our Trust’s culture.
"As the People Promise Manager, I’m committed to making sure the People Promise principles - such as compassion, inclusion, and recognition - become part of everyday practice, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. This role is crucial in ensuring that the People Promise isn’t just an ideal but a lived reality here at CDDFT."
Priorities and Initiatives
Faisal’s key focus areas include retaining talent by fostering an environment where staff feel connected to the Trust’s mission and supported in their personal and professional growth.
By championing initiatives centred on wellbeing, flexible working, and professional development, Faisal aims to enhance job satisfaction and help every colleague succeed.
Faisal works within the Workforce Experience team and collaborates closely with Care Groups, Leadership, Human Resources, and teams across the Trust.
This includes driving forward People Promise and People Matter Action Plans to deliver meaningful improvements that respond directly to staff needs. These efforts are designed to cultivate a strong sense of belonging, recognition, and loyalty among our workforce.
Looking Ahead
In addition to local initiatives, Faisal is developing a portfolio of initiatives linked to the People Promise, ensuring alignment with the national NHS People Promise Exemplar Programme. This collaboration ensures CDDFT remains part of the wider NHS movement to improve workplaces and adopt best practices from across the country.
Faisal added: "My goal is to make CDDFT a workplace where people want to build their careers. By prioritising engagement, recognition, and development, we can retain skilled professionals, ensuring they feel fulfilled and motivated to stay with the Trust. Together, we will create a thriving workplace that supports both individual success and the continued delivery of exceptional patient care."
Faisal’s role reinforces CDDFT’s commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.
His work will help ensure that the People Promise principles are more than aspirations - they are embedded into daily practice, benefiting both colleagues and patients across the Trust.
