FAQs

Your questions answered

If you'd like to learn more about Poppy's Promise, why it was founded, and how we're working to embed compassion into healthcare, you'll find answers to the questions we're most frequently asked below.

If you can't find the information you're looking for, please get in touch.

General

What is Poppy's Promise?
Poppy’s Promise is a compassionate workforce initiative designed to strengthen both the healthcare workforce and every patient interaction. Working in partnership with NHS organisations, it provides a structured framework to embed compassion, acknowledgement, respect and empowerment (CARE) into everyday care delivery.
Why was Poppy's Promise created?
Poppy’s Promise was created from lived experience, with a determination to ensure that every patient and family feels heard, respected and supported. It exists to help make kindness, communication and dignity a consistent part of healthcare — not something left to chance.
What does Poppy’s Promise aim to achieve?
Its aim is to create safer, kinder and more human healthcare experiences by supporting staff, strengthening culture and improving how care is delivered at every stage of the patient journey.
Who is Poppy's Promise for?
Poppy’s Promise is designed for NHS organisations, healthcare professionals and ultimately patients and families. It supports those delivering care while improving the experience of those receiving it.

NHS/Organisation-Focused

How does Poppy’s Promise work in practice?
Poppy’s Promise is delivered through a structured framework that spans education, recruitment, staff training, face-to-face patient interaction and feedback. It provides practical tools, guidance and support to help organisations embed the CARE principles into everyday practice.
Is this a training programme?
Poppy’s Promise is more than a standalone training programme. It is a whole-system approach that supports cultural change across multiple stages of the workforce journey, ensuring consistency and sustainability.
How is Poppy’s Promise different from existing initiatives?
Poppy’s Promise is unique in that it connects workforce development directly to patient experience. Rather than focusing on isolated interventions, it provides a joined-up, values-led framework that supports meaningful and lasting change.
What support is provided to Trusts?
Partner organisations receive access to a suite of resources including guidance materials, training support, implementation tools and ongoing updates. A secure client portal provides access to all relevant documentation and support materials.
Is there evidence that this approach works?
Poppy’s Promise is built on well-established principles of compassionate care, communication and patient-centred practice. As implementation grows, case studies and impact data will be shared to demonstrate outcomes and learning.

Workforce & Staff

How does Poppy’s Promise support healthcare staff?
It supports staff by providing clear guidance, practical tools and a framework that values compassionate communication as a core clinical skill. It aims to create environments where staff feel supported, confident and empowered in their interactions.
Will this add more pressure to already busy staff?
Poppy’s Promise is designed to support, not burden, staff. By improving communication and clarity, it can reduce misunderstandings, improve relationships and ultimately make care delivery more effective and rewarding.
What are the CARE principles?
CARE stands for Compassion, Acknowledgement, Respect and Empowerment. These principles underpin all aspects of Poppy’s Promise and guide how care is delivered and experienced.

Partnership & Sponsorship

How can organisations get involved?
Organisations can partner with Poppy’s Promise by implementing the framework within their Trust or by supporting the initiative through sponsorship or collaboration.
Is there a cost to implement Poppy’s Promise?
Implementation will involve a licensing agreement and an administrative fee. Further details can be provided upon enquiry.
Can we support Poppy’s Promise as a sponsor?
Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the growth and reach of Poppy’s Promise, helping to bring compassionate care to more organisations and patients.