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It’s ok

This list represents some of our values and culture. It’s a reminder that all of these things are ok.

Inspired by the original from Government Digital Service (GDS).

You can also download this list as a poster (PDF) for putting up on office walls.

It’s ok to…

  • ask what acronyms mean
  • ask ‘Why?’
  • offer feedback on other people’s work
  • share work in progress
  • ask for help
  • slow down to think
  • ask management to fix it
  • not be the most opinionated in the room
  • say ‘No’ when you’re busy
  • say ‘I don’t know’
  • forget to come off mute
  • make a decision
  • ask for more time to make a decision
  • say that you were wrong
  • celebrate successes
  • walk and talk
  • not think about work on holiday
  • have a child, cat or dog interrupt a call
  • take some time to understand
  • speak up for yourself
  • take breaks
  • not answer messages during meetings
  • not check work messages out of hours
  • ask what the purpose of a meeting is
  • decline meeting invites
  • turn the camera off
  • focus on key goals and let other things drop
  • not have all the answers
  • speak last
  • take time out for training
  • take time out for reflecting
  • be open about how you’re feeling
  • not be ok
  • be proud of working for the NHS
  • admit the challenges