NHS Values and Professional Behaviour

SJT scenarios are set within the NHS and UK healthcare system. Understanding the values that underpin this system — and what "professionalism" means in this context — gives you a reliable framework for answering questions. This lesson covers the NHS Constitution values, the GMC's expectations, and what professional behaviour looks like in practice.

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The NHS Constitution Values

The NHS Constitution sets out six core values that all NHS staff are expected to embody. SJT scenarios frequently test whether candidates align with these values.

The Six Values

Value	Meaning
1. Working together for patients	Patients come first. All staff work collaboratively across teams and organisations to deliver the best care.
2. Respect and dignity	Every person — patient, carer, or colleague — is treated with respect and dignity.
3. Commitment to quality of care	Striving for the highest standards of care, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
4. Compassion	Responding with humanity and kindness to each person's pain, distress, anxiety, or need.
5. Improving lives	Working to improve health, wellbeing, and healthcare experiences for all.
6. Everyone counts	No one is excluded, discriminated against, or left behind. Resources are used fairly.

How These Values Appear in SJT

Value	Typical SJT scenario
Working together	A team disagreement about patient care — do you collaborate or act unilaterally?
Respect and dignity	A patient is being spoken about disrespectfully by a colleague
Quality of care	You notice a process that could be improved — do you raise it or stay quiet?
Compassion	A patient is distressed — do you take time to listen or focus on efficiency?
Improving lives	An opportunity to contribute to a quality improvement project
Everyone counts	A patient from a marginalised group is receiving different treatment
Accountability	You make a mistake — do you own up or hope no one notices?

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GMC's Good Medical Practice

The General Medical Council (GMC) regulates all doctors in the UK and publishes Good Medical Practice, a framework of duties and expectations. While SJT is for aspiring medical students, the questions are designed around these principles.

The Four Domains

Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills, and Performance

Duty	What it means for SJT
Keep your knowledge up to date	Recognise the importance of continued learning
Recognise the limits of your competence	Do not attempt things beyond your ability — seek help
Ensure the quality of your work	Take pride in doing things properly

SJT example: You are asked to perform a task you have not been trained for.

• Very appropriate: Explain that you need supervision or training first
• Very inappropriate: Attempt the task without adequate preparation

Domain 2: Safety and Quality

Duty	What it means for SJT
Take action if patient safety is at risk	Never ignore safety concerns
Respond to risks promptly	Act quickly when you identify a risk
Contribute to quality improvement	Engage with audits, feedback, and improvement initiatives

SJT example: You observe a hygiene breach on the ward.

• Very appropriate: Address it immediately (politely remind the person, or report if necessary)
• Very inappropriate: Ignore it to avoid confrontation

Domain 3: Communication, Partnership, and Teamwork

Duty	What it means for SJT
Listen to patients and colleagues	Active listening is a core professional skill
Share information effectively	Ensure relevant information reaches the right people
Work constructively in teams	Support colleagues, address conflicts, contribute positively
Treat colleagues fairly	Respect all team members regardless of role or seniority

SJT example: A junior colleague is struggling with their workload.

• Very appropriate: Offer support, ask if they need help, suggest they speak to their supervisor
• Inappropriate: Take over their work entirely without addressing the root cause
• Very inappropriate: Ignore their struggle or criticise them publicly

Domain 4: Maintaining Trust

Duty	What it means for SJT
Be honest and open	Tell the truth; do not mislead patients or colleagues
Act with integrity	Your behaviour should be consistent whether or not you are being observed
Maintain confidentiality	Protect patient information appropriately
Behave professionally at all times	Including outside work and on social media

SJT example: You discover that your CV contains an error that overstates your experience.

• Very appropriate: Correct the error immediately and inform anyone who received the incorrect version
• Very inappropriate: Leave the error, reasoning that it benefits your application

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What "Professionalism" Means in SJT