Integrating public value into health education - the case of NHS planners

De Widt, Dennis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-5663 and Baylis, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0080-647X 2026. Integrating public value into health education - the case of NHS planners. Baylis, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0080-647X, Huxtable-Thomas, Louisa, Rose, Jennifer, Rosier, Eleri and Strong, Carolyn, eds. Integrating Public and Social Value into Business and Management Education: A Learning and Teaching Handbook, Ethics Press,

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Abstract

This chapter examines the integration of public and social value principles into health education through a case study of a postgraduate diploma programme for National Health Service (NHS) planners in Wales. The purpose is to demonstrate how a purpose-driven curriculum in accounting and financial management can enhance the development of public value-oriented professionals in the healthcare sector. The chapter introduces the current context of how decisions have been observed to have unintended societal consequences illustrating the challenges and risks that may arise when potentially focusing on financial outcomes alone. The chapter subsequently outlines the design and delivery of a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Planning, commissioned by the Welsh Government and delivered by Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, which incorporates interdisciplinary content and innovative pedagogies. A case study approach is employed, focusing on a module that embeds public value concepts such as value-based healthcare (VBHC) within traditional finance and accounting topics, and draws on programme documentation, curriculum design features, and self-reflection to evaluate effectiveness. Key findings indicate that combining technical financial skills (e.g., costing methodologies and capital investment appraisal) with an emphasis on social outcomes and sustainability was well-received by participants. Feedback highlights improved engagement, clarity of online materials, and the practical relevance of incorporating real-world public-sector examples. Participants developed not only enhanced financial management competencies but also a deeper understanding of how these skills support strategic objectives in healthcare, exemplified by alignment with NHS Wales priorities and VBHC principles. This study contributes to management education literature and practice by providing evidence that purposeful business school initiatives can successfully infuse public value into professional training. It demonstrates that aligning curriculum with public values can prepare healthcare planners improve their financial and accounting skills, drive innovation, and implement value-focused strategies, thereby bridging the gap between academic training and public service needs.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Publisher:	Ethics Press
ISBN:	978-1-80441-593-1
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 09:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189900

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