The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected the service, which provides mental health, community and disability support for around two million people, in October and November 2025.
Inspectors found some staff in mental health acute services ‘felt safety concerns were overlooked by leaders’ and ‘unsafe admissions were affecting the wellbeing of staff’ and others on the wards.
The CQC also found need for improvement in equality, diversity and inclusion and detailed negative experiences of staff with protected characteristics, including race and disability, applying for promotion.
The inspection was the first since the trust was formed from four former trusts in October 2024.
Serena Coleman, CQC deputy director of mental health in the South, said the trust had ‘undertaken significant work’ but some ‘cultural and governance aspects’ hadn’t fully embedded, impacting staff morale.
She said: “Staff told us leaders weren’t visible and described a disconnect between clinical and non-clinical staff.
“It was concerning that almost 20 per cent of staff said they would be reluctant to raise concerns because they didn’t think their concerns would be acted upon or they felt there would be retribution.
“When staff don’t feel safe to speak up, risks can go unaddressed and the quality of care can suffer so it’s vital the trust tackles this.”
Ms Coleman said systems at the trust were still in development and this was creating risks in some cases – including information from safety incidents not being shared quickly and the usage of ‘incompatible electronic systems’, risking loss of information.
Inspectors also found positives in the visit, including ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback about staff, good work with partner organisations and a commitment to learning and innovation.
Ms Coleman said the CQC found leaders ‘demonstrated a genuine commitment to compassionate and collaborative leadership’ and had shared the findings with leadership, who understand the improvements required.
The inspectorate will continue to monitor progress and will return to assess the changes made.
In May 2026, the trust’s mental health crisis services were rated as ‘requires improvement’.
Ron Shields, chief executive, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The CQC’s findings reflect where we are as an organisation that has made strong headway following a large and complex merger, with more to do to embed consistent leadership, systems and processes that enable our staff to deliver the best possible care.
“Most importantly, the CQC heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients and carers about the care they receive. This reflects the professionalism and commitment of our staff and the strength of the services they deliver.
“It is also positive that, in the first Well Led assessment following the merger, the CQC recognises the significant progress made in bringing the new Trust together. It highlights strengths in collaborative leadership, strategy development and partnership working.
“These findings will help us continue improving and developing the way we work.”