Local NHS Trust signs up to continued staff involvement

Date:

Today is the first official day that South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is acting under its new Social Partnership Agreement. The Agreement formally demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to working in partnership with its 4500 staff; maximising the potential for their involvement, and the involvement of staff side organisations (unions), in the delivery of services.

The Trust provides community, mental health and learning disability services throughout Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield with a mission to help local people live life to the full.

The Agreement which was signed by the Trust’s director of human resources and workforce development Alan Davis and staff side representatives at a special meeting on Friday 27th January, will encourage staff involvement in decision making and create greater ownership amongst staff over the services they provide everyday.

The Agreement also describes the formal arrangements for consultation and negotiation between management and staff organisations and the facilities available for staff side representatives at the Trust

Alan Davis said, "Our Trust recognises the importance of developing and maintaining a good working relationship with all our stakeholders including staff and staff side organisations. This Agreement confirms our commitment to empower staff by actively involving them in decisions to improve working methods and the delivery of services.

"The Trust has a strong track record of staff and staff side involvement since its formation in 2002 – this agreement will develop this further and support the Trust’s vision to be an employer of choice for staff."

David Pickersgill, Joint Chair of the Trust’s Staff Side Committee added, "The Trust is one of those enlightened employers who recognise that a constructive relationship with it’s workforce and their representatives brings benefits to everyone. The first people to benefit may be managers and staff, but in the long run the people who use the Trust’s services benefit as well.

"Some external pressure groups have questioned the commitment public sector employers make to working with trade unions, but we are clear that a workforce that feels well supported delivers top quality services and adapts well to change."

Local NHS Trust signs up to continued staff involvement

time to read: 1 min