Staff engagement and social partnership working

The SPF works to promote partnership working in the healthcare system, bringing together all parties to influence workforce policy.
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There is a body of evidence demonstrating that effective staff engagement is essential in creating a positive culture of safe, compassionate care and is linked to improving patient outcomes and organisational performance. 

Nationally, the SPF brings together NHS Employers, NHS trade unions, and NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, enabling trade unions and employers to be involved in workforce policy development from an early stage.  

The SPF also works to promote partnership at all levels of the healthcare system, through the regional SPFs, the promotion of good practice case studies, and by signposting towards tools and resources that encourage and facilitate partnership working in organisations.  
 

Related content

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Article

How we do partnership

Learn more about the national SPF and the benefits partnership working.

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Agreement

SPF Partnership Agreement

The agreement sets out a framework which describes the aims of the SPF, shared values and principles for effective partnership working.

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Agreement

Working in partnership with trade unions framework and agreement

This template provides a framework and agreement for Integrated Care Board (ICB) trade union partnership forums.

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Guidance

Principles for ICB partnership machinery with recognised trade unions

These principles set out best practice for ICBS to set up and run joint negotiating and consultative machinery.

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Article

Facilities time

Read more about facilities time for trade union reps.

Student nurses in a corridor
Article

NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England.

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Toolkit

Partnership Behaviours Toolkit

An annual audit tool to assess how effective the forum is working in partnership to mutually meet all parties aims and objectives.

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Guidance

Walking in each other's shoes: Partnership working group exercise

Download and use our partnership working exercise which aims to improve joint problem solving, achieving a common purpose and decision making.