Stewards: Partnership working

It is no secret that engaging and involving staff at all levels is a key factor in making staff feel valued, encouraging motivation and delivering change – all of which lead to service improvement. Our own staffing survey supports this view. 

One way of achieving staff engagement is through partnership working where problems are shared and staff are fully involved and can make a contribution to improving the service.  

The Department of Health, NHS employers and NHS trade unions, including the RCM have therefore, via the Social Partnership Forum, produced a partnership agreement which outlines how NHS partners can work together. It recognises respective roles and responsibilities, establishes shared values and common purpose and sets some key principles for effective joint working.  

It is to be hoped that this will lead to long-term solutions that work for staff and patients.