In 1998 something called the Social Partnership Forum was set up to encourage 'partnership working' with the NHS Staff’. It never really seemed to take off and for many felt more of a talking shop than something with teeth. However, that has started to change since Mr Burnham took office, the Social Partnership Forum has become a place where policy is not merely debated but negotiated. Back in 2007 Burnham was key in revitalising the Forum, and UNISON's National Officer, Mike Jackson says “it is going from strength to strength”.
This is demonstrated by the fact that the announcement of a major policy shift - to make the NHS The Preferred Provider - was made first made to the TUC. This increased willingness to engage, work with and importantly listen to public sector health unions, such as the largest one UNISON, is causing disquiet amongst some.
The NHS Partners Network, which represents private providers of NHS care of course was very unhappy, and has in fact launched a challenge to this policy by appealing to the Cooperation and Competition Panel.
http://unisonactive.blogspot.com/2010/01/private-profit-challenges-public.html
They have been joined in this appeal by Acevo, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. Voluntary organisations are feeling the effect of the recession as their funding streams shrink, and at the same time are concerned that public sector trade unions are attacking them. Unite has been running a campaign against third sector organisations.
UNISON also organises in the Voluntary Sector, and has just reviewed its structures to ensure those members in the voluntary sector have a stronger voice and identity in the union. We must ensure that voluntary sector organisations focus on the areas where they can deliver expertise and improve quality, whilst at the same time not compromising the public sector, or being used to down grade wages, terms and conditions.
With a General Election looming the approach to public services and public sector workers is going to be a key battleground. The strenthtening of the NHS Social Partnership Forum is a good example of the positives benefits of Government working with trade unions and engaging with the workforce. The times ahead will be challenging for all those delivering public services and the NHS Partnership approach to facing those challenges in the future is a model to be fought for and protected. Let's hope it lasts.