The importance of reflection and working in social partnership
This month, we published our 2022/23 Impact Report and animation, which provides a snapshot of some of the ways we’ve made an impact on behalf of our members, NHS leaders in Wales.
Over the last 12 months, the NHS has faced huge challenges and the Welsh NHS Confederation team has ensured NHS leaders have been supported and heard. Therefore, it’s good to look back and reflect on what we’ve achieved and what we’ve learned.
Working so closely with NHS leaders gives us in-depth insight, enabling us to exert greater influence in our policy work and when engaging with stakeholders.
During a time characterised by increased demand on services, economic upheaval and industrial disputes, we made the case for the issues that matter most to NHS leaders in Wales and provided them with much-needed support behind the scenes.
Whether it’s influencing the government for a fair funding settlement for the NHS, improving understanding of the challenges facing social care, urging the government and trade unions to end the industrial dispute or engaging with politicians on the need for a cross-government approach to tackle inequalities, we have never shied away from playing our part in helping solve the problems the health and care sector faces.
It's this reflection and evaluation that is so important, especially during intensely demanding periods for the service. It’s only when we reflect that we realise how much we’ve achieved and learn from the things that didn’t go so well so that we can do them better next time.
The team’s support for NHS executive director peer groups has been unwavering, streamlining leaders’ programmes of work to improve the sharing of knowledge and expertise across chief executive, chair, vice chair and director peer groups. This has enhanced cohesion by increasing understanding of whole-system priorities, creating the impetus to explore shared challenges and develop collective solutions. Working so closely with NHS leaders gives us in-depth insight, enabling us to exert greater influence in our policy work and when engaging with stakeholders.
It's this reflection and evaluation that is so important, especially during intensely demanding periods for the service. It’s only when we reflect that we realise how much we’ve achieved and learn from the things that didn’t go so well so that we can do them better next time.
The team at the Welsh NHS Confederation will continue to represent, connect and support NHS leaders in Wales as they face fresh challenges and opportunities in the months and years ahead.
Another key theme this month has been recognising the value of working in social partnership. It’s this model of working that enabled trade unions and the Welsh Government to end the majority of ongoing disputes on pay and conditions for Agenda for Change staff. The efforts of trade unions and the Welsh Government to maintain an open dialogue, pause strike action and work in social partnership to find a resolution to the dispute have been a shining example of the benefits of working in social partnership.
The collective acceptance of the NHS pay award came the same week as the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 was given royal assent. As we describe in our explanatory briefing, the Act provides a framework through which population wellbeing can be improved by enhancing public services through social partnership working, promoting fair work and socially responsible public procurement. It’s also the first piece of legislation on procurement developed by the Welsh Government and recognises procurement's role as one of the most significant levers to making a difference to wellbeing in Wales and tackling inequalities.
As we approach 75 years of the NHS, and in the year ahead, we hope organisations in Wales can continue to work in partnership to support population health and wellbeing now and in the future.
