The Social Partnership Forum was set up in March 1998. The NHS recognised the need for and positive contribution that partnership working could and can make, to improving care services for patients through the more active involvement of employees in the entire decision-making process.
In creating a continual dialogue, rather than issues being dealt with after they arise, they become part of that process, with policy being determined and shaped by the people who would be most affected by it.
In March 2007 a revised Partnership Agreement was published which
reinvigorated social partnership working nationally.
Note: the Partnership Agreement will be refreshed in due course.
The Forum was refreshed and renewed in February 2007.
The coalition government has welcomed the opportunity to meet, listen and have a dialogue with SPF members with the full ministerial team attending the inaugural meeting of the SPF (under new government) in June 2010.