North West SPF partnership working principles

These principles have been developed by the North West SPF, working in partnership, and discussed and agreed in July 2025. 

The following principles set out how partnership working will be prioritised and maintained during times of significant NHS infrastructure changes and workforce reductions. 

• Our shared commitment to partnership working will continue to be at the core of our discussions and work.
• We commit to open and honest conversations, with a ‘no surprises’ approach.
• We recognise the size and scale of the change which lies ahead, knowing these changes will be difficult and that there will inevitably be impact on our colleagues.
• We will be mindful of the ways in which we undertake this work; carefully watching our language, tone and style and always respectful of each other.
• We will champion a compassionate approach and offer support to colleagues.
• We will seek to avoid harm to individuals and actively promote best practice to minimise impact.
• We recognise our wider social responsibilities.
• We are one NHS; we value all contributions equally regardless of role and champion teamwork across the health service.
• We will promote the creation of safe spaces for our NHS workforce to express their concerns and they will be proactively listened to.   

These principles will be role modelled by the North West SPF and taken by members into system/local SPFs to further promote a culture of partnership working.

The principles are signed by:

• Mike Gibney, Management Side Co-Chair - Chief People Officer, Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership
• Amy Barringer, Staff Side Co-Chair - Regional Organiser, UNISON

This statement will be reviewed in January 2026.