The South Yorkshire Social Partnership Forum (SY SPF) brings together management and trade union representatives in an organised regional forum, to discuss shared workforce challenges and develop solutions in partnership.
The SY SPF is not a negotiating body, but provides an opportunity for constructive partnership working with trade unions across the region, and is formally recognised in the ICB stakeholder governance structure.
The joint chairs of the SY SPF are:
- Christine Joy - Chief People Officer, NHS South Yorkshire (Management Side Chair)
- Charlie Carruth - Regional Organiser, UNISON (Staff Side Chair)
The membership of the SY SPF includes representation from all recognised trade unions and NHS Trust representation from Directors of Workforce/Deputy Directors.
The SY SPF aligns with the broader principles of Social Partnership Forum working, as developed in the NHS over many years, and provides updates to the wider regional Yorkshire and Humber SPF. Further details on national and regional SPF activities can be found on the Social Partnership Forum website.
For further information on the work of the SY SPF, please contact ICB secretariat support David Prater – david.prater@nhs.net
Between late 2024 and early 2026, the South Yorkshire Social Partnership Forum (SY SPF) provided oversight and governance for an important project focussing on the adverse impact of organisational change; and how such impact can be minimised. Working in partnership through a sub-group of the SY SPF, management and trade union colleagues from across South Yorkshire – along with other interested parties and subject matter experts - co-designed a framework to support a consistent and compassionate approach for organisations undertaking change processes.
Key project deliverables included dedicated learning sessions; the gathering of lived experience case studies; development of the South Yorkshire ‘ABC’ framework; and other resources (including a suggested format for ‘futures conversations’ and communications guidance).
Please see the closure report below for full details of the project journey and outcomes, together with links to resources produced and other related documentation. In the context of ongoing organisational change for the NHS, it is hoped the learning from this work can continue to be of practical use for people and organisations planning change - locally and nationally - whilst also helping to prioritise colleague wellbeing during challenging times.
Key Documents
Appendix 2 – When We Do Harm – HPMA
Appendix 3 –Organisational Change Statement
Appendix 4 – Psychological Impact of Protracted Organisational Uncertainty
Appendix 5 – Communication and Engagement Strategy
Appendix 6 – Communication Through Organisational Change
Appendix 7 – Futures Conversations Guide – Colleagues
Appendix 7 – Futures Conversations Guide – Facilitators
Appendix 8 – Case Studies – Lessons Identified Through Lived Experience
Appendix 9 – Update for CPOs/Staff Side Chairs – Feb 2026
Appendix 10 – Feedback from Learning Session – Oct 2025
Appendix 11 – Stress and Suicide Prevention information March 2026
Appendix 12 – University of Sheffield - Full Project Specification 2025
