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

The SY SPF meets every two months, currently in a virtual format. Meeting dates for 2025/26 are as follows:

  • Thursday 18th December 2025, 11am – 12:30pm
  • Friday 20th February 2026, 2 – 3:30pm