- Conference
- 2015 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 28 November 2014
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes the over-representation of Black workers in the lower paid roles in the NHS; particularly bands 1-4. The staff in bands 1-4 make up around 40% of the 1.3 million workers in the NHS and are responsible for an estimated 60% of direct patient contact. However these workers receive less than 20% of the training and development money spent by NHS organisations.
Both the Francis Report and the Cavendish Review highlighted the importance of investing in the development of Health Care Assistants and Support Workers as key ways of improving patient care. Evidence from patient surveys shows how services like reception, office administration, cleaning and portering have a high impact on patient experience.
Conference believes that it is essential that the investment in training and development for this workforce is changed to reflect the contribution they make to patient care. Not only will this be of benefit to the employees in post but also to the entire population of the UK that will engage with them. As the adage goes “you only get one opportunity to make a first impression”.
In essence, these workers are the face of the NHS and therefore must have the best preparation to engage with people when they are most vulnerable and in greatest need.
Conference notes the Health Education England Talent for Care project aims to be the national strategic framework for the development of the support workforce in the NHS.
Conference further notes that UNISON has a proud record of encouraging its members to commit to education and development. This is particularly important for those who work with employers that do not value their development.
Conference therefore calls upon the Service Group Executive to:
1) engage with Health Education England and the devolved executive powers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with the aim that the development of Bands 1-4 workers is prioritised and every NHS employer and contractor implements a structured development programme for all support staff that is over and above annual appraisals and training;
2) issue specific negotiating guidance to support branches raising the issue with employers;
3) approach UNISON Learning and Organising Services and the National SOG Committees and seek to develop a shared work programme aimed at promoting development opportunities for low paid NHS workers.