Who do people see when they think of NHS staff?
Probably doctors, nurses and paramedics. But there are hundreds of thousands of people working in non-clinical support roles as part of one NHS team to deliver excellent patient care, both directly and indirectly.
After all, where would our NHS be without the porters who move patients, cleaners who keep wards safe, catering staff who offer nutritious meals, laundry staff who keep infection at bay, security staff who make everyone safe, maintenance staff who make sure essential equipment works, and admin staff who keep the whole show on the road?
Nominate a colleague for a One Team Award
We’re thrilled to be running our One Team Awards for a second year – so here’s your chance to nominate a colleague who deserves recognition for their contribution to the NHS team and put them in the running to win one of three £500 prize vouchers.
These awards are to recognise UNISON members working in non-clinical support and operational services roles, up to and including band 5. Anyone can nominate someone who meets this criteria.
The panel deciding the three winners will be made up of elected members working in similar roles from UNISON’s operational services committee. They’ll be judging entries based on the following criteria:
- Dedication to delivering and improving patient care, whether directly or indirectly
- Working effectively as part of one NHS team and being supportive towards colleagues;
- Being a role model for the job they do – for example, offering guidance to new starters or demonstrating ideal standards of work;
- Evidence of supporting equality, diversity and inclusivity.
This is your chance to make the best possible case for your nominee, so please use the criteria above and aim to write at least 150 words, giving real-life examples and as much evidence as you can.
Nominations close on 15 January 2025. UNISON will be in contact with you by the end of February if your nominee is shortlisted, using the contact details you provide.
One Team Day
So please join us as we highlight and recognise the vital role played by the whole healthcare team on One Team Day on 13 November 2024.
UNISON organises One Team Day each year as part of our One Team campaign to recognise the porters, cleaners, admin and clerical staff, catering staff and all support workers who work tirelessly in the NHS, often without the recognition they deserve.
We want to make sure that every role is recognised for its vital contribution to patient care and that our amazing NHS support staff are celebrated across the health service.
Branches can download social media graphics and a guide to celebrating the day, as well as order leaflets, posters, postcards, badges, stickers, T-shirts, chocolates, pens and more.
How does UNISON campaign for NHS support staff?
As the main union for support staff across the NHS, UNISON believes it is time that members of the public and politicians understand the role they play in delivering quality patient care. We think it’s unfair that they don’t get the recognition they so clearly deserve.
- We promote the message that all staff, no matter what they do, play an important part in caring for patients.
- We campaign to ensure that the NHS and its staff remain in the public sector.
- We campaign to remove the false divide when politicians talk about ‘frontline’ and ‘back office’ NHS staff.
- We promote the value of our support staff by campaigning against any attacks which attempt to devalue the work they do and underplay the role they play in patient care.
