by John Gallacher Regional Officer

A major report was launched at the Scottish Partnership Conference on 25 October following a detailed review over the summer on Partnership working in NHS Scotland.

Three key Scottish bodies have been created and UNISON has a significant role in each: Scottish Partnership Forum - a tripartite body comprising, the Health Department, NHS Scotland, trade unions and professional organisations.

This will advance the strategic agenda in NHS Scotland, and be a key sounding board for policy formulation and priority setting by the Minister and Department.

Aileen Stewart (NSS), Eddie Egan (Lothian) and I will sit on this. UNISON has the secretaryship. Scottish Workforce and Governance Committee (SWAG) -oversee staff governance standard (which has legislative force in NHS Scotland); ensure exemplary employment practice; workforce planning and development.

Mandy Robertson (Argyll & Clyde), Mick McGahey (Lothian), Lil Macer (Lanarkshire) and I will sit on this. Again UNISON will hold the secretary position. Scottish Terms & Conditions (STAC) will deal with local agreements and key negotiations in Agenda For Change on a Scottish basis.

Tom Waterson (Chair, Health Committee), Lil Macer (Lanarkshire, and member of the NHS UK Staff Council); Catherine Mackay(Highland); and Glyn Hawker (Head of Health) will be on this. Glyn Hawker said: "These new structures will enable UNISON to represent the best interests of all UNISON members throughout NHS Scotland. We have a key voice in all matters affecting NHS services and our members jobs. The NHS is a highly successful organisation. Working in partnership we will make things even better for our members and patients".

"A key early issue will be discussing the Executive's 10 year plan for NHS Scotland "Delivering For Health". Having submitted a comprehensive response to the original Professor David Kerr report, UNISON is well placed to take forward this agenda."

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