Partnership
This section gives information on the Partnership agreement which exists between HBOS, Accord and Unite.
Recent research suggests that Partnership is not understood by Accord members. They do like unions and employers working together for positive outcomes but there was no connection with the term ‘Partnership’.
The groundbreaking Partnership agreement was signed in late 2007. It’s a unique framework for the company and unions to take part in joint planning and decision processes. The three parties (HBOS, Accord and Unite) work together to promote a positive and effective relationship.
The success of Partnership is dependent on senior business leaders, senior union leaders, HR business partners, managers and reps. Reps have an invaluable role to play in building up relationships with managers in their area.
The principles on which the agreement is built are:
- The long term success of the company
- Working to a joint strategic operational and task-related framework
- Working together openly, honestly, with integrity and respect
- Recognising each others’ interests and rights
- Diversity and dignity at work.
In the agreement, Partnership is defined as ‘working together to achieve shared aims, objectives and outcomes on matters of dignity, welfare, terms and conditions, employment security and working practices for all UK-based colleagues’.
The agreement says that all colleagues should:
- Have satisfactory jobs that are managed in a way that balances the needs of the business with the needs of the individual
- Receive support in their work, through management, training and development
- Have confidence that the process of progression within the company is based on staff members’ ability and values
- Always have their dignity respected and be assured that the mechanisms are in place to resolve any incidents quickly and fairly without victimisation
- Work in a safe environment.
A copy of the IPA’s study into the Partnership Agreement can be downloaded here.
