Information for newly appointed chief people officers, Midlands HRD Network

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to the region and to our Midlands HRD network. 

Our regional network is an established and well-respected peer-led forum that provides access to learning and sharing of good practice, peer networking, collaborating and creating opportunities to influence national policy and thinking. We hope that you will become an active member in our network.

We hope that you will find the information on this web page useful in helping to familiarise yourself with the support that NHS Employers alongside your regional network can give you. We have included information about the co-chairs of the network, the key priorities that the Midlands HRD network are currently focussing on, as well as other useful links and contacts. 

If you have any outstanding questions, please contact us.

NHS Employers

NHS Employers is the employers' organisation for the NHS in England. We aim to support workforce leaders and represent employers and systems to develop a sustainable workforce and be the best employers can be. We listen to ensure that your voice is represented in health policy and practice and generate opportunities to network and share knowledge and best practice, through practical tools, resources and expert advice and guidance. 

You can find all our latest work including resources, events, case studies and podcasts on the our website. 

National Engagement Service 

The NHS Employers’ National Engagement Service comprises four regional teams: London, Midlands and East, North and South.  

We work alongside employers, supporting them to develop a sustainable workforce, improve staff experience and be the best employer they can be. We know that this is the key ingredient to providing excellent high-quality care.  

Our operating model continues to be refined to take account of the changing health and care system landscape and the needs of our key stakeholders. Currently each geographical region across the country (North, Midlands and East, London and South) has its own assistant director of engagement who is supported by a small team to deliver engagement and communications activities.  

We work closely with the co-chairs of our network, to support the planning, design and delivery of the Midlands HRD network sessions. 

Midlands HRD network  

The network currently meets monthly on a virtual basis. It is one of key forums to connect with HRD colleagues. It is an established and well-respected lobbying group and provides access to learning and sharing of good practice and creates opportunities to influence national policy and thinking.

In the meantime, we have pulled together a small welcome pack, developed for newly appointed directors including information you might find useful in your first few months. We have included information about the trusts in Midlands HRD community, summary explanations of how the NHS works and other useful links. 

The Midlands HRD network chairs

• Amanda Rawlings, executive chief people officer, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
• Alan Duffell, CPO at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Group CPO at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Group CPO at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
• Darren Tidmarsh, director of people services and OD/deputy chief executive, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.

Network priorities

Looking after our people

• Staff financial wellbeing
• Staff health and wellbeing

Belonging in the NHS

• Just and learning culture
• Creating a culture of diversity and inclusion for staff

Growing for the future

• Workforce supply.
• Staff reward and recognition.
• Staff retention.
• Flexible working.

Region specific information

Organisations in the Midlands

Regional Social Partnership Forums (SPFs)  

Through the regional SPFs, partners recognise respective roles and responsibilities, establish shared values and common purpose, and set key principles for effective joint working. This provides important benefits including ensuring high standards of employment practice in the NHS and improved services for patients and service users. 

NHS Employers' National Engagement Service (NES) supports and facilitates the regional HRD networks and social partnership forums (SPFs) across the country. 

The Midlands partnership is divided into two, the West Midlands SPF and the East Midlands SPF.

West Midlands Partnership

The West Midlands Partnership was set up by employers and trade unions in the West Midland region of the Midlands, and NHS Employers’ Midlands and East engagement team.

The network meets bi-monthly

• Trade union co-chair – Mel Sutton, British Medical Association.
• Trade union co-chair – Nina Rogerson, Royal College of Nursing.
• Management co-chair – Adam Race, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust / Dudley Integrated Health, and Care NHS Trust.
• Management co-chair – Donna Griffiths, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire.

East Midlands Partnership

The East Midlands Partnership was set up by employers and trade unions in the East Midlands, and NHS Employers’ Midlands and East engagement team

The network meets bi-monthly 

• Trade union co-chair – David Limer, UNISON.
• Trade union co-chair - David Kirwan, RCN.
• Management co-chair - Robert Simcox, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust.

Regional SPF priorities for 2022/2023  

• Just and learning culture.
• Collaborative working as a region.
• Sharing best practice.