Governance Arrangements
In an integrated system the arrangements for steering and monitoring the performance of the workforce planning project need to be clearly defined. Mechanisms for agreeing and setting clear objectives, lines of reporting, resource accountability, ethics, legal responsibilities are key. These need to be understood and communicated.
The governance of partnerships is especially complicated as such arrangements can involve a wide range of partner organisations and take a number of different legal forms. The role of boards is explored in 'Integrated Working and Governance: A discussion Paper' produced by the Integrated Care Network. Several views on the role of boards are outlined in the paper including the prescriptive guidance perspective that is to make decisions, engage in deliberation and conciliate in conflicts. However, other views include the unspoken role of boards in sustaining culture, organising shared emotions and sustaining loyalty. An alternative view is that the work of boards is essentially social and symbolic and is above all to sustain organisational cohesion.
In health and social care it is recognised good practice to involve users and carers in decisions about services. Advantages include challenging the dominant perspective, uncovering areas of poor practice, a more holistic understanding of needs and how they are affected by decisions. Creating client/patient centred services includes gaining their input into setting the strategic direction of organisations; consulting on planning services and the development of proposals for change and carrying out training and research.
It is recommended to use existing governance framework where they are in place. Where differing governance arrangements exist for different organisations, an overarching governance framework is necessary to deal with conflict resolution, potential redeployment of services and people, etc.
Need for a specific workforce planning group
It is recommended to set up a specific workforce planning group, which will have representation from key stakeholders across the economy. This group will have the main responsibility for making sure that the workforce planning process is implemented. As with any group it is essential to agree a remit and terms of reference. See the Sandwell case study for its Terms of Reference and workforce planning group representatives and main responsibilities.