Agenda item 2: Context - Public Sector Future Workforce Forum – Ways of working roles/behaviours

1. This paper outlines areas of discussion for the Public Sector Future Workforce Forum (PSFWF) to consider when defining the roles and behaviours of members. At its first meeting on the 11 November the PSFWF agreed its terms of reference. Whilst these set out the working arrangements for the PSFWF (governance, values, membership, etc.) it is worth members exploring how the Forum will operate at a practical level.

2. The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 places Social Partnership on a statutory footing but its value extends beyond compliance. This approach is rooted in trust, respect, joint ownership of problems, and fair work. For the PSFWF, it offers an opportunity to develop a more informed and consistent approach by moving beyond organisational silos to improve the quality of dialogue between social partners, strengthen relationships and reduce duplication of effort, to foster a joint sense of ownership of the forum’s work.

3. Evidence from a Welsh Government 2023 review into Social Partnership within Welsh Government Review of social partnerships within the Welsh Government highlighted several features which underpin successful working:

• A clear, mutually understood purpose
• Early, continuous, meaningful engagement
• Commitment to collaboration, underpinned by respect, trust, participation and mutual gains
• Shared understanding of how decisions and information are cascaded
• Clear mechanisms to monitor progress and review success

4. The review stressed the value of working in a collaborative way anchored in strong, trusted relationships where difficult discussions and policy decisions could be made in an environment of mutual respect and co-operation.

5. Whilst the context outlined above provides a useful framework for understanding the PSFWF, the following principles are designed to support members in discussing the types of roles and behaviours that would be expected at the forum as well as its subgroups. To focus thinking, a series of suggested discussion points are also provided.

Early, inclusive engagement

Partners should be involved at the earliest meaningful point, particularly when issues cut across organisational/sectoral boundaries.

Transparency and openness

Sharing information, assumptions and risks openly helps create an environment of trust and informed debate.

Respecting social partners’ roles

Each social partner—government, employers, trade unions brings legitimate perspectives. The PSFWF should recognise these differences while working towards shared aims.

Shared problem‑solving

The PSFWF should prioritise collective exploration of options and constructive challenge.

Commitment to Fair Work

Decisions should support fair work outcomes across the public service workforce.

6. The following areas are intended to guide discussions on how the PSFWF can operate to develop a deeper level of engagement and a consistent approach to its work:

• What does social partnership mean for the PSFWF in practice?
• What practical steps will embed social partnership behaviours?
• What behaviours should be agreed for meetings?
  • How to offer constructive challenge
  • Being open to sharing early ideas or issues (e.g. resource constraints)
  • Having expectations for information sharing and engagement
  • How consensus will be sought or disagreements managed
• Is there any support members would find helpful to perform their roles effectively?