Background
Fundamental changes in the way gtd healthcare is governed launched at the end of November 2020.
Following two years of planning, work with our legal teams and many discussions at gtd healthcare's Board, the organisation is now in a position to drive forward significant changes, which will have a profound effect on your status as employees, and the relationship you will have with the organisation.
Employee owned organisation
A commitment has been made to transform gtd healthcare into an employee owned organisation, similar to the likes of the John Lewis Partnership.
We have always prided ourselves on being an organisation that aims to create social benefit in all that we do and this is reflected in our explicit values that underpin our business.
Delivering the best care possible for our patients, promoting the well-being of our communities, supporting our people and the use of public monies as effectively and efficiently as possible is our top priority. Our continued not-for profit status enables a reinvestment of resources into realising these values. For some time it has felt that a natural next step would be to build an even stronger relationship with our greatest asset, you our workforce, in order to harness your passion, enthusiasm and commitment to patient care. We want to create a corporate structure that has employees at the heart of our business, as co-owners.
So, Our People's Trust has been formed, which is the single shareholder of gtd healthcare Ltd, and which all employed staff are a stakeholder in. There is a Our People's Trust Board, which has a voice on the gtd healthcare Board, and includes members of staff. The aim of the Our People's Trust is to ensure you are fully engaged in decision making associated with the organisation’s business, leading to a greater voice, participation and personal investment.
This is a hugely exciting development and will put us at the forefront of employee participation across the geographical footprint in which we operate. Our People's Trust was formally registered and ratified at gtd healthcare’s annual general meeting on Thursday, 26 November, 2020.
Culture change
Our People's Trust will bring a significant culture change to the organisation through greater involvement, empowerment and listening to our people’s voices about all aspects of the business.
We want you to feel that you are part of your own organisation, to further enhance your enjoyment of work, satisfaction and motivation so that our patients, and each other, are looked after in the best way possible. Strengthening your connection with, and emotional investment in, the organisation through elevating your status to a co-owner will enhance compassionate patient care and innovation. There is no financial cost or regular financial gain for staff in being a co-owner of gtd healthcare. However the stakeholder structure will allow Our People's Trust to potentially distribute any surpluses available to it across the workforce at any point in the future.
Message from David Beckett, chief executive
"As we continue to work through the Covid pandemic, the past year has been incredibly difficult for many of us, however, one thing it has demonstrated to me is the dedication, commitment and talent of our people. This has only hardened my belief that moving to an employee owned organisation that puts our staff at the centre of the business is the right thing to do.
"I whole-heartedly believe it will put us in the best place possible to face the challenges and pressures ahead, and that this is a hugely exciting opportunity for each and every one of us to have a vested interest in the organisation and how it is run.
"I’m really excited about being able to launch Our People's Trust – I sincerely hope that everyone will contribute in different ways because its success relies on your investment, engagement and passion to have your voice heard and make gtd healthcare the best it possibly can.
"In the meantime, if you have any questions, reactions or thoughts you can email communications.gtd@nhs.net and we’ll endeavour to answer all queries and provide further information."
