CSP ‘privileged’ to take up opportunity to work on behalf of health trade unions

CSP employment relations and union services (ERUS) assistant director Elaine Sparkes was elected to the position of staff side secretary of the NHS Staff Council earlier this month, the first time the CSP has held this crucial role.

The secretary works alongside the chair - a role held by close union colleague, UNISON - to lead the joint union work on behalf of the more than one million NHS staff covered by Agenda for Change.

Ms Sparkes said: 'The CSP has always been passionate about working together with fellow health unions and I am privileged to have been elected to this role and to have the opportunity also to raise the CSP profile further.'

Strong voice

ERUS director Claire Sullivan said: ‘It is an honour for the CSP to take up this role on behalf of NHS staff at a time when they need a strong voice more than ever. But this is also a great personal testament to Elaine - and a recognition of all the experience, passion, skill, and commitment she will bring to this role.

‘As NHS staff face growing demand, steeply rising cost of living and staff shortages, against a background of many years of public sector pay restrictions, a strong and united union voice on their behalf is essential. We are delighted to play our part in this.’