Croydon, May 2026 — Croydon Health Services NHS Trust has unveiled plans for a new “Management Passport” development programme, aimed at strengthening the skills, confidence and professional recognition of operational and administrative managers. While the initiative has been broadly welcomed by UNISON as a positive investment in staff development, the union has also outlined a series of concerns and safeguards it says are essential to ensure the programme succeeds without unintended consequences.
Today we have sent the following letter to Matthew Kershaw, our CEO to ask him to ensure Croydon Health Services NHS trust to ask for his help to fulfil the promise of flexible working for everyone.
One of the most common questions members ask is whether they must tell their manager the reason they are off sick. The short answer is:
No — employees are not legally required to disclose their specific medical condition to their employer.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (CHS) has introduced a new Sickness and Attendance Management Policy (Version 3, December 2025) following a short consultation with trade unions. While UNISON provided detailed feedback and highlighted significant concerns, the Trust made only minor amendments before publishing the policy.
Croydon University Hospital UNISON Branch has secured a major win for Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) through a new agreement with Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. Following months of negotiation, qualifying HCSWs will be regraded to Band 3 and receive backpay from 1st August 2021. Payments are expected in October or November. The agreement recognises the increased complexity of HCSW roles and ensures fair pay for their contributions. Staff can opt to remain in Band 2 without losing backpay eligibility. UNISON played a key role in achieving this outcome, demonstrating the power of collective action and partnership working.
UNISON Croydon University Hospital Branch has published a new guide to help members understand their rights and how to make a flexible working request. This follows major changes introduced by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, which are now reflected in NHS policy and the Trust’s interim guidance.
Thanks to direct intervention by the Croydon University Hospital UNISON branch, the Trust has published Interim Management Guidance on Flexible Working Requests to ensure managers comply with the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 and NHS best practice. This guidance will remain in place while the Trust’s Work Life Balance Policy is being rewritten.