Finalist
Making the UK Fit For Work
Summary of work
To the frustration of the Fit for Work UK Coalition, government departments appeared content to allow opportunities to improve UK health and work outcomes slip by. This was despite millions of people living with musculoskeletal and other long-term conditions, and billions of pounds being lost to the public purse every year through sickness absence and worklessness.
After seven years of collaboration, Coalition members had a choice: step back or step up. They chose the latter. With a fresh strategy, clear calls for action and a carefully crafted tactical plan, members flexed their collective campaigning muscle. The Coalition increased its membership and expanded its networks of advocates. It created platforms to share and showcase individual members’ activities, as well as co-creating innovative projects to fill the gaps between them. Collective campaigning persuaded the Government that it could no longer afford to be idle, leading to policy wins including the funding and establishment of the Joint Health and Work Unit.
Collaborations should be judged not only on their early successes but also on their ability to maintain long-term momentum when things get harder. Fit for Work UK Coalition members have renewed vigour - and people with musculoskeletal conditions will feel the benefit.
Judges’ comments
This entry was well written, clear and had a solid strategy with a good contact programme. It delivered against its objectives and its long-term outlook evidenced a belief in the project.
