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August 26, 2008
HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT BRANCH MEETING MINUTES, FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2008
BRANCH MEETING MINUTES, Town Quay, Friday 22nd August 2008
• Present & Apologies – In book
• Matters of accuracy – Noted that AGM minutes provided when should be Minutes of last Branch Meeting. These to be provided at next meeting and AGM Minutes agreed.
• Matters arising/Chair’s Report
Napo Recruitment/Activities discussed. AM fed back on national working party and recruitment drive to be held w/c 04/09/08. Draft leaflet available for Members to peruse and feedback requested. Any recruitment ideas to be forwarded to AM.
AM advised that changes to subscription rates being considered; to increase bandings so higher earners make increased contributions. Concerns raised that this may dissuade higher earners from joining Napo. Discussion followed.
Social event discussed and agreed that an annual social event be organized for Napo Hampshire Branch Members. TW to bring ideas and costings to next Branch Meeting.
AGM issues discussed. Confirmed that travel to Lladudno AGM this year to be by minibus due to cost constraints of alternative travel options. Minibus to be provided for AGM delegates. Alternative travel options will not be funded by Branch. TW to forward minibus travel arrangements to delegates.
Discussion regarding AGM attendance. Motion put to Branch:
THIS BRANCH AGREES THAT ANY MEMBER WISHING TO BE FUNDED TO ATTEND NAPO AGM SHOULD HAVE ATTENDED 50% OF BRANCH MEETINGS IN PRECEEDING YEAR. REASONABLE CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO SICK LEAVE, MATERNITY LEAVE AND TO NEW EMPLOYEES.
Motion carried unanimously.
Members agreed that this will be implemented as of 2008/09 year after Llandudno AGM. Agreed that any Member who does not meet the criteria and wishes to attend AGM may fund their own costs.
Integration of unpaid work into offender management discussed. TE raised concerns regarding this process and lack of training. Discussion regarding the extent of the problem – South West problem only? Similar issues in other areas of Hampshire noted. Noted that full integration to have taken place by 01/10/2008. Member has received letter with new job description outlining new role. Does not wish to sign agreement. Members feel unprepared for this role due to lack of training. Outline of historical rationale for integration discussed. Outline of recent grievance and general feelings of UPW and PSO staff discussed. Noted that some staff members have left the Service and that many UPW staff unhappy about integration of roles. Agreed that the primary issue is about staff having the necessary skills to do the work required. Noted that feedback regarding concerns to Napo Hampshire has previously been requested but none received. Noted that whole issue has been incompetently managed. Agreed that Members should be advised to continue submitting Hazard Reports where required. RM/GC/TW to put out note to Members to request feedback. If enough concern then issue will be formally taken up. Also to advise Members to complete Hazard Reports. Furthermore, Members to be reminded that unless they formally oppose new arrangements and job description, merely not signing agreement will not be sufficient.
HPA Recruitment practices discussed. Concerns regarding ‘Expression of Interest’ scheme. Vague process with no agreed procedure. No facility for monitoring or collecting data regarding DDA etc. Anecdotal evidence that sickness records have been taken into account when making appointments. Noted that new Internal Application Form being adopted – this an improvement. However, noted that Codes of Employment Procedure should be followed. Job offers should be made on best matching of competencies and duties. Sickness Management Policy must not be used in a prejudicial way.
Planned Transfer Policy discussed. RM/TW fed back on new Policy being discussed. Concerns noted regarding potential barriers to applications including vacancies arising outside of any 6 month period. Members agreed that preference should be given to following current Employment Procedure. RM/TW to bring proposals to next meeting.
Noted that HPA advertising posts with bottom of bandings detailed rather than banding ranges. Noted that this restrictive and misleading.
Job Evaluation concerns discussed. Outline of recent JE Panel (16/07/2008) concerns discussed. Concerns as previously noted in Paper published on Branch website. Concerns noted regarding management monopolizing JE Panel and attempting to pre-determine outcomes. Noted that union reps refused their travel expenses for JE Panel on 16/07/2008 due to their refusal to remain at a meeting where serious concerns regarding potential corruption of process.
Members discussed passing a Motion of No Confidence in HR dept. GC/RM felt this inappropriate at this time as HR/BC have agreed to meet in September to discuss concerns.
Members discussed Motion regarding concerns about the JE Panel agreement on 16/07/2008. Motion put to Branch:
THIS BRANCH EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT FOR ITS REPRESENTATIVE WHO FELT, QUITE PROPERLY, UNABLE TO SIT ON THE JOB EVALUATION REVIEW PANEL ON THE 16TH JULY 2008. THE BRANCH RE-ASSERTS THE COLLABORATIVE PRINCIPLES OF JOB EVALUATION AND BELIEVES THAT THE RESULT OF THE PANEL ON THE 16TH JULY 2008 ARE INVALID. THE BRANCH CALLS FOR THESE POSTS TO BE REVIEWED AGAIN AT A PROPERLY CONVENED PANEL WITH BOTH MANAGEMENT AND UNION REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT.
Motion carried unanimously.
Noted that at JE Reviews bandings can be lowered as well as raised.
Workloads discussed. Feedback on Staff Care Agreement and new WMT given. Noted that unions and management moving closer to agreement. Next meeting mid-September.
Member raised concerns regarding TQ DRR workload. Noted that an Audit undertaken by Corporate Development and Support Manager (LO). However concerns that she is not PO qualified and thus, some lack of understanding regarding field practice. Therefore, concerns noted regarding Audit findings. DRR team members have requested copy of Audit and advised that findings will first be discussed between LO, Area and Team Managers before field staff can have access. Member has seen Report and noted that Audit findings do not seem to relate to TQ staff. Noted that Audit also of Portsmouth DRR team.
Concerns noted regarding Offender Manager Operational Manager (OMOM) post. Post not advertised thus contravenes current Employment Procedure guidelines. Concerns regarding legality of this post due to no specification that professional qualification required by post holder. Concerns also raised regarding OMOM managerial position in Southampton Court Team, thus line managing qualified field staff. Noted that Area Manager has confirmed that field staff will not be line managed by OMOM but by other unit SPOs until permanent Court Team SPO appointed. However, concerns that non-qualified staff are being appointed to these posts. To be raised at next JNCC.
Pay/ECU/Car parking discussed. Pay negotiations as detailed in Napo Pay Bulletins. Some optimism although consideration being given to ballot in September for industrial action in October. Continuing issues regarding development points in particular. Noted that BC states the most recent pay deal no longer in force. Members noted that if this is the case then Annual Leave requirement should revert to previously agreed 36 day entitlement.
ECU/Car parking discussed. Members advised to not complete consultation questionnaire. However, if wish to do so then to do so anonymously and send copy to Napo Branch. Noted that management have stated they will meet with union reps in September with a view to taking proposals to the Board in October. Concerns regarding timetable – time for consultation with unions? Discussed potential proposals as inferred in consultation questionnaire. Discounted car parking scheme discussed, to be paid back to HR over the financial year. Noted that this would incur cost to staff as well as financial loss due to losing ECU.
Branch discussion regarding instigating a local dispute on this issue. Members views sought on local ballot for industrial action, ie; withdrawal of vehicles. Agreed that all Members need to be consulted on potential for action. Workplace meetings to be held to gain consensual views. Also national advice to be sought to clarify local ballot process. (RM/GC/TW/AM to action). Noted that fast response will be required once proposals received. Noted that industrial action would be considered disruptive when Board going for Trust status.
Discussion regarding ECU car parking schemes in other Areas. ECU Buy out schemes discussed. Noted that buy outs varied between £400 and £3000 in other Areas. However, noted that we must act in the interests of current and future staff who do not/would not have ECU.
Noted that Branch may incur costs if national industrial action takes place.
Treasurer’s Report. Apologies from Treasurer – unable to attend however Treasurer’s Report provided. Healthy balance. Conference and quarterly grant received. However, conference will incur significant costs.
Membership Report. TE reported 268 serving and retired Members. Noted that Branch Meeting was quorate. TE fedback letters of thanks from 2 retiring Members to Branch for support they have received and for work undertaken for Members.
NEC matters discussed. MD fedback on NEC meeting. Advised the focus was on the pay negotiations. Advised the Strategic Review on the NEC structure was put back for discussion to next NEC. MD to provide written Report to Branch. Next NEC Meeting 03/09/2008. SC to attend.
Staffing/Local issues discussed. Noted that a Member has had her travel expenses to an interview at Friary House refused. This contravenes Employment Procedure. Member advised to request again and note their right to claim expenses.
Health & Safety Report. Apologies from H&S Rep. Unable to attend Branch Meeting. Report provided. Ongoing issues include;
Fleas at London Road office – PW has held meeting with S Chambers to discuss and action has been taken.
Corrosive substances at London Road office – PW has been in touch with AMEY regarding their practices.
Incident Reports regarding both issues have been forwarded to Napo HQ.
AOB
GFTU courses available to Members. List of courses available to Members. Contact Branch for further details.
Vote for Amy. Any Member who has not yet voted for Amy Milford in National Vice Chair election please do so. Branch supports Amy Milford.
Date of next meeting – Friday 21st November 2008 at 2pm at Cromwell House, Winchester.
Minutes in Word doc
Posted by Hampshire at August 26, 2008 03:45 PM