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UNISON have a dedicated web site for members working for Private Contractors and another for members in the Community & Voluntary sector
(both open in new windows)

Adult & Community Services Modernization Restructure

Posted 11/4/2008

This is the biggest and most complex restructure Adult & Community Services has had so far. But unlike the Management re structure last year Voluntary Redundancies are not an option. Members affected should by now have received a letter notifying them of the ring fence they are included in, and the posts for which they are eligible. Staff are expected to go through a recruitment process, followed by a redeployment process if they do not secure a post in the new structure. 

Because of the reduction in Staff numbers, apart from Social Workers, there will be redundancies. The latest figure is 50 Full Time Equivalent Posts.

We have worked with the HR Team and been consulted with on the Principles Paper, ring fence arrangements and recruitment process.  Whilst we have been involved in the discussions around the final paper, we cannot agree to the document as there remain a number of issues around the inclusion of fixed term employees and the length of redeployment protection that at present we cannot agree.

UNISON is also seeking answers to the following questions

• What is  the actual make up of each CCT ?  People need this information before they state their preferences
• We want to see the evidence and data for the low staffing level of  OT's in the Clusters, which seems to mean on average one FTE or PT OT in each CCT. We believe this figure is dangerously low and will not meet client need.
• We have sought clarification from Mgt: selection process, what is it? If it’s not on competency what will they use to determine choice/ how will it be fair/transparent; consistent/equal etc

We fully acknowledge this is a complex and difficult process, we also accept that the final proposals are unlikely to be acceptable to all groups of staff affected. If you are in this position or have any concerns you should contact us as soon as possible.

Contact your workplace steward or call Pauline Roberts on 07816 1099.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Posted 10/4/2008

UNISON is repeating this short course for members in partnership with South West Pound Education

For Further Details Click Here

PROJECT STRATCOM – THE END……                                            

…OF THE BEGINNING

 Posted 29/2/08

Some of you will be aware of an amorphous beast called ‘The Entity’, the ‘child’ of Project Stratcom. This is/was a project set up ‘to see if there is a better way of securing the most vibrant, responsive and effective services to improve school improvement’.  (Management’s words, not ours).

It has been proposed that ‘The Entity’ (apparently another name could not be thought of) would take the form of one of four proposed business models to deliver certain services to schools.

It is not clear which business model would be used but what is clear is that there would be the scope for other parts of the CYPS directorate could be ‘bolted on’ in months/years to come. This fits with the government’s directive for local authorities to become commissioners rather than providers of services.

UNISON strongly opposes this, believing that public services should be maintained in the public sector and not be turned over to private companies for them to make a profit.

the proposals were not met with any great enthusiasm. Quite the reverse in fact.

These views have been communicated to Councilors, some of whom were shocked at the proposals on offer and who were keen to highlight the grave concerns expressed by staff over the moral and ethical points raised.

To that end, Stratcom is no more. However, it is not going to go away. The authority is regrouping and will be looking in the months to come at different ways of implementing changes to the way services are provided and the way we work.

UNISON has been involved throughout this initial process and will continue to take a stance of keeping public services public whilst protecting in full the terms and conditions of its members. Rest assured that as soon as we know something, we will let you know.

Joint Trades Union Response to the "consultation" in respect of Integrated Management (Dec 07)

Read the letter to Management

Regional Women's Conference - 29 Sep 07

A report back from our Women's Officer