Union Mail – March 2014: Branch Network National EIC, ‘Early Conciliation Service’

Branch Network National EIC

NGSU Reps from across the Branch Network attended a National Employee Involvement Committee meeting in Birmingham on 4th March. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the event alongside Larry Banda and Greg Heaton, Divisional Directors (Branch Network) and other guest speakers.

The agenda for the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including an update on business performance and the people strategy for the branch network; an overview of this year’s performance review process; and the latest process changes being implemented by the Process Improvement Office.

The Union presented feedback from our branch regional councils about how the branch working arrangements, introduced last year, are bedding in – identifying what is working well and where issues and concerns still exist. The need to improve the functionality of the service planner to more accurately reflect branch activity was highlighted along with the need to issue a reminder of key policy points and best practice around use of TOIL and eligibility for overtime payments.

The issue of creating a culture where employees feel it is ‘safe to speak’ was a theme that ran throughout the day. This included a session where delegates identified ways to help support local communication between Area Leadership Teams and NGSU Reps as part of the consultation process on business initiatives and early resolution of local issues.

During a Q&A session, Reps asked questions about the impact of Customer Service Tracker on quarterly bonus payments and the approach to the assessment Norms and Referrals in the performance review process.

This was an important event in helping to further establish the role of NGSU Reps in the consultation process between the Union and Nationwide in the Branch Network.

We now have an effective consultation chain that enables a dialogue to take place locally in each Area – at a Regional level (North and South) and nationally with the Divisional Directors. I believe that this is an important initiative and that it is crucial that our Reps play an active role in shaping the working environment in the Network – to everyone’s benefit.

I would encourage members in the Branch Network to talk to their local Rep to find out more about the National EIC and to establish an on-going dialogue about the issues impacting on them locally. This will help us continue to build a ‘safe to speak’ culture and take forward issues to improve the working environment for everyone. We still have a few Rep vacancies in some Areas – so please contact us if you’d like to be involved.

I’d like to thank the Divisional and Performance Directors for their support of the EIC structure in the Branch Network.

I can also report that we are developing similar consultation processes with other Divisions across the Society through the joint network of ‘Business Committees’. These are part of the Employee Involvement structure and bring together Divisional Managers, NGSU Reps and Officials and HR Business Partners to discuss business initiatives and issues raised by Union members. All of the committees have started to become established, notably the Customer Service and Operations Committee, which has quickly developed a constructive dialogue. We also have a number of Department Reps vacancies – so please contact us if you’d like represent the members in your Area.

We aim to report on the work of the Branch EICs and Business Committees more regularly but please seek out your local Rep and ask for regular updates.
Tim Poil
General Secretary

‘Early Conciliation Service’ will launch on 6 May 2014

From 6 May 2014, anyone thinking about making an employment tribunal claim will need to contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) first. Acas will then offer early conciliation to try and resolve the dispute between the employee and their employer. The conciliation process will run for one month but can be extended by up to 14 days if the conciliation officer considers that there is a reasonable chance of settling the matter within that time period.

If the dispute can’t be resolved the prospective claimant will be issued with a conciliation certificate that will enable them to submit a tribunal claim. The requirement to use the early conciliation process can be waived in some situations, including where Acas has already been contacted in relation to the dispute.

The requirement has been introduced as part of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to try to resolve disputes at work in a quick and cost effective way that removes the stress and anxiety of attending a tribunal.

NGSU will work with members to resolve issues at Nationwide. Wherever possible we will help members find ways to reach an informal solution but if necessary we will help members raise a formal grievance, including representation at a grievance meeting. Legal support may be available to members who wish to make a claim at a tribunal – this will be dependent on an assessment of the case by our solicitors.

Benefits Update

25% off Wychwood Festival tickets

NGSU members can get 25% off tickets to this year’s Wychwood Festival. Early artist confirmations include The Boomtown Rats, The Stranglers, Newton Faulkner, Gentleman’s Dub Club, The Real Thing, Craig Charles, 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, Bad Manners, Bipolar Sunshine, Wolf Alice, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Merry Hell, La Chiva Gantiva and many more.

To get your tickets head to www.wychwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets. To receive the discount you must enter the discount code which can be found in the News section of the NGSU website. Hurry – you must book before 10th March to get the discount. Find out more at www.wychwoodfestival.com

Affinity Car Leasing

The 1st March sees the launch of the new 14 registration plates on brand new cars and vans. Affinity Leasing can supply NGSU members (plus friends and family) with any make, any model, and some vehicles are available with discounts of 40% or more when taken on finance. Details of some of the current offers can be found in the News section of our website or contact Affinity direct on 01299 266610 or visit www.affinityvehicleleasing.com

NGSU TravelClub Website – share in £1,000 holiday voucher give away

The Travel Club has launched a new website and is offering NGSU members the chance to share £1,000 of holiday vouchers. Visit the website or check out the Spring edition of Rapport magazine issued this month to find out how to take part. Find out more at www.ngsutravelclub.co.uk

March Draw Winners

First Prize : £11,408

087847 : Hazel Birch of Distribution Change (Swindon)

Second Prize : £5,000

075453 : Charles Gambrill of Pension Fund Members

Third Prize : £2,000

117314 : Russell Arkley of Service Introduction

Fourth Prizes : £500

075577 : Michael Gornall of Pension Fund Members

096925 : Robert Hoole of Area – South Wales & Avon

118928 : Leanne Howlett of Kings Lynn