Present:-
Councillors Greenslade (Chairman), Hannon, Hart, Leadbetter and Owen
Mr Franceschini, Mrs Andrews, Ms Flemington, Mr King and Ms Roberts
Mrs Barnes (Director of Personnel Performance) and Mr Andrews (UNISON Regional Organiser)
PP/59 Minutes
AGREED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2007 were signed as a correct record.
PP/60 Unitary Status
The Staff Side referred to the ongoing uncertainty affecting local government in Devon and requested they continue to be involved in any decisions which had implications for staff, following the announcement on 5 December 2007 by Government rejecting Exeter City Council s unitary proposal on the grounds of cost and that the narrow confines of Exeter s existing boundaries would struggle to achieve the necessary capacity to support the full range of public services currently provided by the County and City Councils. The terms of reference for the Boundary Committee, which had been requested to conduct a thorough review of local government arrangements throughout Devon and make recommendations to Ministers had not yet been finalised.
Both the Employers and Staff Sides would continue with strengthening two tier working in Devon and also recognised the importance of critical mass of the County Council in terms of providing strategic public services and in attracting and employing appropriate staff.
The Employers Side reiterated its commitment to continuing dialogue with staff on staffing issues via the usual channels and awaiting the terms of reference for the Boundary Committee.
PP/61 Job Evaluation
The Director of Personnel Performance reported that the collective agreement was holding firm and that measures had been taken to ensure the time off facility for union representatives for job evaluation purposes. The Staff Side requested the programme for the formal appeal panels to help with managing time off required.
A copy of the appeals statistics (as at 1 November 2007) reported to Corporate Management Board and the Policy Resources Overview/Scrutiny Committee were noted and would be updated for December.
There was however concern of both the Employers and Staff Sides that there may be risk of a small number of schools not abiding by the pay and grading scheme and that this could undermine the process. The Director of Personnel Performance reported on a job evaluation meeting being held on 14 December 2008 with secondary heads and early sight of the JE report to that meeting was encouraging.
AGREED that following the meeting on 14 December all schools would be reminded of the JE pay and grading scheme.
PP/62 Transfer of DCC Functions to Shaw Health Care Group
The Staff Side tabled a note following the consideration of this by the Executive on 27 November and referred to supportive documents UNISON would be referring to in advance of their official written response to the Authority. UNISON was concerned that Devon s above average rating nationally in these services did not reduce with the introduction of a new provider. UNISON had been supportive of the County Council in negotiations with staff to date, but were concerned to have just learned today that some 300 DCC employees would be under threat of redundancy in phase one. Staff Side were also concerned at possible new starters packs for employees from 1 April 2008 and what Shaw Health Care considered to be meaningful consultation.
The Director of Personnel Performance reported that the authority and UNISON were of one mind to ensure the best outcome for the authority and its staff. The first project meeting would be held on 9 January 2008 to include discussions on TUPE and union recognition arrangements. The Employers were resolved to continue the discussions required by the Executive. A letter regarding information received from Shaw Health Care on 6 December was to be sent to UNISON shortly, together with details of the model adopted in Hereford. The Authority wanted to utilise these project meetings to the best advantage. Some members reported on representations they had received and would be forwarding on including those from S Devon residential homes and were concerned at the effect the proposed transfer on some staff.
PP/63 County Hall Green Travel Arrangements
The Director of Personnel Performance reported on the current three month consultation period with county hall staff and that comments received would be given serious consideration and the Employers would continue discussions with Staff Side.
The Staff Side reported that they would be consulting their members.
PP/64 Adult and Community Services Modernisation
The Staff Side reported that following the consultation period staff had to apply for jobs whilst not knowing the full staffing structure. Staff did not believe they were being given a fair chance since Occupational Therapists working for Devon had to apply for their jobs whereas Occupational Therapists working for the Health Primary Care Trust were to be slotted in. Staff would also not know the outcome for five months due to decisions of the Health PCT.
The Employers Side referred to representations received from staff and that they would forward these to the Chairman of this Partnership. The Director of Adult Community Services would be reporting on issues in early January 2008.
PP/65 Dates of Future Meetings
Monday 28 April 2008 at 2.30pm (Management briefing at 2pm).
PP/66 Mrs Moira Andrews
This was Moira Andrews last meeting given that she would be standing down from Staff Side duties due to her promotion within the library service. Moira had facilitated a number of difficult decisions and had been a highly valued member of the Staff Side.
AGREED that the Personnel Partnership offer their sincere thanks to Mrs Moira Andrews for her valuable contribution over many years and wish her every success in the future.
The meeting started at 2.30pm and finished at 3.30pm.
The Minutes of this Committee are published on the County Council's Website at:-