Author: admin

I attended a second tripartite meeting earlier this week and it was shambolic the worst meeting I have ever attended. I had invited the UNISON Harrow branch secretary to attend the meeting as he would be picking up any issues raised in this consultation when staff transfer to Harrow. I had been given no indication that there was an objection until at the eleventh hour I received an email from HR stating the Harrow Branch Secretary would not be allowed in to the meeting. I accompanied the Harrow Branch Secretary upstairs to the meeting where we were informed that he would not be allowed in. He then sought a meeting with senior managers from Harrow Councils this took 35 minutes of our 60 minute meeting.

I then had to escort him off the premises. I went into the meeting and registered my dismay at how he and UNISON has been treated. I went on to explain that I had previous experience of attending TUPE discussions when non council employees were being TUPED into the council (four years ago staff working for Connexions and Prospects were TUPED back into Barnet Council). I handled the TUPE discussions (with agreement from HR) even though they had previous belonged to Enfield UNISON branch.

After explaining this point (I had included this in my email reply to the ban) I asked that common sense apply and Harrow be allowed to attend future meetings , this was refused.

Staff Personal Information:

At this meeting I was informed that no personal information had been shared with Harrow Council including details about job role etc. I registered my dissatisfaction that with less than 5 weeks to transfer this information has not been shared with staff.

I asked for a delay to the transfer, this was rejected and I said I would be consulting my members on this matter.

Update on the Ban

I have been informed that the Harrow Branch Secretary will be allowed to attend but only as an Observer. I have written to say this is unacceptable and that he must be allowed to contribute to the discussions taking place.

……as Barnet Council staff are constantly reminded ..“Think Customer…The Customer is always right”

In which case we are currently awaiting an announcement that the One Barnet Commissioning Council is to be abandoned and normal service resume………

Last night the Customers of Brunswick Ward delivered a massive swing away from the policies of One Barnet Commissioning Council.

See results here

1. Andreas Ioannidis (Lab) 1,769

2. Shaheen Mahmood (Cons) 1,598

3. Yahaya Kiingi (LibDem) 97

This massive swing follows on from previous electoral swings from Customers in East Finchley By Election and across the whole of the borough with the GLA results.

We work in a political environment and at times the landscape can change radically which is another reason why One Barnet works against Local democracy. By that I mean that in 2014 (which is in 668 days. 19 hours….43 minutes…0 seconds!) another political party may win the election on a Manifesto opposing One Barnet yet find themselves locked in 10 year contract which the electorate had rejected.

As our members know UNISON recently tried to engage with senior officers of the Council about the One Barnet Commissioning programme. This offer was rejected, twice now.

UNISON has now begun a series of briefings for councillors.

• Scrutiny Committee briefing on Thursday 7 June, 7 pm Hendon Town Hall
• All 63 Councillors 14 June , 7 pm Hendon Town Hall

More to follow

UNISON has now begun a series of briefings for members.

Two briefings next week on Thursday 7 June between 12 – 2

UNISON has now begun a series of briefings for residents.

Wednesday 6 June Greek Cypriot Centre, 7 pm

 Background

Barnet Alliance for Public Services delivered over 10,000 leaflets to residents over the last two weeks. As more and more residents find out about the scope and scale of One Barnet they are volunteering to help.

Next Key Date: Keep Barnet Public Conference Saturday 7 July 12 noon at the Greek Cypriot Centre

 

Grahame Park (GP) – Update

To help eradicate rumours, Management has confirmed that Grahame Park site has not been sold and that to date there has been no agreement on an alternative site.

The Tower Block Building, top floor has been made vacant and the room will be changed into classrooms for use in the next academic year.

At this point no more teams will be moved out of GP site and there will be continued provision at GP for the next academic year.

Job Evaluation (JE) – Update

Management has confirmed that job evaluation is currently on hold until all areas have completed the restructuring process.  It is anticipated that JE will be rolled out in the next academic year.

Business Support Review

HR and UNISON will be running a joint administration review on the current business administration services and support for curriculum areas offered at all campuses.

This will provide staff with the opportunity to inform management of what works well and what changes need to be implemented to improve services to both staff and students.  This review will provide invaluable information to management which will be helpful prior to them issuing a new Business Support restructure proposal in the autumn term.

HR and UNISON will be arranging meetings with Head of Curriculum and Services, focus groups and an email box for staff to have the opportunity to put forward their views of how current services are being delivered, identify what is required at operational level to support academic staff, help improve quality and the learner experience.  UNISON urges all members to participate in this review through any of the above modes of communication to provide suggestions of improving the business support services.

To view full report back from UNISON rep Christalla Tsattala  click here

UNISON Office

Building 4

1pm

Lobby Hendon town Hall NW4 4BG

Full Council Meeting

Dexter briefing to UNISON members

Oak NLBP Building 4

N11 1NP

12pm – 1pm

Dexter briefing to residents

Greek Cypriot Centre

7pm