LTB240/17 - Joint Statement between Royal Mail Letters and Network and the CWU on Driver Career Path Next Steps and Training Selection Principles (2017)

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LTB240/17 - Joint Statement between Royal Mail Letters and Network and the CWU on Driver Career Path Next Steps and Training Selection Principles (2017)

No. 240/2017

25th April 2017

For the Immediate Attention of All:

Postal Branches

Divisional Representatives

Parcelforce Regional Organisers

Area Distribution Representatives

Area Processing Representatives

Area Delivery Representatives

Parcelforce LD/Hub Representatives

Network LGV/RDC Representatives



For Onward Circulation to all Unit/Workplace Representatives

JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL LETTERS AND NETWORK AND THE CWU ON DRIVER CAREER PATH NEXT STEPS AND TRAINING SELECTION PRINCIPLES (2017)

Dear Colleagues

Branches will be aware that discussions with Royal Mail Logistics on the concept of a Driver Career Path were launched as part of the Agenda for Growth and Programme of Works process and that the department had previously concluded Joint Statements with the business in relation to progressing this initiative (LTB’s 561/14 and 355/15 refer).

The project aim was to ensure that the business had a supply of LGV Drivers to meet both existing vacancies and seasonal demand, via the utilisation of internal training programmes that would enable our members to progress to the Professional Driver Grades.

Further to previous activity, discussions have been taking place via the Joint Working Group (JWG) with the business in relation to Driver Career Path activity for 2017.

The department has continued to stress to the business the importance of maintaining the original premise of Career Path and ensuring that the purpose of training is not merely to fill vacancies but also to create a pool of trained licence holders, who are available to meet resourcing demands during peak period and thereby reduce the reliance on agency resources.

The department had however become aware that that the business were applying differing resourcing principles across the country. Career Path trainees were in some instances given automatic access to vacancies that arose ahead of applications from existing internal LGV licence holders. This approach was understandably considered unfair by members who had a licence and had in some instances been seeking an opportunity for some time and the department received a number of representations in this regard. As such this year’s discussions have sought to address the issue by providing clarity on the resourcing of LGV vacancies.

It has therefore been agreed that going forward Career Path will continue to provide successful applicants with the training to attain the vocational LGV C+E licence enabling them to apply for temporary/seasonal or long term LGV vacancies. However, all substantive vacancies that are identified will be filled on an open resourcing basis in line with the principles contained in the Professional Drivers Agreement (PDA).

Attached for the information of Branches is the Joint Statement that has been concluded in relation to the 2017 activity (Annex A).

We are pleased to inform Branches that Career Path funding has been secured for 100 training places as part of the Career Path initiative for 2017 and is based on fully funded training to licence for all candidates. Previous experience suggests however that not all candidates will require full funding, as the scheme is likely to attract a number of current licence holders who only require CPC or refresher training. It has been agreed that should this be the case in relation to this scheme that additional training places will be offered if the budget allows.

Picking up on other learning points from previous years it has been jointly recognised that there has been inconsistencies in the manner in which post-test induction training has been delivered by Advanced Driver Coaches (ADC). To remedy this, the JWG has produced a guidance document for ADC’s on the sign off process for trainees (Annex B).

Anyone interested in progression to the Professional Driver grade are invited to register their interest via the RM SuccessFactors website. Instructions for registering using SuccessFactors are included at Annex C for your information.

These opportunities are open to staff across Royal Mail Group, including Parcelforce and RMSS.

The opening date for applications is 28th April 2017
The closing date for applications is 28th May 2017
Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that this LTB and the attached information are shared with our members as a matter of urgency.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 211.07.

Yours sincerely



Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

[maisymoo04]

so the vacancys have already been filled then