Postal Recruitment and Workplace Organisation

[TrueBlueTerrier]

12 May 2011
LTB 455/11 Postal Recruitment and Workplace Organisation

TO: Branches with Postal Members






Dear Colleague



Postal Recruitment and Workplace Organisation



Please find attached PEC update for your information on activities from the Postal R&WO Group.



The presentation has been organised at Postal Group Conference at 112.15 on Tuesday 23rd May. The presentation will update Branches on the work being conducted by Branches, Postal and Headquarters Departments in progressing associated matters.



There will be an opportunity for questions and answers. It is anticipated that this session will give Branches a greater understanding of the Postal Department’s strategy on recruitment and workplace organisation.



Yours sincerely







Dave Ward Jane Loftus
Deputy General Secretary (P) Chair PEC






Recruitment and Workplace Organisation update for PEC 19th April.





Postal Organising Strategy-Meeting the Challenge

The project so far has been well received by the branches involved and most now have an action plan.
Meetings have so far taken place with:
North West No 1
Western Counties Amal
Scotland No 2
Doncaster and District – a second meeting has been arranged
South East Wales – PEC member and Organiser to attend Branch Committee meeting
Wolverhampton and District
Kingston Area
Meetings are planned for:
Eastern No 5
Northern Ireland Combined



The intention is to start and look to the next tranche of branches in the project, however given that it was not possible to cover all existing Divisions; therefore priority will be given to both London and South Central.
It is hoped that by the end of May we will have a definitive list for the next tranche.
The reports supplied by PEC Members, Branches and Organisers will be circulated to the PEC once all the meetings have taken place.



Representatives details-membership records

A meeting is to be arranged with John East to enable a report to be brought forward to the group that clearly lays out how we utilise membership’s records to record reps details. The Education department, after advice from organising, are currently inputting completed training details into a separate but compatible system to membership records. It is both the aim of the RWO team and the Education dept to have these records held on the membership system as soon as possible. Therefore the meeting will look at what barriers and solutions can be agreed to achieve this aim.


Bobby Weatherall is liaising with Royal Mail, Dale Lang, to obtain RMs recent details of reps credentials that they have collected nationally.



LTB is to be issued regarding NAPs and the requirement of Branches to supply HQ’s with a list of current reps.



Non recognised sector-UK Mail

We are now making some headway in UK Mail and have a number of CWU activists working in the Company. Membership is continuing to grow thanks to these people. UK Mail is a major national project for the Organising Department, and it is the intention to develop a sustained campaign to take us through the next 6 months. A meeting is taking place on Friday 15th April to discuss this. Once we have agreed our strategy we will keep the PEC informed.



Representatives training survey

Confidential Unit Representatives Survey



The WR&O group has carried out a preliminary confidential survey of reps who attended a Postal Agreements and Procedures and Agreements course during March, April and May 2010. The intention will be to follow up with a further survey of all students who have attended this course in between June 2010 and April 2011.



Summary of Latest Research
A preliminary survey was undertaken between 18th and 28th March 2011 and received 17 responses, one of which has since taken EVR. The vast majority of respondents (52.9%) had been reps between 1-2 years and the vast majority found the Postal Procedures and Agreements course “essential” or “very useful” (93.7%).
Nearly three quarters of respondents felt they needed “beginners” or “intermediate” IT Training. Over 70% had undertaken the Equality and Diversity and Union Skills 1 course as well as other courses, including the Organising 1 course.
A Unit Committee and a Substitute Rep were considered as the most useful forms of support that would be helpful to new reps. “Support and information from the local Branch” and “training” rated highest as support currently available. Most of the respondents meet with other Reps and Branch Officers Monthly.
Over 75% of respondents receive LTBs etc daily or weekly. Email rated highest amongst communication tools used. Basic Employment Law rated highest (87.5%) amongst the subjects respondents would like more training in, followed by Negotiating and IT Skills (68.8%).
The full report of the survey is attached as Appendix A.
It was agreed that this had been a useful exercise and will be repeated again.



Reps job description

The work on a job description done by Pete Keenlyside and Trish Lavelle has been concluded. It was agreed this would form part of a reps pack to be presented to PEC when all items are complete.



New representative’s handbook- Carl Maden compiling booklet for next meeting and when agreed is to form part of the reps pack.

Training commitment-new reps

Our research shows that reps who receive prompt and relevant training soon after they are elected are more likely to be able to cope with the demands of the role and therefore to be retained as a rep. It is also the case that we have many Branches where this systematic training of new reps is done every year at AGM time very successfully. Unfortunately some reps have difficulty accessing training as soon as they are elected even though Postal Agreements and Procedures Courses and Unions Skills 1 courses are readily available both locally and residentially.


The R &WO Working Group is therefore setting out clear new guidance on what the union’s commitment should be nationally and at Branch level for new reps training with a timed training schedule for all new reps in the Postal constituency. The aim is to provide each rep with the vital skills, understanding of process, knowledge and support that they require which will commence within weeks of taking office. This will cover everything from familiarisation with new agreements to employment law basics and from IT skills to recruitment and organising expertise. We have identified three clear areas for development for new activists which are outlined in Appendix “B”, namely joint training with the employer, skills training through the Education and Training Department and additional support through the IR Structure. There will be a clear role for Branch Secretaries, Senior IR Reps, and Lead ULRs in supporting the training and development plan supported through the Postal and Education and Training Departments.



The training package will form part of the reps pack.



Annual Conference

It has been agreed with the SOC to set aside a 30 minute presentation timeslot at Postal Group Conference. This will take place before lunch on Tuesday 24th May.



Postal Executive

It was agreed that the new representative’s pack will be presented to the PEC for their input and ratification when all sections are complete.









Appendix A
Confidential Workplace Rep survey
Summary
A survey was undertaken between 18th and 28th March 2011 and received 17 responses, one of which has since taken EVR. The vast majority of respondents (52.9%) had been reps between 1-2 years and the vast majority found the Postal Procedures and Agreements course “essential” or “very useful” (93.7%).
Nearly three quarters of respondents felt they needed “beginners” or “intermediate” IT Training. Over 70% had undertaken the Equality and Diversity and Union Skills 1 course as well as other courses, including the Organising 1 course.
A Unit Committee and a Substitute Rep were considered as the most useful forms of support that would be helpful to new reps. “Support and information from the local Branch” and “training” rated highest as support currently available. Most of the respondents meet with other Reps and Branch Officers Monthly.
Over 75% of respondents receive LTBs etc daily or weekly. Email rated highest amongst communication tools used. Basic Employment Law rated highest (87.5%) amongst the subjects respondents would like more training in, followed by Negotiating and IT Skills (68.8%).










Other

- Organising skills 1
- Will be attending Union Skills 1,and Equality and Diversity.
- Doing Equality and Diversity 27th April in Newport and hoping to do Union Skills 1 in May





Other
- Support from division

- My union rep within the unit is very self serving and in the pocket of the management.
- I AM THE SUB REP









Other: phone



Negotiating Skills 68.8% 11
Conduct and Attendance 37.5% 6
Grievance Procedure 43.8% 7
Communication Skills 25.0% 4
MTSF 31.3% 5
Indoor Work Tool 43.8% 7
IT/Computer Skills 68.8% 11
Business Transformation Agree 18.8% 3
Pegasus Geo-route 31.3% 5
The IR Framework 50.0% 8
Recruiting new members 18.8% 3
Park and Loop 18.8% 3
Delivery Methods 31.3% 5
Basic Employment Law 87.5% 14
Delivery Span Indicator Tool 37.5% 6
World Class Mail 43.8% 7
Maternity, Paternity, Parental
Rights 31.3% 5
Equality inc Disability issues 43.8% 7
Structure and rules of the CWU 31.3% 5
Collections Best Practice 12.5% 2
Public Speaking 56.3% 9
System Readiness Tool 25.0% 4
Duty Modeller 37.5% 6



Other: Bullying and Harassment





Please add any additional comments you would like to make.

- If the CWU are not careful in this so called modernisation they are going to lose a lot of members including myself, the way people are being treated not only by the business (which you would expect) but by the CWU is an absolute disgrace and if the CWU give into the demands put on to staff then the purpose of the CWU will cease to exist
- A very good survey
- I am disappointed that when I asked to be put in for some courses offered by the CWU I am questioned as to why I would like to attend such courses. When I respond to the branch with my reasons I do not receive any response.
- In my short experience as a union rep, I found the training and course work very good in general, but I found the lack of inclusion from management and from most of all my local rep quite disconcerting.
- More information of how HQ can help with problems and who to contact and the general day running and work of the national officers, PEC etc.
- TOOK EVR 6 MONTHS AGO

- I have been a rep for over 10 years so have picked up an awful lot on the way. This does not apply to new reps who are often thrown in at the deep end and expected to represent members immediately using procedures they are not sure of themselves. IMMEDIIATE on the basic course on postal agreements is a must.



























































































Appendix B



Unit Representative Training and Development Commitment

1. Training Provided Through CWU Education and Training


2. Training Delivered Through the CWU IR Structure


3. Training delivered jointly with the Employer







TO: Branches with Postal Members




Dear Colleague
Postal Recruitment and Workplace Organisation



Please find attached PEC update for your information on activities from the Postal R&WO Group.
The presentation has been organised at Postal Group Conference at 112.15 on Tuesday 23rd May. The presentation will update Branches on the work being conducted by Branches, Postal and Headquarters Departments in progressing associated matters.
There will be an opportunity for questions and answers. It is anticipated that this session will give Branches a greater understanding of the Postal Department’s strategy on recruitment and workplace organisation.
Yours sincerely

Dave Ward Jane Loftus
Deputy General Secretary (P) Chair PEC




Recruitment and Workplace Organisation update for PEC 19th April.

Postal Organising Strategy-Meeting the Challenge

The project so far has been well received by the branches involved and most now have an action plan.
Meetings have so far taken place with:
North West No 1
Western Counties Amal
Scotland No 2
Doncaster and District – a second meeting has been arranged
South East Wales – PEC member and Organiser to attend Branch Committee meeting
Wolverhampton and District
Kingston Area
Meetings are planned for:
Eastern No 5
Northern Ireland Combined
The intention is to start and look to the next tranche of branches in the project, however given that it was not possible to cover all existing Divisions; therefore priority will be given to both London and South Central.
It is hoped that by the end of May we will have a definitive list for the next tranche.
The reports supplied by PEC Members, Branches and Organisers will be circulated to the PEC once all the meetings have taken place.

Representatives details-membership records

A meeting is to be arranged with John East to enable a report to be brought forward to the group that clearly lays out how we utilise membership’s records to record reps details. The Education department, after advice from organising, are currently inputting completed training details into a separate but compatible system to membership records. It is both the aim of the RWO team and the Education dept to have these records held on the membership system as soon as possible. Therefore the meeting will look at what barriers and solutions can be agreed to achieve this aim.


Bobby Weatherall is liaising with Royal Mail, Dale Lang, to obtain RMs recent details of reps credentials that they have collected nationally.
LTB is to be issued regarding NAPs and the requirement of Branches to supply HQ’s with a list of current reps.



Non recognised sector-UK Mail

We are now making some headway in UK Mail and have a number of CWU activists working in the Company. Membership is continuing to grow thanks to these people. UK Mail is a major national project for the Organising Department, and it is the intention to develop a sustained campaign to take us through the next 6 months. A meeting is taking place on Friday 15th April to discuss this. Once we have agreed our strategy we will keep the PEC informed.



Representatives training survey

Confidential Unit Representatives Survey
The WR&O group has carried out a preliminary confidential survey of reps who attended a Postal Agreements and Procedures and Agreements course during March, April and May 2010. The intention will be to follow up with a further survey of all students who have attended this course in between June 2010 and April 2011.
Summary of Latest Research
A preliminary survey was undertaken between 18th and 28th March 2011 and received 17 responses, one of which has since taken EVR. The vast majority of respondents (52.9%) had been reps between 1-2 years and the vast majority found the Postal Procedures and Agreements course “essential” or “very useful” (93.7%).
Nearly three quarters of respondents felt they needed “beginners” or “intermediate” IT Training. Over 70% had undertaken the Equality and Diversity and Union Skills 1 course as well as other courses, including the Organising 1 course.
A Unit Committee and a Substitute Rep were considered as the most useful forms of support that would be helpful to new reps. “Support and information from the local Branch” and “training” rated highest as support currently available. Most of the respondents meet with other Reps and Branch Officers Monthly.
Over 75% of respondents receive LTBs etc daily or weekly. Email rated highest amongst communication tools used. Basic Employment Law rated highest (87.5%) amongst the subjects respondents would like more training in, followed by Negotiating and IT Skills (68.8%).
The full report of the survey is attached as Appendix A.
It was agreed that this had been a useful exercise and will be repeated again.

Reps job description

The work on a job description done by Pete Keenlyside and Trish Lavelle has been concluded. It was agreed this would form part of a reps pack to be presented to PEC when all items are complete.



New representative’s handbook- Carl Maden compiling booklet for next meeting and when agreed is to form part of the reps pack.

Training commitment-new reps

Our research shows that reps who receive prompt and relevant training soon after they are elected are more likely to be able to cope with the demands of the role and therefore to be retained as a rep. It is also the case that we have many Branches where this systematic training of new reps is done every year at AGM time very successfully. Unfortunately some reps have difficulty accessing training as soon as they are elected even though Postal Agreements and Procedures Courses and Unions Skills 1 courses are readily available both locally and residentially.


The R &WO Working Group is therefore setting out clear new guidance on what the union’s commitment should be nationally and at Branch level for new reps training with a timed training schedule for all new reps in the Postal constituency. The aim is to provide each rep with the vital skills, understanding of process, knowledge and support that they require which will commence within weeks of taking office. This will cover everything from familiarisation with new agreements to employment law basics and from IT skills to recruitment and organising expertise. We have identified three clear areas for development for new activists which are outlined in Appendix “B”, namely joint training with the employer, skills training through the Education and Training Department and additional support through the IR Structure. There will be a clear role for Branch Secretaries, Senior IR Reps, and Lead ULRs in supporting the training and development plan supported through the Postal and Education and Training Departments.
The training package will form part of the reps pack.

Annual Conference

It has been agreed with the SOC to set aside a 30 minute presentation timeslot at Postal Group Conference. This will take place before lunch on Tuesday 24th May.

Postal Executive

It was agreed that the new representative’s pack will be presented to the PEC for their input and ratification when all sections are complete.



Appendix A
Confidential Workplace Rep survey
Summary
A survey was undertaken between 18th and 28th March 2011 and received 17 responses, one of which has since taken EVR. The vast majority of respondents (52.9%) had been reps between 1-2 years and the vast majority found the Postal Procedures and Agreements course “essential” or “very useful” (93.7%).
Nearly three quarters of respondents felt they needed “beginners” or “intermediate” IT Training. Over 70% had undertaken the Equality and Diversity and Union Skills 1 course as well as other courses, including the Organising 1 course.
A Unit Committee and a Substitute Rep were considered as the most useful forms of support that would be helpful to new reps. “Support and information from the local Branch” and “training” rated highest as support currently available. Most of the respondents meet with other Reps and Branch Officers Monthly.
Over 75% of respondents receive LTBs etc daily or weekly. Email rated highest amongst communication tools used. Basic Employment Law rated highest (87.5%) amongst the subjects respondents would like more training in, followed by Negotiating and IT Skills (68.8%).




Other

- Organising skills 1
- Will be attending Union Skills 1,and Equality and Diversity.
- Doing Equality and Diversity 27th April in Newport and hoping to do Union Skills 1 in May



Other
- Support from division

- My union rep within the unit is very self serving and in the pocket of the management.
- I AM THE SUB REP





Other: phone
Negotiating Skills 68.8% 11
Conduct and Attendance 37.5% 6
Grievance Procedure 43.8% 7
Communication Skills 25.0% 4
MTSF 31.3% 5
Indoor Work Tool 43.8% 7
IT/Computer Skills 68.8% 11
Business Transformation Agree 18.8% 3
Pegasus Geo-route 31.3% 5
The IR Framework 50.0% 8
Recruiting new members 18.8% 3
Park and Loop 18.8% 3
Delivery Methods 31.3% 5
Basic Employment Law 87.5% 14
Delivery Span Indicator Tool 37.5% 6
World Class Mail 43.8% 7
Maternity, Paternity, Parental
Rights 31.3% 5
Equality inc Disability issues 43.8% 7
Structure and rules of the CWU 31.3% 5
Collections Best Practice 12.5% 2
Public Speaking 56.3% 9
System Readiness Tool 25.0% 4
Duty Modeller 37.5% 6
Other: Bullying and Harassment
Please add any additional comments you would like to make.

- If the CWU are not careful in this so called modernisation they are going to lose a lot of members including myself, the way people are being treated not only by the business (which you would expect) but by the CWU is an absolute disgrace and if the CWU give into the demands put on to staff then the purpose of the CWU will cease to exist
- A very good survey
- I am disappointed that when I asked to be put in for some courses offered by the CWU I am questioned as to why I would like to attend such courses. When I respond to the branch with my reasons I do not receive any response.
- In my short experience as a union rep, I found the training and course work very good in general, but I found the lack of inclusion from management and from most of all my local rep quite disconcerting.
- More information of how HQ can help with problems and who to contact and the general day running and work of the national officers, PEC etc.
- TOOK EVR 6 MONTHS AGO

- I have been a rep for over 10 years so have picked up an awful lot on the way. This does not apply to new reps who are often thrown in at the deep end and expected to represent members immediately using procedures they are not sure of themselves. IMMEDIIATE on the basic course on postal agreements is a must.

Appendix B

Unit Representative Training and Development Commitment

1. Training Provided Through CWU Education and Training


2. Training Delivered Through the CWU IR Structure


3. Training delivered jointly with the Employer