MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MID DEVON BRANCH OF UNISON HELD ON THE 16^TH APRIL 2002 IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM,  TOWN HALL,  TIVERTON.

Present:  B Williams, C Marlow, M Flanagan, P Hall, C Thorn, J Hanson, B Cornes, A Janes, T Dawe, P Evans, C Jones, N Davies, P Saunders.

 Apologies: L Chilcott.

The chairman welcomed John Hanson to his first meeting and asked everyone to introduce themselves for the benefit of new members.

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 1.     MINUTES – The  minutes were agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.

2.     MATTERS ARISING – Min14 – B Cornes raised the question of the cost of the 4 NT tickets.  The chairman explained that the cost had been debated at the previous meeting and it had been agreed that the use would be monitored over the coming year and a decision made as to whether the tickets would be purchased again.  The secretary asked that notices could be produced for departmental notice boards advertising the tickets. The chairman said he would produce the notices.

3.     MANAGEMENT RESTRUCTURING – T Dawe said she hoped management had learnt something from the exercise which would assist other sections as there was still a considerable number of staff who are unsure who they are working for.  The secretary reported on the situation within the Environmental Health section and B Cornes reported on the current state of play in relation to the titles and job descriptions of the now Area Officers. B Cornes felt the JD’s were now more correct than the original document they had been presented with but still contained tasks which were not correct. The secretary felt that Head of operations had given an undertaking that the officers concerned could write their own JD’s but if this situation  had not been allowed we should take the situation to a JCC meeting and explain our frustrations to the members. N Davies referred to the ‘bench marking’ exercise and was concerned that it appeared to be a mini Job Evaluation exercise and had written to the Chief Executive Officer explaining her concern.  He had replied  thanking the branch for its help.  He explained that he felt things had been handled in the only way possible.  It was agreed that we should request a meeting with him to discuss progress made to date and to express our concerns.  The chairman said he would email the CEO and try to arrange a meeting for the next week.

4.     JOB EVALUATION -  The secretary reported that there was very little progress to report.  He had been talking with M Cox who was struggling with preparation and despatch of JD’s.  M Cox felt it would be sensible to complete one task before entering into another major one.

5.     2002 PAY CLAIM - Secretary reported that the branch had voted on  a 2 to 1 majority to refuse the 3% pay offer.  The secretary said he would circulate what the next action would be to all exec members.

6.     OFFICERS REPORTS - 

a)     Secretary - Circulated Brittania Rescue literature,  Green NJC books,  Petition re pension payments,  Revised NJC travel rates.

b)    Treasurer -  Present bank balance £911.38.  Letter received questioning S Ricketts figures contained in original letter re outstanding monies owed to the branch.  Possibility that auditors would check figures as they did not agree with anything in our accounts.  Secretary reported that S Warwick had been in contact with him and Secretary to contact him again if nothing resolved by mid May. Treasurer concerned that branch does not have an auditor.  Secretary to chase up members in the accounts section to try to find a volunteer.

c)    Welfare – C Thorn felt she should have a set of guidelines to work to.  The Chairman promised to draw up a draft set.

d)    Publicity – A Janes reported she had entered branch into competition,  the results would be given at conference.  Still awaiting cheque for £1000 to purchase lap top (RMS).  Asked for letters etc for inclusion in newsletter.  Redesigned web site to include ‘open forums’.

e)     Education – new Stewards courses – speak to M Flanagan.

7.     ANY OTHER BUSINESS –

a)     Website – any information to B Williams or A Janes

b)     M Gill leaving branch to send card thanking him for his work over the years.

c)    Chairman reported that branch constitution needed reviewing.  Agreed this should wait until restructuring ‘bedded in’.

d)    Chairman reported that S White considering taking on role of branch Health & Safety officer.