Tuesday 17th September at 2pm,
Monet Room, Suffolk House, St Clements Hospital, Ipswich

Present: Abigail Jordan, Ray Hill, Steve Cook, Yvonne Cleary, Philip Bloyce, Ian Talbot and Annette Petty (Notes)

1. Apologies
Liz Potter and Wendy Allen

2. Accuracy of last meetings
Agreed these were a true and accurate record

3. Matters arising
None – deferred to December meeting

4.
a) Branch Structure Changes
Ian reported as of 21st October his contract with SMHPT ceases and Suffolk HealthCare Branch will continue to employ him for 3 days per week – an increase of one day per week. This will incur certain changes within the branch. Letter to be drafted by Yvonne at Regional Office stating Ian’s continued role as Branch Secretary/Officer will in addition continue covering SMHPT/Suffolk PCT, managing this over 3 days per week.
A discussion agreed that priority emphasis must be placed on recruitment within the branch for new representatives and new members and also looking at the branch within a financial perspective. Plans will be drawn up during the Branch Officer Meeting on 16th October.
ACTION – ALL
Steve is to take some time out from UNISON duties until the New Year and in addition he will be unavailable for two months beginning of 2008 due to personal reasons. He is maintaining his present case load and can take on major disciplinary/cases only but will be unable to deal with minor issues.
Agreed that any cases branch officers cannot deal with go to Ian as standard practice – then to Regional Office only if necessary.
b) Partnership Working
Problems within the PCT/SMHP are ongoing although much improvement form the PCT has been noted. For Partnership Working to work a commitment is required from all parties and work with the branch officers in an attempt to resolve issues. Should this continue to fail, the branch will have no alternative but to take the matter to a formal grievance/tribunal. At present Philip attends most of the ISWG/H&S Group meetings with SMHP.
c) NHS Pay Ballot
England only – Two third majority postal vote accepted recommendations:
• From 1st November, £400 flat rate increase for those on Bands 1 and 2. Those on Bands 3 and 4 will receive an additional £38 as well as the 2.5%.
• Additional money for staff training targeted directly on those non-clinical staff who often lose out when training budgets are cut.
• £38 paid to staff on Bands 5, 6, 7 and 8(a) who are required to register to practice. This money is a contribution to professional fees.
• In addition to the improved pay offer for this year, unions, employers and governments have agreed to enter into talks prior to the next pay round, to consider improvements to the Agenda for Change pay structure and its terms and conditions.
• 1.5% from April and an additional 1% payable in November and extra money on Bands 1 - 4 on 1st November 2007 April – back pay in November.
d) Foundation Hospital SMHP NHS Trust response
No formal report to date although it is understood SMHP are faltering over some key issues. In addition, union relations with the Trust encompassing Partnership Working is at an all time low and this crucial element should be a priority matter of concern to the Trust, but it appears not to be the case as things stand. Yvonne has requested a meeting for discussions, planning and issues to be raised.
Action – Ian to arrange with all SMHP reps via Yvonne
e) Suffolk PCT update
Recruitment is premium. Next JSF takes place on 27th September.
f) 2007 SMHP questionnaire update
This has now been completed by Philip and Ian and will be sent out before Trust Council via Philip. An early draft copy had been sent to Mark Halliday, Chief Executive for SMHP by Philip two months ago. There has been no reply received which is surprising as staff issues and concerns are widespread. This is not a good indication especially for Foundation Status.
g) Set branch meeting dates 2008/alternative meeting venues
• Agreed to have key discussion issue for one hour
• Full Branch Committee Meetings to recommence monthly
• Annette to email dates to reception end of October and notify all reps of dates
• Advertise Staff Group Meetings – alternating between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich

5. Steward/Officer Reports
None

6. A.O.B.
• Ian to update Branch Rules
• Annette to email reps requesting numbers for UNISON member diaries 2008 and rep desk diaries – 200 to be ordered as standard (excluding Minsmere House x 2 wards 30 required)
• Lease care scheme Suffolk PCT – local issue – Philip reported business only lease cars for Ipswich Intermediate Care Team leased to Ipswich NHS are uninsured – branch issue – need to write to John Dewar Transport Dept requesting a reply – staff should NOT be driving if there is no insurance as they are personally liable.

Date/Time of Next Meeting
Tuesday 18th December, 2pm, Monet Room, St Clements Hospital Main Building – Any Agenda items please forward to Ian Talbot via email/post one week prior to meeting.
Refreshments will be available

There being no further business the meeting closed at 4.30pm
 

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