Agenda for change Unsocial Hours - now in operation. Protection for local agreements is in place until 2011. No major problems have been reported
Pay Review Body Although the PRB rejected the request for a national RRP, they did think there was a problem and suggested a "golden handcuffs" payment after 5 years to boost staff retention. There was discussion on how this might be achieved and what effects this would have on staff movement e.g. reluctance to appoint a pharmacist who has been in the NHS for 4.5 years as the organisation would almost immediately be responsible for the payment. Backdating would be an issue. Should a staff member be ineligible and penalised for joining the NHS one day before an eligible member of staff? The PRB stated their preference for staff and management sides to work this out but are prepared to make a recommendation if no agreement is reached. GHP needs to identify possible inequities of this proposal.
3 year pay award proposal There was discussion on the Unite decision to reject the offer without a ballot.
Professional Liability Insurance A leaflet and letter have been finalised and should be with members by the end of the month. It was stressed that this was a member benefit for those who felt they needed the extra reassurance of PLI. The only exclusion would appear to be self employed staff e.g. where the individual has set themselves up as a company. Locums worked for agencies or pharmacies would be covered. The cost would be £15 charged separately the first year but included in the subscription costs in subsequent years. It was agreed that there should be an opt out option similar to that for the political levy.
Clarke Report There was significant discussion on the RPSGB response to the Clarke Report and the different interpretations of the term "facilitation" as it applies to the Transitional Committee.
National Clinical Assessment Service meeting This organisation, which supports poorly performing doctors, now wants to do the same for poorly performing pharmacists. They can be called in by the employee or by the employer (in agreement with the employee) and provide an independent assessment and support in getting the individual back on course. It is not thought that it can be called in by the GPhC. NCAS should be suggested before a complaint to the RPSGB but there appears to be a lack of awareness of the possibility by HR. The service covers Scotland, England and Wales and possibly Northern Ireland. Based on their work with doctors and dentists, they are expecting about 10 referrals a year.
Meeting with Four Chief Pharmacists A useful meeting was held on the Friday with the four UK Chief Pharmacists. This was attended by Dave Miller (GHP Vice-President), Jean Curtis (GHP Professional Secretary), Roisin O'Hare (National Secretary Northern Ireland) and myself as National Secretary for Scotland. Topics discussed included increases in the numbers of pre-registration posts, integration of the pre-reg year into the undergraduate course, AfC benefits and otherwise, the English pharmacy white paper & similar documents in Wales and Scotland and the situation with professional liability insurance in Northern Ireland..
Colin Rodden 9 May 2008