1. Pay Review BodyThe Pay Review Body has recommended a 3.6 per cent increase for Nurses, Midwives and PAMS on salaries and cash based leads and allowances from 1st April 2002. Amongst other items the PRB made specific recommendations in respect of nursing and midwifery staff grades A&B and PAMs helpers; modern matrons; and consultant nurses, midwives and health visitors and PAMS. London Weighting to be increased and harmonised at £3228 per annum for all nurses, midwives and PAMs irrespective of salary. The psychiatric lead and regional secure allowances have been recommended to be increased by 32 per cent and on-call and standby payments by 50 per cent. The overall effect of the salary bill of these changes is 4.1 per cent. MSF said: "This increase is great news for our Health Visitors who are currently covered by the pay review body". "We look forward to the impending inclusion of more of our members into the Pay review Body so they to will be able to enjoy these improved levels of pay."
The Pay Review Body has recommended a 3.6 per cent increase for Nurses, Midwives and PAMS on salaries and cash based leads and allowances from 1st April 2002. Amongst other items the PRB made specific recommendations in respect of nursing and midwifery staff grades A&B and PAMs helpers; modern matrons; and consultant nurses, midwives and health visitors and PAMS. London Weighting to be increased and harmonised at £3228 per annum for all nurses, midwives and PAMs irrespective of salary. The psychiatric lead and regional secure allowances have been recommended to be increased by 32 per cent and on-call and standby payments by 50 per cent. The overall effect of the salary bill of these changes is 4.1 per cent. MSF said: "This increase is great news for our Health Visitors who are currently covered by the pay review body". "We look forward to the impending inclusion of more of our members into the Pay review Body so they to will be able to enjoy these improved levels of pay."
2. Cost of Living Supplements
The Health Secretary recently announced in the House of Commons that the above supplements for nurses and PAMs will be extended to East and West Kent, North and South Essex, Northamptonshire and East Susses, Brighton and Hove. MSF is seeking further clarification but these changes are welcome.
2. Whitley Council PTB
The above Whitley which covers Healthcare Scientist and Estates grades have tabled their annual salary claim. A copy of this is available from Colin Adkins at adkinsc@msf.org.uk or 020 505 3167. Copies of claims for the other Whitley Councils will made available as soon as we have copies.
2. NHS University
The government has outlined plans to set up a NHS University (NHSU). The new University, due to be launched in Autumn 2003, will aim to give all NHS staff, including people employed by private companies providing services, the opportunity to update their qualifications and develop their education throughout their career. The NHSU will offer a wide range of accredited courses and programmes to staff at all levels. Its priorities will be linked to patient care and to the strategic direction of the NHS as laid out in the NHS plan. Courses will be delivered mainly through e-learning and distance learning. On-line learning materials will be accessible through NHS systems, in cyber cafes in NHS organisations, and through digital TV. Face to face learning support will also be available in the workplace and elsewhere. The NHS currently invests £2 billion every year in training and development. But recent reviews by the Audit Commission and the National Audit Office have highlighted wide variations between NHS organisations and occupations in both the volume and quality of educational provision. The NHSU will focus on identifying gaps in current provision, and will work with educational providers and NHS organisations to fill these gaps. This is still very early days in the development of the NHSU and decisions are still to be made about its remit in relation to the devolved administrations, but it is anticipated that parallel arrangements will be introduced in Scotland and Wales. Roger Spiller, MSF National Secretary, NHS, said: "The NHSU represents a major effort to breakthrough the barriers to education and development for all NHS staff. Proper support for learners, including access to the technology and to paid study time is crucial, however. That's where the role of the union learning representative - offering advice on learning and training, and working with employers - will be important." The long-awaited lifelong learning framework for the National Health Service was also announced this week. 'Working Together- Learning Together' sets a five year plan to introduce a co-ordinated approach to lifelong learning. Further information: Visit the NHSU's website:www.doh.gov.uk/nhsuniversity 'Working Together - Learning Together' A Framework for Lifelong Learning for the NHS is available online at: www.doh.gov.uk/lifelonglearning Free copies can be ordered from Department of Health Publications, PO Box 777, London, SE1 6XH, Fax: 01623 724524, (Quote reference 25725) Or contact Hannah Wood, Research Officer, Lifelong Learning, Tel: 01279 755677, email: woodh@msf.org.uk
2. Joint Union Guidance on Supporting Staff Involvement in PCTs
Please note that this document is now available through your MSF Regional Officer, alternatively it can be e-mailed directly to you by contacting Neal Evans on evansn@msf.org.uk.
2. Outstanding jobs in phase two of benchmarking
A list of all outstanding jobs in phase two of the Bench Marking for Job Evaluation is now available through your MSF Regional Office. Because negotiations are a little delayed we now have the opportunity of finding candidates for these vacant slots. If your trust already has analysts there is a greater likelihood of nominations being accepted. Please check with your members urgently to see if you members in any of the vacancies and email your response to Mackayt@msf.org.uk
2. Joint statement on AFC
The third Joint Statement of Progress on Agenda for Change at HYPERLINK http://www.doh.gov.uk/agendaforchange/progressnov2001.htm http://www.doh.gov.uk/agendaforchange/progressnov2001.htm has now been agreed by the four Health Departments, the NHS Confederation, and all the unions and staff organisations recognised for negotiating purposes by the NHS. Further information can be found on the web site address www.doh.gov.uk/agendaforchange.
2. Health Select Committee
Further to the meeting of the Health Select Committee on the 22nd November, to which Roger Spiller Head of Health gave evidence on the role of the private sector. Please be advised that a full transcript of the minutes will shortly be available on the internet at: www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm/cmhealth.htm.
2. New Nursing & Midwifery Council – "Great Victory " Says CPHVA
The legislation that will safeguard the registration of health visitors on the new Nursing and Midwifery Council passed through its final parliamentary stages in the House of Lords on 13 December 2001. This means that the new Nursing and Midwifery Council, the UK professional regulatory body, will come into being in April 2002. The final outcome was in doubt right up to the last minute, after peers had been vigorously lobbied by a group of dissatisfied health visitors. The CPHVA, along with the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing, had lobbied equally hard to get the legislation passed. The legislation will pave the way for the future registration of all those practising at specialist levels within community and public health practice. The Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association has hailed the new legislation as a great victory for community practitioners and health visitors, but it also ensures that legislation that will provide a sound framework for professional regulation is not to be delayed. The CPHVA's director, Jackie Carnell said: ‘We have campaigned hard to retain public protection through the continued registration of health visitors. We have also fought for a legislative framework that will provide the means to ensure public protection through the registration of all those working at specialist levels within community and public health practice.' ‘I am delighted that Parliament has passed the enabling order and I believe this opens a new and positive era for all those working in community practice.' ‘This is what our members asked us to do in 1998, after a full and comprehensive consultation exercise. The new legislation means that we have achieved all that we set out to achieve on their behalf.' ‘The legislation also ensures that the four health visitor members and alternates on the council will continue to be elected after 2004, giving them equal representation with nurses and midwives. The health visitor members and alternates on the council are all CPHVA members.'
2. Professional Recruitment Adviser for Allied Health Professionals
A 6-9 month national secondment opportunity is available from mid January to cover the maternity leave of Amanda Wylie who is leading the implementation of the Recruitment, Retention and Return (R,R&R) strategy for AHPs in the NHS outlined in the NHS Plan and "Meeting the Challenge". We are looking for a senior manager in the NHS with a good understanding of the R, R&R agenda. Funding is available to support the secondment. The secondment could be full or part time. We are looking for the post to develop a "troubleshooting" capacity to help organisations with persistent recruitment retention and return difficulties. The post can be based anywhere, but there will be regular travelling around England and feedback sessions in Leeds and London. To discuss, please contact Peter Grummitt [NHS Employment Branch] on 0113 254 5701 or HYPERLINK mailto:peter.grummit@doh.gsi.gov.uk peter.grummit@doh.gsi.gov.uk or Amanda Wylie on 01436 671019 or HYPERLINK mailto:amanda.wylie@doh.gsi.gov.uk amanda.wylie@doh.gsi.gov.uk
2. Changes to RepsDirect
Other than where necessary in the Community, this fax service will cease from July. It will be available on e mail and all reps are entitled to receive electronic communications as part of the facilities they are entitled to under law. If there are any difficulties then this must be raised with management and if necessary with the RO. Please notify Evansn@MSF.org.uk of your email address asap. to avoid disappointment. Reps Direct by e-mail will come out as the news breaks rather than to suit a deadline.
2. Xmas Period shutdown
The Health Section Office will be closed from Friday 21st December. Normal trading will resume on 3 January 2001. Thank you for all support and assistance over the year. Season greetings from the Team. WHITEHALL COLLEGE COURSES 2002 INTRODUCTORY COURSES FOR NEW REPRESENTATIVES NEW REPRESENTATIVES Representatives have a key role to play in developing strong and effective workplace organisation. This course covers the role and responsibility of the MSF representative in the workplace. It will help new reps build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to be effective. (10 credits) 14-18 January 11-15 February 25 Feb-01 March 11-15 March 08-12 April 29 April-03 May 27-31 May 10-14 June 01-05 July 02-06 September 21-25 October 04-08 November 09-13 December COURSES FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR NHS 1 (10 credits) 21-25 January 20-24 May 16-20 September 11-15 November NHS 2 (10 credits) 18-22 February 27-31 May 02-06 December Higher Education: (10 credits) 18-22 March 08-12 July COURSES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES ORGANISING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY 1 This course examines the role and responsibility of the MSF safety representative. It will give safety representatives the knowledge and skills they need to improve health and safety organisation in the workplace. (10 credits) 14-18 January 25 Feb-01 March 08-12 April 13-17 May 01-05 July 09-13 September 14-18 October 09-13 December ORGANISING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY 2 This course is for workplace representatives who have previously attended the introductory course ‘Health and Safety 1'. (10 credits) Members who complete both courses and who opt for accreditation of their work will from 2001 be awarded affiliate membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). 04-08 March 30 Sept-04 Oct 04-08 November SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COURSES FOR REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTING MEMBERS AT WORK As a representative, members come to you with their problems. They look to you to take up their grievances, deal with disciplinary matters, and support them against discrimination, harassment and bullying. This course is designed to help you in handling individual cases. It will give you the practical skills you need to represent members at work. (10 credits) 11-15 February 13-17 May 23-27 September 11-15 November IMPROVING NEGOTIATING SKILLS Being effective in negotiations is the basis of most MSF work. This course is intended to assist MSF representatives of all levels of experience to practise and develop their negotiating skills. (10 credits) 18-22 March 08-12 July 07-11 October 25-29 November USING THE INTERNET FOR TRADE UNIONISTS This course is intended for those with some basic knowledge and understanding of computers and the Internet. Such technology provides new opportunities for active trade unionists to organise, communicate and develop new activities. Representatives will develop and improve skills in using new technology for organising and strategic research. The course will also include help for workplace branches that wish to learn the first stages of creating web pages and sites. (10 credits) 28 Jan-01 Feb 08-12 April 02-06 September 04-08 November PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND DIGNITY AT WORK Tackling discrimination, harassment and bullying at work and building a workplace which embraces diversity helps to promote dignity at work for all. This course will help representatives to understand these important issues and to develop the skills to deal with them. (10 credits) 22-26 April 21-25 October FURTHER INFORMATION If you would like more information about any Whitehall courses, or about MSF open and distance learning courses, contact: Dr Sarah Howard, National Secretary, Director of Education, MSF Whitehall College, Dane O'Coys Road, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2JN. Tel: 01279 755677. Fax: 01279 757847 SPECIALIST COURSES FOR REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTION TO EMPLOYMENT LAW Employment rights provide workers with important standards. Knowing what they are and how to enforce them will inform and reinforce your negotiating position. This course will help you develop a better understanding of individual, collective and trade union rights at work. (10 credits) 22-26 April 28 October-01 November IMPROVING PENSIONS (Part 1) Pensions are an important part of the pay and benefits package and play a vital role in protecting our living standards in retirement. This course is for representatives seeking a basic introduction to pensions, and for trustees who need to be familiar with the benefit structure of pension schemes. (10 credits) 01-05 July MANAGING PENSION SCHEMES (Part 2) This course looks at the role of trustees; the importance of the trust deed; pension funding arrangements; the work of an actuary; and the investment policies and practices of pension funds. This course is particularly suitable for member trustees, as well as representatives with some pension experience or who have completed the introductory Improving Pensions Course. (10 credits) 08-12 April 04-08 November LIFELONG LEARNING The rapid development of new technologies and the acceleration of economic and industrial change are transforming the world of work. We need to keep updating our knowledge and skills. These courses are designed to help representatives promote lifelong learning as a central feature of the union agenda. (10 credits) Introduction To Lifelong Learning* 18-20 February 15-17 July Front Line Advice And Guidance* 22-24 April 09-11 September Developing Learning Partnerships* 27-29 May 09-11 December *These courses must be taken in sequence. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND MEMBERS COURSES FOR WOMEN These courses offer the opportunity for women to share experiences and problems and to develop knowledge, skills and confidence, which will enable them to play a more active role in the union. (10 credits) Four separate courses are offered: Assertiveness and Personal Development Developing Women's Leadership Negotiating Skills for Women Skills for Organising 23 (Sunday pm) - 28 June DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP FOR BLACK MEMBERS This course is designed for black members and representatives who want to become more involved in the union and want to have a more effective say in union affairs. It aims to address specific issues faced by black members and to provide the opportunity for black members together to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle them. (10 credits) 15-19 July TRADE UNIONS, WORK AND SOCIETY This course provides representatives and active members with a unique opportunity to engage in personal development through learning. Participants will develop a wider understanding about contemporary trade union issues within the context of the changing nature of work and its connections with wider society. Students will be able to debate and explore social, political and economic issues with journalists, academics, politicians, practitioners and other experts. No prior education or knowledge is required, but course members are expected to contribute to debates and discussions during the school. (10 credits) 15-19 July FAMILY LEARNING WEEK This course provides members and their families with a unique opportunity to participate in union learning. Structured around contemporary social issues, the course offers a learning programme for the whole family. This year the week will be part of MSF's new government funded project to provide education on International Development. The week will focus on issues around globalisation, debt, poverty and international solidarity. 21 (Sunday pm) - 26 July