All trusts in England have now been assessed for the IWL practice standard. All assessment teams should have included a trade union representative but it has been evident that there have been problems with a lack of union representatives to participate as assessors. This was a significant problem in the Eastern, East Midlands, South East and part of the West Midlands regions.
Trusts in England now have to prepare themselves for IWL at Practice Plus level. The assessments for Practice Plus must be completed by 31 March 2006.
Amicus, the RCN and Unison at a recent meeting with a DoH official agreed that we should encourage more union members to participate in IWL as assessors. Therefore, a special introductory training session for trade union reps, aimed at those who have not been IWL assessors to date, will be run in early June.
We are conscious that Agenda for Change has dominated much of our activities over the past two years. IWL is equally important for all our members.
Any reps or active members in England who would like to express an interest in attending the training session in June should respond to Reps Direct and provide contact details by 30 April.
Improving Working Lives has been strongly support by Amicus. It is vital that our support continues - please consider attending the training session … it does not commit you.