The Branch welcomes the decision to delay the PSOM consultation briefings.

The Branch expects that:

● The delay will not lead to any reduction in the time available for consultation

● That the revised timeline will be realistic and achievable

● That the information available to Unions and affected staff for this and all future phases will be accurate and complete

The Branch notes concerns which have been raised by members in some affected areas following the circulation of the Background Information document, in particular:

● That various statements have been made which are felt to be at odds with evidence or feedback submitted, causing concern as to the validity of the proposals.

● The potential negative effect on the student experience in September of the current frontline proposals.

● The apparent lack of involvement of staff at all levels in some areas has led to a lack of confidence that the proposals are fit for purpose.

● That the University is rushing to make radical changes to service provision on an overambitious timescale, putting both student experience and staff at risk without the confidence that these changes will be successful.

The Branch expects that:

● The project team ensures its proposals are evidence-based and clearly explained in the consultation document.

● That staff are given adequate time to read documents in order to be able to respond effectively.

● The consultation is meaningful and genuine and that the response to feedback is comprehensive and reflects openness to changes to the proposals.

● The consultation will involve both affected staff and professional services stakeholders

The Branch is seriously concerned about the likelihood of large numbers of job losses, and reiterates our opposition to compulsory redundancies. We expect the University to work to avoid redundancies, in line with the Change Principles.

Proposed: Dan J Bye

Seconded: Lucinda Wakefield

We hope that members have been able to sign up for one of the open briefing sessions on the Professional Services Operating Model: https://portal.shu.ac.uk/Pages/AllNews.aspx#237.   If you haven’t please let the Branch know, to help us make the case for more sessions.

UNISON has received formal notification that consultation on proposals for the future shape of professional services is beginning, and so it is crucial that there is full engagement with the open meetings.

At this point UNISON has several concerns.

First of all, although many people have been involved with the PSOM project in various ways, many others have not – and we now need to ensure that everyone has an opportunity and adequate time to participate in the consultation.

Secondly, management have said they are committed to genuine and meaningful consultation. We believe that this means sufficient detail must be available to enable us to understand what is being proposed – not just structures, but also how services will be delivered, and whether there are any proposed changes to terms and conditions, and what they mean.   Without sufficient detail we will not be able to assess whether the principles of the PSOM are being properly applied in the interests of students and the University, or whether cost-cutting has become the primary driver.    It is acknowledged that the PSOM project has still not completed its work, and that consultation will happen in stages, but that adds complexities which need careful planning and clear and transparent communication.

At this point we are not yet reassured that the necessary information will be published, but we are working to ensure that it is.

Linked to this is the point that the timescales that are planned are ambitiously fast. But a large and complex group of staff and services need to be handled with care if serious mistakes are to be avoided. It cannot be done at breakneck pace.

Thirdly, management have denied that there are any arbitrary targets for job losses, but we do know that it is envisaged that professional services will be “smaller” – this has been stated in public and in writing (for example, in Richard Calvert’s recent message).   In any case there are agreed commitments to avoid compulsory redundancies, and UNISON will want to ensure that we stick to them – but this also means making sure that staff are prepared and supported, and that the sequencing of any changes does not shut anyone out.

Finally, I envisage that we will need to hold some open meetings for members to discuss the PSOM consultation, among other activities.   We will keep you informed as things develop, and will also be working alongside our colleagues in other unions.  And please, ensure that your local steward or the Branch is made aware of any issues in your area – and talk to your colleagues about the importance of joining a strong union.

Many thanks,

Dan

Dan J Bye

UNISON Branch Secretary

Workplace stewards are at the heart of our union. They are the first point of contact for our members in your local workplace, and they work to make your workplace a fairer and better place to work.

And we need more! We have vacancies in lots of areas at Sheffield Hallam. As new ways of working are rolled out across all professional services in the University, we need stewards in as many areas as possible.

“But I don’t have the skills!”

Ever thought of becoming a steward but you’re worried you don’t have the right skill or the time? Don’t worry – you receive excellent training, plus paid time off work for your union duties.

Here are six common worries you may have about becoming a steward – and how you can overcome them.

1. I don’t do public speaking…

…but I do raise issues I am concerned about in team meetings at work.

2. I don’t do negotiation…

…but I did complain when my gas bill got too high, and I did sort out a better deal with the company.

3. I don’t do campaigning…

…but I did support my local library when it was threatened with closure.

4. I don’t do recruitment…

…but I do get my neighbours to support the local school

5. I don’t organise meetings…

…but I do organise outings and holidays with my friends and family

6. I don’t do representation…

…but I did go to the doctors with my partner to make sure they got their views across.

Sound like you? Your colleagues need you!

Apply to be a UNISON steward today

To find out more or express an interest in becoming a steward, contact Dan Bye on d.j.bye@shu.ac.uk

Here are the areas we currently have vacancies at Sheffield Hallam.

Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences

Development & Society

Health & Wellbeing

Sheffield Business School

Registry Services

Facilities

Finance, Planning & Human Resources and Organisational Development

Library and Student Support Services

Digital Technical Services

Director of Education and Employer Partnerships

Learning Enhancement and Academic Development

Student  Engagement Evaluation and Research

Admissions & UK Recruitment

Communications & Development

Marketing

Secretariat and Governance Services

Global Engagement Directorate

Research & Innovation Office

Students’ Union

UNISON Learning-and-Organising-Programme-Autumn 2017

The personal finance newsletter for UNISON members published by Lighthouse Financial Advice – read more  UNISON MoneyTalk Newsletter Autumn 2017