Public and Commercial Services Union

ROD of the GEC meeting held on 7/8 October 2009

Present

7 October 2009

J Atkinson, D Bean, L Bevan, S Boniface, J Brooke, C Coldbeck, T Coxon, J Davidson, H Drummond, K Eaton, D Ebanks, C Edwards, D. K Fairless, P Harrington, S Ion, M Leopard, M Lewis, P Lockhart, D Luxford, A Mason, M. McCabe, D McFadden, H McFarlane, K McHugh, A Mclean, L Merry, M Owens, Les Priestley, M Rathbone, S Ryan, K Slough, K Taylor, R Tyrrell, P Tillyer, T Walsh, H Wesley.

Visitors

N Thompson-Wynter, J Manuel, R Jones, D Gregson, L McMahon.

8 October 2009

J Atkinson, D Bean, L Bevan, S Boniface, J Brooke, C Coldbeck, T Coxon, J Davidson, H Drummond, K Eaton, D Ebanks, C Edwards, K Fairless, P Harrington, S Ion, M Leopard, M Lewis, P Lockhart, D Luxford, A Mason, M McCabe, D McFadden, H McFarlane, K McHugh, A Mclean, L Merry, M Owens, Les Priestley, M Rathbone, S Ryan, K Slough, K Taylor, R Tyrrell, P Tillyer, T Walsh, H Wesley.

Visitors

N Thompson-Wynter, J Manuel, R Jones, D Gregson, L McMahon.

1. Apologies

7 October 2009

J Coote, G Binks, N Buller, Lynda Priestley, A Thomas, H Watkins.

8 October 2009

G Binks, N Buller, B Lawn, Les Priestley, Lynda Priestley, A Thomas, H Watkins.

2. Opening remarks

The president welcomed the members present and also the visitors. He further thanked all AGSs for their help in ensuring that the agenda and its papers were completed on time as per standing orders.

3. Record of decisions of GEC meetings held on

1.1 5/6 August 2009 GEC/401/09

The above record of decision was noted and agreed subject to the following corrections.

Item 3.1 - should read: M Owens and not Ma Owens
Item 6.3.6 - should read: 22 in favour

2.2 Special meeting held on 8 September 2009 GEC/371/09

The above record of decisions were agreed as a true record.

The president asked that the minutes of recent GEC meetings be placed on the website once the corrections had taken place.

4. Matters arising

Item 6.2.4 on GEC/401/09 (Development Awareness Workshop on Tax & Justice) – the group secretary reported that following further discussions with the international tax officer, the event was scheduled to take place on either the 23, 24 or 25 November, and details would be duly published.

5. Financial report

5.1 Finance report - GEC/402/09

The treasurer presented the above paper and gave a full update on the current situation. She further informed the meeting that a supplementary bid for £18,000 was being requested to cover costs which had not been anticipated at the beginning of the year. This was noted and agreed by the committee.

5.2 Campaign fund - GEC/397/09

The group secretary presented the above paper. The committee agreed to review the situation in March 2010. The following recommendations were agreed.

1. That the Group Secretary, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, ensure that all future demands on the Fund are carefully scrutinised;

2. That where alternative funds are available, for instance from negotiating budgets, these are fully utilised, before a request for payment is made from the Campaigns Fund;

3. That we review the spending situation in March 2010;

4. That we subsequently approach the National Treasurer as necessary and depending on projected spend for the remainder of the Fund.

6. Progress report

6.1 Pay

6.1.1 HMRC Pay – GEC/352/09 and GEC/374/09

The group secretary presented the above papers and stressed the “in confidence” tag. A comprehensive discussion took place and on the basis of the report, the following recommendations were agreed.

1. That the GEC, endorsing the recommendations of the campaigns committee, agrees that no further ballot of members on the terms of the pay offer for 2009-11 is held;

2. That a branch briefing is issued explaining the rationale for not holding a further ballot;

3. That a further meeting with counsel is pursued to consider any remaining legal challenges to establishing an enforceable right to pay progression;

4. That, in any event, negotiations with the department are pursued aimed at reaching agreement of an acceptable pay system for HMRC;

5. That further HMRC cases are identified in relation to both annual leave and/or pay progression, as appropriate, following developments in the ‘Wilson’ case, and/or following the case management discussion on 29 October;

6. That discussions with the department are aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement on annual leave are taken forward following developments in ‘Wilson’ and the CMD, and in light of any developments on the issue through national negotiations;

7. That as soon as complete data on performance pay and appraisal is provided, as requested, a potential case is put together for consideration by the EHRC;

8. That we seek to play a full part in the department’s equal pay review, including pressing for an equality proofed performance pay system in readiness for discussion/negotiations in relation to the top bonus for 2010;

9. That developments in relation to the above are reported to members.

6.1.2 VOA Pay update - VOAC/GEC/061/09

NO Edwards introduced the above paper and reported on the VOA pay situation where the pay remit is awaited. The committee agreed the following recommendations:

1. The GEC to endorse the conclusions regarding VO pay made by
the VOAC

6.1.3 HMRC Attendance allowances – GEC/368/09

AGS Boniface introduced the above paper and referred the GEC to BB/384/09.

After a full discussion, the following recommendation was agreed.

1. It is recommended that we do write to the official side
expressing our dissatisfaction with this situation, and that in that letter we seek the employer’s agreement to pay advances to individuals on request on the basis outlined above.

6.2 Campaigns

6.2.1 Overtime dispute update - GEC/386/09

AGS Fairless introduced the above paper and updated the meeting on the overtime dispute and job cuts. After a full discussion, the following amended recommendations were agreed.

1. National Negotiations are immediately opened to press for overtime money to be spent on jobs, as per the letter by the Group Secretary dated 11 March, which was appended to GEC/148/09.

2. A campaign is mounted against the cuts highlighting arrears, tax loss, waste in the department (consultants, academies, unnecessary travel etc) and miss management (artificial barriers between businesses for example). Such a campaign should be linked to the Tax Justice campaign.

3. Should the above fail to achieve any concrete gains by the December GEC and after discussion with the NDC with regard to any national campaign on jobs, recommendations are brought back to that GEC including potential escalation of industrial action.

6.2.2 Campaigning communications – GEC/387/09

AGS Fairless presented the above paper. The following were agreed unanimously except for recommendation 4 which had one member voting against and after recommendation 7 was amended and a new recommendation 8 was added.

1. We establish the concept of 'PCS Restricted' communications
where material that can only be distributed externally, for whatever reason, is marked up accordingly.

2. Every branch and each GEC member needs to set up one
external email account that Group office can use for PCS restricted material. Branches and GEC members who do not do this will not be able to receive such material electronically and should be advised accordingly.

3. That Group office sets up a separate branch email list for PCS
restricted communications.

4. That branches are sent a simple email from Group office to their normal email addresses to advise whenever a 'PCS Restricted' email is being sent out.

5. In cases where “external email briefings” are sent out, these will automatically be followed up hard copies, sent to Branch Secretaries.

6. That branches in, conjunction with Group office, are responsible for maintaining and updating information regarding the contact emails in use.

7. That all PCS representatives are reminded not to forward on any 'PCS Restricted' comms via the departmental email system, nor to open web-based e-mail on departmental machines.

8. A review is undertaken to consider an extension to the external e-mail communications beyond just that of branch secretaries and bring back recommendations to the December GEC meeting.

6.2.3 Corporate services - industrial strategy – GEC/388/09

AGS Fairless introduced the above paper and outlined the current situation on the industrial strategy and its objectives. He apologised for leaving out Lewis’ name on the paper. After a short discussion, the recommendation was agreed.

1. The GEC agreed to endorse the strategy set down in the paper.

6.2.4 Code of practice on taxation for banks - GEC/383/09, GEC/394/09

NO Walsh introduced the above paper which was issued to the Official Side review team. The recommendations outlined in the paper were agreed.

1. A survey is put together and sent to branches that asks what
work is not being done and the estimated value of it.

2. A fixed time line is put on its return and we identify resources for coordinating it at branch and office level.

The group president thanked NO Walsh for the quality of the submission made to the HMRC review team.

6.3 HR Policies

6.3.1 Remote and mobile working guidance - GEC/359/09 and verbal update

AGS Leopard gave a verbal update on the guidance for remote and mobile working policy that was published in September 2008. AGS Leopard noted the comments and asked for all further feedback to be directed to him. The report was noted.

6.3.2 HMRC absence due to injury, disease, assault at work and compensation and pension position - GEC/338/09

AGS Leopard presented the above paper and invited comments and feedback from the GEC to be sent to him. The paper was noted.

6.3.3 Competence framework (no paper issued)

The above was deferred to the December GEC meeting.

6.3.4 HMRC computers unacceptable access and usage – GEC/340/09

AGS Leopard presented the above paper. It was agreed that this will be discussed further at the December GEC meeting. The report was noted.

6.3.5 Travel and subsistence review – GEC/411/09

AGS Leopard updated the committee on the current situation and asked the GEC for their input and feedback. After a full discussion, where many concerns were echoed, the following recommendations contained in the paper were agreed.

1. Continue to oppose the change to the receipts policy

2. Issue a detailed BB on T&S issues

6.4 Negotiating areas

6.4.1 Loans to the DWP – GEC/334/09; GEC/337/09, GEC/400/09

Group secretary Lockhart updated the committee on the current position in relation to DWP loans and outlined the steps individuals should take to protect their position. He further reminded the committee of the “in-confidence” nature of the papers.

The meeting unanimously agreed the following recommendations.

Recommendations from GEC/334/09

1. That we campaign to expose that HMRC has pre-surplus staff when work is outstanding in both customer Operations and Local Compliance and cannot be met by existing staff.

2. We campaign for HMRC to supply work to staff in locations where they have been declared pre-surplus.

3. We liaise with the CCSU, national union and the DWP group on this issue.

Recommendations from GEC/400/09

1. That we continue negotiations on the basis that we remain opposed to compulsory loans and in light of the legal opinion so far received in relation to the department’s breach of individual contracts;

2. That members in Newton Abbott are advised to register grievances in order to protect their position whilst continuing to work in DWP posts, as outlined in BB/360/09;

3. That further face to face meetings are arranged with members in Newton Abbott to seek to explain the options to individual staff and to consider the wishes of individual members;

4. That discussions continue with the legal team in order to firmly establish the rights and possible remedies for individuals refusing to transfer to the DWP;

5. That we continue to liaise with the council of civil service unions (CCSU) and the national union in relation to the situation in Newton Abbott and the extent to which available remedies might impact on

6.4.2 Contracts – GEC/391/09

DGS Boniface introduced the above paper and reported that the official side had delayed initiating the contracts which should have taken place by 1 October 2009. After a full discussion, it was agreed that a branch briefing would be issued and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. The issue is highlighted at the forthcoming regional branch secretary/organiser events, and the extent to which members are prepared to take action over and above a ban on overtime is considered;

2. The feedback from these meetings is considered by the
campaigns committee and a recommendation on campaigning activity and related industrial action is made to the December meeting of the GEC.

6.4.3 Pacesetter in HMRC – verbal report

AGS Ryan gave a verbal report on the above subject. He reported that a meeting had taken place with the OS and issues would be taken forward on two basis. He hoped that by December GEC meeting he would be able to give a fuller report on progress. On the subject of monitoring, a more comprehensive report would be made to the December GEC meeting. The report was noted.

6.4.4 Processing update

The above paper was deferred to the December GEC meeting.

6.4.5 Reduced opening hours and job cuts in F2F – GEC/367/09

AGS Coldbeck presented the above papers. She gave a full report on the current situation with regards to face to face plans to cut staff and reduce opening hours in the enquiry centres around UK. It was agreed that a letter be issued to members seeking their support with regards to the campaign against the cuts. The following amended recommendations were agreed.

1. oppose the plans

2. campaign against the service reductions and job cuts with MPs, decision makers, National Pensioners Convention and other interested parties.

3. Refer this to the Campaigns Co-ordinator and Campaigns committee to consider the best methods to progress this campaign, and how the GEC can assist local Branches and members in opposing the cuts.

The deputy group secretary pointed out that the CEO Lesley Strathie would be in front of a PAC regarding the service provided to the Aged on the 2 December 2009.

6.4.6 Protocol agreement with NI civil service – GEC/364/09, GEC/393/09

The president reminded the meeting of the in confidence tag attached to the paper. AGS McFadden updated the meeting on the draft protocol agreement between HMRC and the NI Civil Service. After a full discussion, the meeting agreed that the decision be deferred to the December GEC meeting.

6.4.7 People function ‘transformation’ – GEC/392/09

AGS McFadden introduced the above paper. The meeting agreed that Fiona Staff and Clive Bryant should be added to cover Worthing. The recommendation contained in the above paper was agreed.

1. That the GEC agree the negotiating teams and that we
inform members and the Official Side of these arrangements.

6.4.8 Proposed privatisation of welfare – GEC/366/09, GEC/395/09

AGS McFadden presented the paper on proposed privatisation of welcome and the following recommendations agreed as outlined in the paper.

1. That we establish a negotiating team to deal with the Official Side consisting of the AGS for the People Function, Dominic McFadden plus Mike Dawson and Martyn Mellis (members working with welfare). (See also GEC/392/09 on the People Function)

2. That we liaise with our PCS colleagues in the DWP Group and in other groups where similar privatisation is threatened in furthering our campaign.

3. That the GEC endorse the action taken thus far in opposing this proposed privatisation.

6.4.9 Business driven development programme GEC/390/09

AGS Rathborne introduced the above paper and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. That the GEC agrees to the tax professional development training policy.

2. That the GEC disagree the temporary promotion policy for the BDDP.

3. That we propose that promotions should be substantive on appointment

4. That we disagree the policy on failure to pass a TPQ unit.

6.4.10 Professionalism in HMRC – GEC/396/09

AGS McFadden presented the above paper with proposals to establish a working group to keep abreast of developments in HMRC. After a full discussion the following amended recommendations were agreed.

1. That we establish a working party to put proposals to the December GEC on the skills agenda in HMRC.

2. That the working party consist of the following:
Dominic McFadden
Margi Rathbone
Mark Leopard
Helen Watkins
Steve Ryan
Cath Coldbeck
Tony Walsh
Es Chorlton from the PCS Learning Committee
For other GEC members as follows:
John Atkinson, Dee Luxford, Fiona Staff, Linda Thomas
President or Vice President.
Regional learning co-ordinator (Mark Leopard and Tony Walsh to establish )

6.4.11 Professionalising operation delivery (POD) – no paper issued.

This subject was incorporated into GEC/390/09 at item 6.4.9.

6.4.12 Security guards at Bootle and East Kilbride – GEC/382/09

AGS Bevan briefed the committee on the current position with regards to security guards at Bootle and East Kilbride. After a full discussion, it was agreed that the group president, AGS Fairless and GS Lockhart give guidance. The following recommendation contained in the paper was agreed.

1. To note this report, and endorse the actions taken.

6.4.13 No core time arrangements at Hawbank Road – GEC/385/09

AGS Bevan introduced the above paper and the following recommendations were
agreed.

1. That the GEC note and endorse agreement of this dispute
as proposed above

2. That a branch briefing be issued to report this to the membership

6.4.14 Parking for disabled members of staff – verbal update

AGS Bevan updated the committee with regards to parking for disabled members of staff. He had hoped to have had a draft policy to issue to the GEC for comment, but ESS was still consulting with HMRC solicitors office on this issue.

A brief discussion followed, centreing around identification of interested parties that would need to be consulted.

AGS Bevan undertook to circulate the draft policy for comments as soon as possible, and to ensure that all relevant parties were included in this circulation. This was noted by the committee.

6.4.15 DMTC Expansion - Update on industrial dispute – GEC/403/09

AGS Wesley updated the committee on the industrial dispute. A short discussion took place and the following amended recommendations were agreed.

1. That the GEC agrees to cover the T&S costs.

2. That the GEC agrees to defer a decision regarding the status of the industrial dispute with Glasgow, Manchester and Southampton DMB offices until after the meeting of DMTC reps.

6.4.16 DWP/HMRC Joint debt working – GEC/398/09

AGS Wesley introduced the above paper and updated the committee on the above project where ministerial approval had been given for DWP and HMRC to proceed with a number of initiatives as outlined in the above paper. A full debate ensued and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. The GEC agrees that AGS Wesley together with Helen McFarlane and Marianne Owens will lead for the group on discussions regarding the DWP/HMRC Joint Debt Working Project

2. The GEC also agrees that reps from the Cumbernauld and Shipley branches should be consulted regarding the project

6.4.17 LBS HO project – GEC/408/09

AGS Leopard introduced the above paper outlining the terms of reference for the LBS HO project. A brief discussion took place and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. Meet with LBS management regarding implementation and
report back to December GEC.

2. Involve Margi Rathbone in talks where appropriate

6.4.18 Use of private debt collection agencies (DCAs) within HMRC GEC/407/09

AGS Wesley briefed the meeting with regards to the use of private debt collection agencies within HMRC. He also informed the committee that in November the evaluation of the DCA pilot was scheduled to commence. A full debate took place and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. That the GEC agrees to defer a decision regarding proceeding
with an industrial action ballot in respect of the DCA pilot within DMB until the outcome of the pilot evaluation is known. A Branch Briefing to be issued explaining this decision and the reasons behind it.

2. The GEC agrees that further efforts should be made to
obtain comprehensive details of DMB members within the Group. It therefore mandates AGS Wesley to liaise with the Membership, Organising & Learning Committee regarding how best to achieve this.

6.5 Industrial relations

6.5.1 LBS Flexitime – GEC/405/09

AGS Leopard introduced the draft copies of a proposed new flexible working hours (FWH) agreement and sought comments from the GEC by the 16 October. The meeting agreed the following recommendations.

1. Papers are issued to LBS TUS for comment

2. GEC and LBS TUS have until 16 October to make comments

3. A BB will be issued asking for feedback before agreement is
considered.

The group president confirmed the policy of no detriment to any FWH national framework be adhered to.

6.5.2 TUS Representation in ESS – GEC/381/09

AGS Bevan presented the above paper. After a short debate the following amended recommendations were agreed.

1. That the GEC agrees the attached constitution for an ESS TUS
Committee subject to that committee being elected by the GEC

2. That a BB is issued to publicise the constitution and call for
elected volunteers for the committee.

6.6 R&C Organisational issues

6.6.1 Branch secretary/organiser training event – GEC/349/09

The above paper was noted.

6.6.2 DGS and AGS portfolios and work allocations updated – GEC/343/09

DGS Boniface presented the above paper with additional points. The recommendation contained in the paper was agreed as follows.

1. GEC agrees the changes to AGS portfolios detailed in the paper.

AGS McLean to cover the new Excise, Customs, Stamps and Money directorate.

6.6.3 SRGS conference – GEC/345/09

GS Lockhart introduced the above paper regarding nominations and submissions of motions for the support and related grades section conference to be held on 25/26 November 2009 in Folkestone. Discussions surrounded the motions which were received and the recommendations outlined in the paper.

The following motions were agreed to be put forward (with suitable amended wording) to the SRGS conference:

1. This conference notes that there is still significant pay disparity within the Support Grades group and that the Department has effectively reneged upon its commitments from the 2005/7 pay agreement with regard to pay progression.

The nature of support grades duties is broadly the same irrespective of experience or time in post. Therefore conference instructs the GEC to:

• Negotiate for considerably shorter pay scales – with an ultimate aim of a single rate of pay for the job; and
   
• Take forward a legal challenge in relation to pay progression – as per emergency motion 15 which was carried at the 2009 Group conference

2. This conference is pleased to note that the proposed privatisation of in-house security earlier this year was withdrawn, and recognises that this was due in no small part to the strength of the reaction and vigorous campaigning by members and officers of PCS.

However, in his responses to questions put by members’ MPs and elsewhere in public for a, the Minister made it very clear that the privatisation process has been suspended rather than withdrawn.

Therefore, conference urges the GEC to maintain vigilance and remain ready to counter what may lie ahead, rather than repeat the slow start to campaigning which we saw last time. The GEC must keep members informed of all developments as they occur and seek membership involvement in a campaign at the earliest possible opportunity.

We should be prepared for a tough fight. We need be in no doubt that HMRC will not repeat the mistakes that it made in the process last time. PCS too must ensure that it takes lessons from last time and runs a more effective and decisive campaign next time.

3. The last 12 months has seen many sites where in-house security staffing levels have been reduced to the point where it is impossible to provide adequate cover without:

• Exceeding target hours;
• Depending on excessive overtime; or
• Importing external, often inadequate guards from private suppliers.

This conference instructs the GEC to carry out an immediate review of staffing levels at all sites where our members carry out security guarding to ensure that in-house provision is adequate to provide full cover without compromise to the welfare of support grade colleagues or to the safety of those colleagues and businesses whom they protect.

4. That this conference requests that the incoming executive committee pass on their congratulations to the security officers, headquarters and branch activists who successfully fought off the threat of privatisation, and to publicise this success to all members.

The 19 sites fought with a united front and as a result the privatisation has been postponed. This shows what can be achieved by standing together and campaigning effectively.

Thanks should be passed onto all members who showed support for these officers during this difficult time.

After a comprehensive debate, the following delegates were nominated by vote and the recommendations agreed.

Gerald McAlpine, Billy Gray, Rory Hill, Gerald Thomas.

The following nominations for the conference were agreed:

Trainee delegates
Asad Khan Shipley
Gerald Thomas Worthing

SRGS executive committee
Stephen Mason Shipley

Editorial board
Gerald McAlpine Greater Manchester

Treasurer
Gerald McAlpine Greater Manchester

AGS Boniface suggested that in future it would be helpful if members would submit election addresses.

The group president asked that in future years a fuller explanation of the role of the SRGS be made to the GEC before decisions are made.

6.6.4 2010 Group conference - SOC report no 1 – GEC/331/09

NO Edwards presented the above paper which was fully discussed. Concerns were raised with regards to the size of print being made large enough for all in newspaper format. NO Edwards said that he would explore the possibility of larger print size for the report and said that the report would be on the TUS website to allow those with visual impairment to access it in a number of formats. AGS Coldbeck asked that the notification circular highlight the alternative format available. After a long discussion, the following recommendations were agreed.

1. That we produce SOC Report No.1 (motions booklet) in its current form for branch secretaries, branch delegates, GEC members and full time officers.

2. That we produce SOC Report No.1 (motions booklet) in a tabloid newspaper format purely for circulation amongst members and for use at local branch mandating meetings.

3. That we communicate our decision to AGS Baugh.

6.6.5 Learning agreement issues – GEC/410/09

AGS Leopard presented the above paper which was agreed by the committee.

1. AGSs to agree with their Directors GSI and Internet Access for
ULR’s in their areas
2. To update GEC on progress on 100PS Learning Centre

3. Issue Learning at Work Day BB

4. GECLO’s to contact branches and encourage them to take part in
LAWD

6.7 Equalities

6.7.1 EXCOM diversity champions – GEC/406/09

AGS Leopard updated the meeting on the EXCOM diversity champions and the following recommendations were agreed.

1. Report on meetings to be presented to December GEC

2. BB to be issued

6.7.2 Young members’ event – paper removed from the agenda – taken at August GEC

6.7.3 GEC Monitoring form – verbal report

AGS Coldbeck stated that individuals should refrain from starting the on-line disability course until January 2010 and further advice will be given. She further stated that she would approach Kim Burridge regarding funding. It was noted that the monitoring forms would be completed by the Advisory Committees as well.

6.7.4 HMRC’s Diversity delivery plan - C Coldbeck and M Leopard – GEC/373/09

AGS Coldbeck updated the committee on the revised final version of HMRC’s diversity delivery plan 2008-11. She informed the meeting that she would like feedback from the GEC and any concerns should be sent to the equality chairs so that issues can be taken up directly. After a full discussion with paper was noted.

6.8 For noting

6.8.1 BAMAC meeting 14.7.09 – GEC/389/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.2 Equality report - GEC/404/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.3 Submission of EQIA of talent management - GEC/363/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.4 DTUS representatives 2009/10 - GEC/342/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.5 UKBA minutes of group Whitley committee 13.8.09 – GEC/354/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.6 UKBA minutes of group Whitley committee 26.8.09 – GEC/377/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.7 UKBA – future group organisation – GEC/365/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.8 Staff in post figures – September 2009 – GEC/362/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.9 Campaigns committee minutes - 27 July 2009 - GEC/355/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.10 Campaigns committee minutes -19 August 2009 – GEC/356/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.11 CCP minutes, 8 July 2009 – GEC/376/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.12 Efficiency and value for money (E&VfM) – GEC378/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.13 BT consultation agreement – GEC/369/09 - moved from 6.4.18

The paper was noted.

6.8.14 Developments in IMS – project quantum and appraisal
GEC/384/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.15 Minutes of the Finance committee held on 7 July 2009
GEC/339/09

The paper was noted.

6.8.15 Heath & Safety Advisor Teams – GEC/409/09

The paper was noted.

7. Any other urgent business

The group president congratulated John Davidson on his forthcoming marriage and, together with the executive committee, wished him well. He presented him with a card from the GEC.

He also took the opportunity to remind all members present to ensure that they complete their equality forms and returned them to Mark Leopard.

GS Lockhart informed the committee that Cathy Cross was successful at her recent interview for the post as policy officer in the general secretary’s office. He conveyed his congratulations and that of the GEC on her appointment in her new job and wished her well. He further informed the committee that Diane Ebanks and Tony Walsh had both been appointed temporary Negotiation officers in HQ1 until further notice.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 5 pm.