J Atkinson, D Bean, L Bevan, G Binks, S Boniface, J Brooke, N Buller, C Coldbeck, J Coote, T Coxon, J Davidson, K Eaton, D Ebanks, C Edwards, K Fairless, P Harrington, J Hogg, S Ion, B Lawn, M Leopard, M Lewis, P Lockhart, D Luxford, A Mason, M McCabe, D McFadden, H McFarlane, K McHugh, A McLean, M Menear, L Merry, M Owens, L Priestley, M Rathbone, Steve Ryan, K Slough, K Taylor, L Thomas, P Tillyer, R Tyrrell, T Walsh, H Watkins, H Wesley.
Visitors: B Sneddon, C Herbert, T Edwards, P Windsor, M Doolin.
25 February 2010
D Bean, L Bevan, G Binks, S Boniface, J Brooke, N Buller, C Coldbeck, J Coote, T Coxon, C. Craig, J Davidson, H Drummond, K Eaton, D Ebanks, C Edwards, K Fairless, P Harrington, J Hogg, S Ion, B Lawn, M Leopard, M Lewis, P Lockhart, D Luxford, A Mason, M McCabe, D McFadden, H McFarlane, K McHugh, A McLean, M Menear, L Merry, M Owens, L Priestley, M Rathbone, S Ryan, K Slough, K Taylor, L Thomas, P Tillyer, R Tyrrell, T Walsh, H Watkins, H Wesley.
Visitors: B Sneddon, C Herbert, T Edwards, P Windsor, M Doolin.
1. Apologies
24 February: H Drummond, Jackie McWilliams, Lynda Priestley, F Staff.
25 February: J Atkinson, Jackie McWilliams, Lynda Priestley, F Staff.
The president opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present to the meeting. He also stated that due to a number of AGMs that are being held at this time, a number of GEC members had tendered their apologies of being late for the meeting but would be present in the afternoon.
He thanked GEC members for making the earlier start and stated that the meeting will finish before 3 p.m. on the Thursday. He also conveyed the NEC’s appreciation to the committee for agreeing to the change in times to their meeting in order that the NEC may be able to meet to discuss the results of the recent ballot and to take advice on the CSCS issues.
The president also welcomed representatives from the advisory committees and informed them that they were welcomed to address the GEC and join in on the discussions but will not be able to vote.
The president then welcomed Catherine Craig, who will be taking over from Andy Thomas.
The president also welcomed Nick McCarthy, the senior national officer, in charge of industrial department unit 1, which comprises the Revenue & Customs Group.
Nick McCarthy stated that he had been an activist for over 20 years and general secretary of AMO from which he came. He gave a brief overview of the senior management review and of the fact that there is a new management structure for the PCS, which included better use of resources. There has been a reduction in SNO from 19 to 11, two bargaining areas and NOs have been increased from 18 to 26 The senior managers have been meeting regularly from June 2009. There are resources in place whereby there will be industrial officers and there will be a training process, which also will include training on the commix system. NOs will be responsible for the day to day running of each of their group. There will be the tax justice campaign and a recruitment programme whereby temporary staff will fill permanent posts. He also stated that the results of the ballot regarding the CSCS is vital and quite important for PCS for a ‘yes’ vote to industrial action. He then asked for support from the GEC to this.
The president thanked Nick for coming and addressing the GEC.
3.1 Meeting held on 2/3 December 2009 (GEC/042/10)
The above record of decisions was noted and agreed.
3.2 Special meeting held on 26 January 2010 (GEC/034/10)
The above record of decisions was noted and agreed.
The president then asked that both sets of record of decisions be placed on the PCS website.
None
5.1 Finance report
Group treasurer Brooke, apologised for not producing a paper on the accounts and gave a verbal report on the current financial position. She stated that the final accounts showed an underspend of £42,000, which was as a result of new procedures in place, such as reduction in signatories and AGSs better aware of their budgets. There were still some December claims coming in, which will be offset against 2010.
The GEC agreed that the group treasurer could clear the audited accounts at the finance committee without bringing it back to the GEC.
The report was noted.
6.1.1. HMRC pay (GEC/062/10)
Group secretary Lockhart presented the paper and updated the committee on the current pay position. There had been a number of meetings and another was scheduled for 3 March and, there were still a number of outstanding items to be dealt with.
At this point, the group secretary informed the committee that negotiations officer, Andy Thomas had moved over to take up a position as group secretary for the Met Police and that Catherine Craig will take over from Andy. Catherine will be sharing the duties of pay with Jason Hogg.
The group secretary asked that the committee agree the recommendations and the proposed motion to conference.
The report was noted.
1. That the GEC note this pay strategy update;
2. That the attached pay motion is submitted in the name of the GEC
The recommendations were agreed.
That this GDC condemns the move made by HMRC on 10 September 2009 to force PCS into the position of having to accept the pay award on offer for 2009/10 and 2010/11 or risk having that offer withdrawn. Conference notes that such a threat remains unprecedented across the civil service and by so doing HMRC further damaged the goodwill that exists amongst its own staff at a time when it should be particularly conscious of raising morale and rewarding loyal, hardworking staff.
Conference further condemns the failure of the department to mount a serious bid for additional funding under the efficiencies/remit guidance and regards this as a further missed opportunity which the department should have taken to demonstrate its commitment to its own staff.
Conference regards the implementation of the pay award for the period 2008-2011 to run directly contrary to the guarantees of pay progression in minimum periods given as part of the previous pay agreement, and therefore that HMRC has chosen to break the fundamental commitment which encouraged many members to accept the previous agreement.
Conference condemns the use of the top bonus system for rewarding staff, believing that PCS members would rather see a pay system based on fairness and transparency rather than founded on demonstrable inequity and unfairness.
Conference notes that the next round of formal pay negotiations is due to commence in readiness for a settlement for 2011/12 but that a number of outstanding issues need to be addressed for 2010/11.
Conference therefore instructs the incoming GEC:
The proposed motion to conference was agreed.
6.1.2 Legacy pay issues (GEC/074/10)
Deputy group secretary Boniface presented the paper and highlighted the issues listed in the letter to him from Lesley Miles, and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations set out therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.1.3 VOA pay - update (GEC/VOAC/008/10)
Deputy president Binks presented the paper and updated the GEC on the current position of the VO pay. Deputy president Binks informed the GEC that the VOAC had held workshops to deal with pay, cuts and CSCS and decided to submit the VO pay claim early the following week. There were still 22 age related cases in the VO that are outstanding.
Deputy president Binks then asked that the GEC endorsed the decisions made by the VOAC and to submit their pay motion to conference.
This was endorsed and agreed.
6.2.1 Workforce change - office closures/jobs campaign update (GEC/060/10 & GEC/067/10)
Group secretary Lockhart presented the papers and updated the GEC. He highlighted Richard Murphy’s report and asked for GEC’s comments to be sent by e-mail to negotiations officer Ebanks and asked that the recommendations be agreed.
The recommendations were agreed.
It was further recommended:
That the motion is submitted in the name of the GEC.
That this GDC condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision taken by HMRC to announce the formal closure of 127 offices with the subsequent loss of over 1600 further jobs. Conference confirms its categorical opposition to HMRC’s job cuts and office closure programme, believing that the job cuts programme is politically motivated, based on arbitrary and ultimately unworkable assumptions.
Conference applauds the work of local branch representatives and activists in supporting PCS members through the recent job cuts and office closure programme announcements and its aftermath, recognising the unstinting support which members at all levels have given to local and national campaigning efforts over a sustained period to save jobs and offices.
Conference believes that HMRC is failing to deliver a consistently reliable public service. Nobody outside the government believes that HMRC is now able to deliver a demonstrably better public service with fewer and fewer resources. Academics, tax professionals and members of the tax-paying public have formed the view that HMRC has embarked on an ill-advised programme of unsustainable cuts at a time, in economic terms, when more investment in efficient tax collection is required not less. This in turn is leading to unprecedentedly low levels of staff morale. The perception of HMRC as a failing department is in nobody’s interests, least of all to PCS and its members.
Conference believes that resources should instead be invested into collecting outstanding debt, closing the tax gap, and concentrating on delivering a quality public service, rather than continuing to pursue a programme of job cuts in a period of economic recession. The programme of job cuts and office closures should be suspended, and a review of the impact of cuts to date should be undertaken.
Through a series of agreements reached in 2008 nationally and departmentally, and as a result of direct campaigning, we have so far defended members against compulsory redundancy and forced moves beyond reasonable daily travel, as well as staving off the worst effects of privatisation. In addition, the firm threat that we will engage in the immediate mobilisation of members to take action in the event of compulsory redundancies or compulsory moves beyond RDT has so far dissuaded the department from offering anything other than voluntary severance packages. Conference recognises that members were nevertheless placed in the unacceptable position where the only real choice for many was acceptance of a voluntary severance package.
There is no doubt, however, that all departments, including HMRC and the VOA, will be expected to deliver services within impossibly tight budgetary constraints. It is not unreasonable to assume that the only way in which departments would be able to do this will be through a combination of making wholesale redundancies, compulsorily moving staff to offices beyond reasonable daily travel, compelling staff to move to other government departments, and privatising large areas of work currently undertaken by HMRC.
Conference instructs the incoming group executive committee:
6.2.2 Civil service compensation scheme update (withdrawn, however, the CSCS will be discussed later on the agenda)
6.2.3 Tax justice survey (GEC/086/10)
Negotiations officer Walsh presented the paper and stated that a number of branches had not responded to the survey and he had asked GECLOs to assist in getting branches to send in their responses to Negotiations officer Ebanks, and asked that the GEC agree the recommendation therein.
That the GEC request the GECLOs whose branches have not yet responded to the tax justice survey advise them about the operation of the Teel and NPS in the offices they represent.
The recommendation was agreed.
6.2.4 National pensioners’ convention - pensioners’ parliament (GEC/058/10)
Assistant group secretary Fairless presented the paper and asked the GEC to agree the recommendation.
The GEC agrees to send two delegates to represent the group at this years pensioners parliament.
The recommendation was agreed.
6.2.5 Tax justice and jobs (GEC/088/10)
Negotiations officer Walsh presented the paper and gave an update.
The paper was noted.
6.3.1 Unauthorised access and unacceptable usage (GEC/083/10)
Assistant group secretary Watkins presented the paper, gave the GEC an update and asked them to agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.3.2 Travel and subsistence (GEC/081/10)
Assistant group secretary Watkins presented the paper, gave the GEC an update and asked them to agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.3.3 Remote and mobile guidance (GEC/070/10)
Assistant group secretary Leopard presented the paper and gave a brief update to the GEC. He stated that he will give a full update on negotiations at the next GEC.
The paper and report were noted.
6.3.4 Medical appointments - paper withdrawn
6.3.5 Unauthorised absence (GEC/083/10)
Assistant group secretary Watkins presented the paper, gave the GEC an update and asked them to agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.3.6 Conduct (GEC/069/10)
Assistant group secretary Leopard presented and gave a brief update to the GEC.
The paper and report were noted.
6.3.7 Northern Ireland issues (GEC/066/10)
Assistant group secretary Watkins presented the paper, gave the GEC an update and asked them to agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.1 Updated HMRC contact centres framework agreement (GEC/054/10)
Assistant group secretary Coldbeck presented the paper, gave a brief update and asked the GEC to agree the recommendations.
That the GEC
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.2 Reduced opening hours in face to face
Assistant group secretary Coldbeck gave a verbal update on the fact that there was no progress to report at present on shorter opening hours for enquiry centres/ However, she expected to hear further before the end of March and that she had a further meeting with Caroline Addison, head of face to face, which is scheduled for 25 March and would report more fully at the next meeting.
The verbal report was noted.
6.4.3 Professionalism in HMRC (GEC/57a/10)
Assistant group secretary McFadden presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that the recommendation for the motion to be agreed.
That the GEC submit the following motion to Revenue & Customs group conference 2010.
That this GDC notes the intention of HMRC to professionalise in all areas of its work as part of the governments’ skills agenda.
At present it is the department’s intention that everyone in HMRC will be in one of the professions.
The largest profession in the civil service and HMRC will be operational delivery. This will affect the bulk of our members as it will cover about 50,000 working in contact centres, processing and others with face to face contact with the public, for example, DMB and TEEL.
The tax profession, which includes 19,000 people, working in enforcement & compliance, benefits and credits, CAR, business taxes, LBS and criminal investigation, is well advanced. The tax professionalism team, who lead on developing the profession, has worked to involve the TUS in the introduction of the new tax professional qualifications (TPQs) and their external accreditation, along with the development of the related policies.
Conference welcomes the potential benefits and opportunities this initiative could offer our members, if properly resourced. However, conference is also aware that there are potential risks for our members in the professionalism agenda.
Conference instructs the GEC to negotiate with HMRC to ensure the following:
The recommendation and motion to conference were agreed.
6.4.4 Regional postrooms - motion 103 protocol (verbal update)
Assistant group secretary Bevan gave a verbal update to the GEC.
6.4.5 Transfer of staff from Xafinity Paymaster to HMRC (GEC/028/10)
Assistant group secretary Bevan presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
For the GEC to take expert advice on issues arising from the TUPE transfer as necessary
To agree that PCS members transferring from XP to HMRC be represented by R&C South London Direct Taxes branch.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.6 Text production - proposals from ESS (GEC/047/10)
Assistant group secretary Bevan presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendation.
That he arrange a meeting of representatives of the branches involved, in a location convenient for all, to brief them about ESS plans and gauge support for alternative action.
The recommendation was agreed.
6.4.7 Disabled parking update (GEC/059/10)
Assistant group secretary Bevan presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendation.
That this GEC is pleased to note the substantial changes which have been made to this policy as a result of consultations with the DTUS. It regrets the refusal by ESS to agree to admit evidence from the member’s own representative, but agrees the revised policy, subject to a review in September 2010 of its operation.
The recommendation was agreed.
6.4.8 ESS security guards
Assistant group secretary Bevan gave an updated to the GEC stating that two sites had withdrawn the 24 hour security guard, which should go to the N.D.C. In East Kilbride discussions are ongoing.
The report was noted.
6.4.9 Green update (GEC/048/10)
Assistant group secretary Bevan presented the paper and gave an updated to the GEC.
The report was noted and endorsed.
6.4.10 Processing (GEC/079 & 080/10)
Assistant group secretary Ryan presented the papers, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
That the GEC agrees that the AGSs for CCD and CustOPS should
a) oppose any moves to reduce staffing in Processing as a result of first contact resolution (FCR);
b) argue that staffing levels in contact centres must be increased to meet the needs of FCR;
c) monitor phase two and subsequent phases very closely;
d) ensure that the training given to contact centre members on FCR fully meets their needs;
e) ensure that no changes are made to the grading of the work involved as a result of FCR.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.11 Pacesetter
Assistant group secretary Ryan updated the GEC stating that this had started to make progress nationally and the draft agreement is being looked at as they want everyone to have a say. He felt they are getting somewhere with this.
The report was noted.
Proposed GEC motion to group delegate conference on pacesetter
This group delegate conference (GDC) agrees that in order to protect members’ interests we need to secure an agreement with HMRC on the operation of pacesetter - including preparing for pacesetter. However, this is complicated by the differences in approach being adopted by individual directorates.
The GDC notes the substantial progress that has been made in implementing the decisions made by group conference 2009 to carry motion 94 and remit motion 95.
This GDC also notes the department’s commitment to improve employee engagement in response to the very poor results of the most recent staff survey. Progress towards achieving that can only happen if an agreement regarding pacesetter is reached.
This GDC believes that any agreement on pacesetter must include the following principles:
This group delegate conference instructs the GEC to seek an agreement with HMRC on the operation of pacesetter - including preparing for pacesetter, in line with the above principles and is consistent with high quality public services. In the event that an acceptable outcome is not achieved, the GEC is instructed to consult members on a programme of departmental industrial action which includes an overtime ban, a work to rule and where appropriate non-co-operation with practices which are unreasonable and detrimental to members.
The motion to conference was agreed.
6.4.12 DWP/HMRC joint debt working (GEC/075/10)
Assistant group secretary Wesley presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.13 Field force - DMB (GEC/071/10)
Assistant group secretary Wesley presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.14 Debt management telephone centre expansion (GEC/072/10)
Assistant group secretary Wesley presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendation.
The GEC agrees to convene a further meeting of DMTC reps to discuss the NDC submission from East Kilbride, Cumbernauld and Shipley
The recommendation was agreed.
6.4.15 DMB adding capacity (use of private debt collection agencies) (GEC/073/10)
Assistant group secretary Wesley presented the paper and updated the GEC.
The report was noted.
6.4.16 PDE objectives within DMB (GEC/055/10)
Assistant group secretary Wesley presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.4.17 Specialist investigation (SI) directorate update and consideration of LTUS consultation recommendation (GEC/045/10)
Assistant group secretary McLean presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.5.1 Facility time (GEC/061/10)
Deputy group secretary Boniface presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.5.2 Learning TUS (GEC/046/10)
Assistant group secretary McFadden presented the paper, updated the GEC and asked that they agree the recommendations therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.6.1 Motions to conference - GEC & VOAC (GEC/49a/10, GEC/082/10 & GEC/VOAC/008/10)
This was carried by 26 votes to 5 with 1 abstention.
Move to remove transitional rules from R&C group constitution
That this GDC agrees to delete transitional rules C1, C2, C3 and C4. Delete heading before transitional rule C4 ‘review’. Accordingly, renumber transitional rule C3A ‘C1’.
VO Pay Motion to R&C group conference
The VOAC also decided it wished to have the following motion on pay at the 2010 R&C conference
The VOAC/GEC has always done everything possible to improve the pay position of PCS members working in the VOA. This extends from negotiating vigorously and pushing the VOA to put in a serious case for pay money from efficiencies outlined in the PCS national agreement to leading industrial action.
The VOAC/GEC also recognises that the current economic and political climate might be a difficult environment to deliver pay improvements.
In order to increase the pressure on VO management, HMRC and the Treasury it is now necessary to escalate the PCS pay campaign to the next level.
This GDC instructs the VOAC/GEC
The VOAC/GEC must ensure that the VO pay campaign dovetails with campaigns across the R&C group as well as the national union
The VOAC/GEC must keep the VO pay position under constant review and consult with VO representatives and members regularly
The GEC agreed the recommendations and the motions to conference.
6.6.2 Trainee delegates (GEC/087/10)
President Bean presented the paper and asked the GEC to agree the recommendation therein.
That the GEC endorses the selection of trainee delegates and invite them to the R&C group annual delegate conference.
The recommendation was endorsed and agreed.
6.6.3 Involving young members in HMRC in PCS activity (GEC/056/10)
Assistant group secretary Coldbeck presented the paper and asked the GEC to agree the recommendations therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.6.4 Personal case working group - update and draft conference motion
(GEC/037/10)
Assistant group secretary McLean presented the paper and asked the GEC to agree the recommendation therein.
The GEC agree to the attached conference motion being submitted on behalf of this committee at GDC 2010.
That this GDC acknowledges the benefits and improvements achieved so far from following the instructions of this conference resolution by the formation of a personal case working group, as a sub-committee of, and responsible to, the Revenue & Customs group executive committee.
This conference welcomes, supports and congratulates this working group on the progress it has made to date in identifying training needs, highlighting skills needs and taking steps to meet those needs as a group-specific basis. Conference supports the work done to secure funds to address and meet those needs on an ongoing basis.
This conference recognises that the work done to establish a group-specific personal case handling course (and start to deliver it on a regional basis) has just begun. The work done to identify training needs for a complementary refresher course is also at an early stage. Conference recognises the input of this sub-committee to the PCS national drive to improve personal case handling skills and review of legal advice service.
This conference, therefore, instructs the GEC to ensure that:
The recommendation and motion to conference were agreed.
6.6.5 H&S - Midlands regional committee constitution (withdrawn)
6.6.6 Regional organisers and group organising action plan (GEC/467/09)
Negotiations officer Coote presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations therein
The recommendations were agreed.
6.6.7 Membership statistics and analysis (GEC/455/09)
Negotiations officer Coote presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.6.8 Funding for learning and training activities (GEC/084/10)
Negotiations officer Walsh presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations therein.
The recommendations were agreed.
6.6.9 Professional & managers’ association forum report (GEC/063/10)
Negotiations officer Coote presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the recommendations therein
The recommendations were agreed.
6.7.1 Equality motions to group conference (GEC/064/10)
Negotiations officer Coote presented the paper and asked that the GEC agree the motions therein to go to conference.
That this GDC notes that women are currently disproportionately affected by workforce change and office closures.
Conference does not believe that the EQIA process has been carried out correctly to date.
Conference therefore instructs the GEC to:
This motion was carried.
This R&C GDC notes HMRC’s new improved standing in the Stonewall workplace equality index (SWEI) 2010. This R&C GDC is concerned that the valuation office agency (VOA), whilst they did apply, did not reach the ‘top 100 employers’. HMRC’s position in the 2010 SWEI is 45, compared with 50 in 2009.
The SWEI is a yearly index, introduced in 2005, produced by the group Stonewall who campaign for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) rights. employers complete a self assessment questionnaire on an annual basis; from this their placing is calculated. The SWEI then provides ‘the top 100 employers for LGB people in Britain’.
This R&C GDC instructs the GEC to;
Ensure all HMRC and VOA managers complete the introduction to sexual orientation training (prospectus number 0011876), cascade the information to all staff, and have time allowed to complete the training.
Continue to actively represent trans PCS members, who are not monitored or campaigned for by Stonewall. Ensure these members are equally supported and in no way disadvantaged.
This R&C GDC instructs the GEC via the VOAC to;
Ensure the VOA becomes a Stonewall diversity champion in 2010 and subsequent years. Secure and maintain PCS involvement in the VOA SWEI application for 2011 and beyond. Provide a report to group conference in 2011 and subsequent conferences. This report will include (but not limited to) developments, work in progress and achievements in relation to the VOA and the SWEI.
If the VOA refuses to engage with the VOAC, the VOAC will raise its concerns at the highest appropriate level and begin a campaign to secure the objectives of this motion. This will take place no later than a month after the refusal or failure to engage and in any case within three months of this GDC.
This motion was carried.
As the motion in agenda item 6.6.1 re rule 7.24 was carried the following motion fell:
That this group delegate conference agrees to amend the Revenue & Customs group constitution so as to incorporate the Black and Asian members advisory committee, Disabled members advisory committee, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual with Transgender advisory committee and the Young Members advisory committee into rule along with the group Women’s advisory committee.
This GDC also agrees that to encourage full participation from all members and fully reflect the diversity of the membership of the group, the equality advisory committees should be elected by all members within the group in the same way as the GEC is elected.
This group delegate conference therefore agrees to:
Amend rule 6.10 to insert after the words “elections to the group executive committee (GEC)” “and the Black and Asian, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual with Transgender, Women’s, Disabled and Young Members’ Group Advisory committees”;
remove rule 7.24(d) “ten members of each Equality advisory committee”; and
re-number rule 7.24 (e) as 7.24(d).”
6.7.2 Group equalities plan (GEC/068/10) - carried over to the next meeting.
6.8.1 Government apprenticeship scheme (GEC/036/10)
The paper was noted.
6.8.2 Health & safety advisors update (withdrawn)
6.8.3 Equalities report (GEC/065/10)
The paper was noted.
6.8.4 EQIAs in HMRC - update (GEC/044/10)
The paper was noted.
6.8.5 Specialist investigation (GEC/045/10, taken under negotiating areas 6.4.17)
6.8.6 Criminal investigation (GEC/043/10)
The paper was noted.
6.8.7 Excise, customs, stamps and money - paper withdrawn
6.8.8 Welfare service in HMRC
The verbal report was noted.
6.8.9 Pacesetter in local compliance (GEC/077/10)
The paper was noted.
6.8.10 Tax professionalism business driven development programme in
local compliance (deferred to the next meeting)
6.9.1 Face to face zone reps - 7.12.09 (GEC/076/10)
The paper was noted.
6.9.2 CC regional chairs and secretaries - 19.11.09 (GEC/078/10)
The paper was noted.
6.9.3 Editorial board - 29.9.09 (GEC/421/09 - had already been noted previously)
The paper was noted.
6.9.4 Editorial board - 3.11.09 (GEC/446/09)
The paper was noted.
6.9.5 VOAC - 15.9.09 (GEC/VOAC/GEC/064/09
The paper was noted.
6.9.6 VOAC - 6.11.09 (GEC/VOAC/GEC/065/09
The paper was noted.
6.9.7 VOAC - 25.11.09 (GEC/VOAC/GEC/003/10
The paper was noted.
6.9.8 PCWG - 9.11.09 (GEC/039/10)
The paper was noted.
6.9.9 IRWG - 10.11.09 (GEC/038/10)
The paper was noted.
6.9.10 MAOL 27.1.10 (GEC/023/10) (deferred to the next meeting)
6.9.11 HR Sub-committee - 22.7.09 (GEC/032/10)
The paper was noted.
6.9.12 Corporate functions meeting - 17.11.09 (GEC/041/10)
The paper was noted.
Mary Doolin, is currently on secondment with PCS as UMF Equality Officer, attended the meeting to address the GEC regarding the pilot currently running within the North West area and DWP nationally. Mary outlined the aims of the project, advertised the new branch equality officer handbook and advised the GEC that training was available for reps on EQIA & Equality. Due to time constraints, it was agreed that Mary return to the next GEC meeting to deliver a more comprehensive presentation.
The president reiterated the importance of the forthcoming two-day industrial action and reminded the GEC that this takes priority over non essentials, which should be put to one side.
He expressed thanks and appreciation to the GEC for attending and wished them all a safe journey home.
The meeting adjourned at 2.50 p.m.