10 March 2022

What's on? 14 March - 20 March

Next week, we enter the final week of our national ballot - so please vote. And PCS is running a series of courses to become a learning advocate for PCS Digital. If you're looking to get more involved in your union then these are the courses for you.

Make sure you vote

PCS is currently consulting members on our national approach to pay and pensions in 2022.  You should already have received a ballot paper to your personal email address (where we have it) from pcs@cesvotes.org.uk (if you haven’t received a ballot, then check your spam folder) or by post where we don't (you can still vote online using the codes in your postal ballot paper). The ballot closes on MONDAY 21 MARCH 2022. Not had a ballot? You can check the personal email address we have for you by registering for PCS Digital or contacting membership@pcs.org.uk

PCS strike ballot over Ofsted forced return to offices

CS has informed Ofsted that we are balloting our members over its plans to impose a requirement that its offices are 60% occupied by staff every working day.

The ballot period will run from Tuesday, 15 March to Tuesday, 5 April. This is a postal ballot, so it is really important that members have the correct postal address registered with PCS.

It is so important that members:

  1. Make sure they have an up to date personal email address and phone number registered with PCS. You can do this via PCS Digital.
  2. Speak to fellow members and colleagues about why you are voting in the ballot.
  3. Contact their local reps to discuss any queries or concerns. You can find their details on PCS Digital.

Become a Learning Advocate for PCS Digital

PCS is launching a training programme for Union Learning Reps (ULRs), encouraging them to become a Learning Advocate for PCS Digital, the union's membership system, and help build the union's organising capacity.

The first two training sessions will be on Monday, 14 March. ULRs interested in attending one of these sessions can register using the links below (you will need to log in to PCS Digital to register):

Each one-hour session will include training on the digital tools themselves, as well as how to deliver this training to local reps. Tools covered will be: how to register for PCS Digital and how to update members' personal communication details. To support the PCS national ballot during its final week, the session will also include training on how to use the 'voting' app and to make calls on PCS Call Hub. 

Your chance to win an i-Pad!

PCS in HMRC is encouraging all members to log onto PCS Digital to check their personal information is accurate and up to date. This includes your:

All HMRC members who have used the PCS Digital website to check and/or update their details by Monday, 21 March 2022 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a 2021 Apple i-Pad 10.2” tablet (9th generation). If you have already registered for PCS Digital, and need help in checking and updating your personal details, a three-minute video guide is available here.

Health and Safety Reps Part 1 - Eastern, London and the South East, South West

14 March - 28 March: 10am - 4pm

Everyone has the right to a safe workplace. Every employer has a duty not to make us ill as a result of going to work. Trade unions have worked hard to deliver the comprehensive health and safety legislation that the UK workforce enjoys. However governments and employers try to undermine the gains we’ve made. This course will help you mount campaigns to ensure PCS members have protection from stress-inducing, presentee-ism fixated employers…through a strong, well organised union.

Welcome to PCS - Midlands

14 March - 21 March: 10am - 1pm

This course is aimed at members who are new to the union and interested in getting involved in union activity. This introductory short course will give a flavour of what trade unions do, the role of trade unions in society and what it means to be an active member of PCS. The course is open to any member of PCS

Become a Learning Advocate for PCS Digital 

14 March: 5pm - 6pm

Learn the skills to become an advocate for PCS Digital, the union's membership system, and help build the union's organising capacity.
This one hour session will include training on the digital tools themselves, as well as how to deliver this training to local reps. Tools covered will be: how to register for PCS Digital and how to update members personal communication details.

Become a Learning Advocate for PCS Digital 

14 March: 12pm - 1pm

Learn the skills to become an advocate for PCS Digital, the union's membership system, and help build the union's organising capacity.

This one-hour session will include training on the digital tools themselves, as well as how to deliver this training to local reps. Tools covered will be: how to register for PCS Digital and how to update members personal communication details.

Handling Complex Issues - North West, Northern, Yorkshire and Humberside, Eastern, London and South East, Midlands and South West

15 March - 29 March: 9:30am - 4pm

This course is aimed at more experienced reps. It focuses on conduct and discipline, bullying/harassment, discrimination, attendance and ‘efficiency’ issues - and explores ways of collectivising issues (bargaining for better agreements and policies, and the organising and campaigning work needed to support that). You will also look at the deadlines and procedures required to protect any members’ legal position.

Advocates 2 - Eastern, London and the South East

17 March: 12pm - 1pm

The aim of this session is to continue to develop the skills of union advocates who have begun to carry out the role and to give them confidence in talking to members to help build the union. 
You must have completed the initial Advocates 1 session.

Health and Safety Reps Part 1 - Eastern, London and the South East, South West

17 March - 31 March: 10am - 4pm

Everyone has the right to a safe workplace. Every employer has a duty not to make us ill as a result of going to work. Trade unions have worked hard to deliver the comprehensive health and safety legislation that the UK workforce enjoys. However governments and employers try to undermine the gains we’ve made. This course will help you mount campaigns to ensure PCS members have protection from stress-inducing, presentee-ism fixated employers…through a strong, well organised union.

Mentoring New Reps and Advocates - Cymru/Wales and the South West

18 March - 25 March: 10am - 1pm

You can’t do it all, and you won’t always be around. Vital to building a strong union branch is ensuring others will carry on your good work. This short course explores succession-planning; identify keen new reps and advocates; support their development as trade unionists; and ensure the health of the union for many years to come.

Register with PCS Digital to book yourself on to an upcoming course

PCS courses and events are now being listed on PCS Digital. To be able to view and reserve spaces for upcoming events you'll need to log in to PCS Digital. If you have not yet registered for PCS Digital, please do so here.

Get in touch

Check out our events page, PCS Digital, or contact your local rep or regional office to find out what’s going on this week and in the coming weeks.

Let us know what your group or branch is planning so we can publicise it in our weekly round-up. Email web@pcs.org.uk

Stay informed by updating your details securely online by registering for PCS Digital