Monday afternoon after break session - DWP Group Conference

I had time to nip out for an ice cream. Again all motions are carried unless noted otherwise. 

A117 calls for implementation with safeguards of Mental Health First Aiders. 

A118 calls for training in use of extinguishers and scenario testing. 

EM2 calls for improved procedures following a stabbing incident in a Jobcentre. 

A119 calls for developing an acid attacks policy. 

A132 calls for a halt to office closures.

A140 calls for local consultations when office closures are proposed. 

A142 calls for opposition to privatisation of telephony & benefit delivery. 

A152 calls for a staffing campaign in Working Age Directorate. 

A157 calls for an enhanced specialist role for DEAs.

A158 calls for better training for staff for UC rollout. 

A159 calls for better training for team leaders. 

A160 calls for a halt to behaviour champions. 

And that’s it for today

Monday afternoon- DWP Group Conference

The afternoon session is starting. We carry on with motion. Again all carried unless stated otherwise. 

A74 calls for reduced workloads and regrading for Presenting Officers. 

A79 calls for an investigation into Work Coach Accreditation. 

A85 calls for scrutiny of  using an external learning company to deliver learning for NINO staff. 

EM9 calls for opposition to unpaid traineeships. 

A86 calls for improvements to apprenticeships & for recruitment to be permanent. 

A88 calls for more political freedom for DWP staff. 

A91 calls for better training and clarity about social media posts. 

A92 calls for a new fairer performance management system. 

A96 calls for better guidance for managers to support members who have been bereaved. 

A97 calls for better implementation of flexi time for telephony staff. 

EM4 calls for support for the welfare focussed attendance management policy. 

A110 calls for all disability related spells are disregarded even if a DETP is not in place. 

A111 calls for equality & diversity training for all staff. 

A113 calls for special leave to help support members who have children with mental health problems or undergoing gender reassignment. 

A114 calls for DWP to ensure that all departmental systems are compatible with assistive software. 

We now have a break. 

Monday morning DWP Group Conference

We are off. The conference started with some administration and moving the annual report and then we are straight on to the motions. All motions were carried unless otherwise noted. 

A1 calls for us to make more efforts to recruit more members. The GEC acknowledged the success of our branch in recruitment. We can still do better so please ask your colleagues to join PCS. 

A6 calls for UC to be suspended & for various improvements to social security benefits. 

A21 calls for protections for DWP staff  who claim UC themselves. 

A28 calls for STBA decisions are not made face to face as this could put our members in danger. 

A35 calls for more staff in CMG and a campaign on stress levels. 

A41 calls for a split into front office & back office functions in CMG. 

EM6 calls for a pay bid & a campaign to support the national pay campaign & plan of action. 

A58 calls for improvements in the quality of decision making in harassment, bullying & discrimination complaints. 

A68 calls for better safeguards to ensure that appeal managers are truly independent. 

Eve of Conference

Noel, Alan & I have arrived in Brighton & we are preparing for conference by listening to our PCS General Secretary, Mark Serwotka. I’ll keep you all posted on what is happening as the week progresses. 

May Day

PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch was well represented on the Leicester International Workers Day event. 

Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day took place on Saturday hosted by me on behalf of Leicester & District Trades Union Council. We remembered those who died or were injured at work and celebrated 40 years of Health & Safety reps having legal rights and powers. Remember the dead - fight for the living. 

NEC Elections

Ballot papers have arrived. 

The branch nominated & therefore recommends that you vote for Democracy Alliance candidates. 

The list is here.

You can, of course, vote for whoever you choose. But please, please, please, do cast your votes.