Royal Mail Courier Winter 2022

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WRITE

Courier, Linney Create, Adamsway, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4FW

The importance of looking to the future

Team, I am writing this note from the managers’ ‘Beyond’ event that we are hosting at the Midlands Super Hub in Northamptonshire.

It has been a great opportunity to share where we are going with over 7,000 managers, and a chance for them to see the Super Hub and the Royal Mail Academy for themselves.

I have visited here many times over the last year, and every visit is still a ‘Wow’ moment. The scale is breathtaking, never mind the technology.

If you ever want to visit, let us know, you would be more than welcome.

PRINTING

Acorn Web Offset Limited, Normanton WF6 1TW

MAILING

MAMS, 4 Middleton Grove, Leeds LS11 5BX

DISTRIBUTION

To notify HR of a change of address, employees should email HRSC.Personal.Data@royalmail.com or write to The HR Service Centre, Pond Street, Sheffield S98 6HR

Pensioners should write to: Pensions Services Centre, PO Box 5863, HRSC, Pond Street, Sheffield S98 6AB

ADVERTISING

To advertise in the next edition of Courier, email royalmailadvertising@linney.com for details of availability, suitability and rates. Courier is delivered to c.145,000 homes four times a year.

We have invested close to £1 billion in all our futures, and we now need to turn this investment into the long-term job security you all deserve.

And we will only do this by giving our current and future customers what they want. If we don’t, someone else will.

It has been a difficult six months, the atmosphere around us at the moment is not good.

Uncertainty everywhere. Anger. Fractured relationships. And unhappy customers.

But I am optimistic. Soon, we will be back working brilliantly together again, doing what we all enjoy doing.

Serving our customers, like only we know how.

Because ‘trust at the doorstep’ is what will always make us magical.

Merry Christmas

WE HAVE INVESTED CLOSE TO £1 BILLION IN ALL OUR FUTURES, AND WE NOW NEED TO TURN THIS INVESTMENT INTO THE LONG-TERM JOB SECURITY YOU ALL DESERVE.

TEAM Rachel Brennan –Editor at Royal Mail Damon Parkin –Editor at Linney Create

WINTER 2022/23 COVER

John Davies, of Parcelforce, photographed for Courier in Plymouth on 21 October 2022.

SIMON THOMPSON CEO Royal Mail

ROUND-UP

HELLO SISO

We’ve said goodbye to manual signing in and out and welcomed Scan In Scan Out (SISO) technology across our delivery estate.

Just what the customer ordered

We introduced Capture Photo on Delivery in January for Tracked non-signature items. Due to the service growing in popularity with our sending customers – because it gives them confidence their parcels have been delivered – the service will be extended for Tracked Signature and Special Delivery Guaranteed items at the end of January 2023. This will also include Age Verification and ID Verification products.

BE WINTER WISE Stay safe while driving in winter with tips from our Safety, Health and Environment team on the Make Safety Personal Workplace group.

Parcelforce bags an industry first

Use up or swap out

Ahead of our permanent transition to barcoded stamps, you have until 31 January 2023 to use your nonbarcoded Definitive stamps before they become invalid. Colleagues and customers can also swap their nonbarcoded Definitive stamps, of all values, for the equivalent in barcoded stamps – free of charge. Nonbarcoded Christmas stamps don’t need to be used up or swapped out –they will remain valid as postage.

STEPS TO ZERO

International Distributions Services has ranked ninth out of 90 companies at the World Benchmarking Alliance for our Steps to Zero strategy.

Customers posting an item will soon have the choice to reduce their carbon footprint thanks to Parcelforce’s new recycled content courier bag.

Derived from 84% recycled domestic waste, the bag has been designed to incorporate less ink consumption. The QR code allows sending and receiving customers to discover more about Steps to Zero, our ambitious journey to become net zero by 2040.

The bag is the first in the industry to have this 84% level of recycled content, with our closest competitors currently at 80%.

Spending smarter with MyBundle+

It can be difficult to keep track of exactly where and how much you can save with MyBundle+ because there are so many amazing offers. So, wouldn’t it be great if you received a notification every time you visited a retailer site offering a MyBundle+ discount? Well, now you can, thanks to the SmartSpending™ Browser Extension. To download the SmartSpending™ Browser Extension, go to the search bar on MyBundle+

and search ‘Discounts browser extension’. A downloadable link will appear. Once you’ve downloaded the extension, all you need to do is activate it, simply by signing in with your MyBundle+ details, and you’re good to go.

Every time you’re browsing and you come across a MyBundle+ discount retailer, you’ll be notified about how much you could be saving. The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

Online Safe Spaces

Royal Mail and crisis charity Hestia have developed an Online Safe Spaces portal, which provides support for victims of domestic abuse. This discreet service, which can be installed on corporate websites for free, helps abuse victims access support and advice, while leaving no internet history trace. The portal is live on royalmail.com and myroyalmail.com

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PEAK CONDITION

How the Postal Family Fund is transforming young lives.

The wheel story behind Kerry’s biking achievements.

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PAPER TRAIL

Exploring the history of Courier magazine.

ROUND-UP

New dimension in parcels

New large parcel conveyors in our Gatwick and South Midlands Mail Centres are helping us respond to the increase in bulky, heavier items flooding our network as online shopping habits change.

Each conveyor is designed to process around 3,000 large parcels per hour, at a weight of up to 30kg each –around the size of a microwave.

As well as reducing manual handling of potentially heavy and awkwardly shaped items, the conveyor is fitted with a dimension, weight and scanner system that generates more accurate data, supporting our revenue protection process and providing customers with more accurate tracking information.

Chief commercial officer Nick Landon says: “We’ve seen the size of parcels increasing by 10% each year over the past decade. Large parcel conveyors are among changes we’re making to accommodate larger parcels across our network.”

Gatwick and South Midlands were chosen as they process the most oversized parcels in our network.

These two new conveyors continue our automation drive. In July, we reached a milestone of 60% parcels automated – which has doubled within a year thanks to our additional parcel sorting machines and, now, the conveyors. The business is aiming for the industry standard of 90% parcels automated by 2023-24.

Royal Mail carries items weighing up to 30kg, with Parcelforce handling 30kg and above.

WATCH Scan the QR code to see South Midlands’ new conveyor in action.

COURIER CATCH-UP Browse previous issues at myroyalmail.com/ courier or by scanning the QR code. This edition will appear online around three weeks after it’s been delivered.

USING QR CODES

Use your smart device’s camera to scan codes throughout this edition of Courier for more features and interviews.

CROWN AWARDS

Crown your winner

As the Crown Awards draw to a close, it’s time to cast your vote and help reward a deserving colleague or team.

From one of our M6 drivers giving an avid onlooker a Royal Mail toy truck, to life-saving posties and those who answered their community’s call… the first-ever Crown Awards has had it all. Now it’s time for you to have the final say. Nine monthly winners or teams, plus a wildcard pick from the many other nominations made throughout the competition, are in the running to win a grand prize.

You have the chance to cast your vote in our poll running on Workplace – our communication and collaboration platform – to decide who, in your eyes, is the most deserving winner. There are runners-up prizes to be won too. So every vote counts.

The Crown Awards were launched through Workplace to celebrate the best of our business. They encouraged peer-to-peer nominations of individuals and teams across a number of categories, including going above and beyond, living our values and giving great service to customers.

Each month, a finalists’ poll between the nomination with the most ‘likes’ and the person – or team – nominated the most times determined the winner. They claimed an iPad, or £350 worth of shopping vouchers, while the runner-up collected a £50 voucher. Above all, though, it’s been the recognition from colleagues which has made our winners most proud.

One said: “I’d like to thank everybody who has taken the time to vote for me in the past two polls – I’m humbled by the support.”

Another reflected: “I’ve been listening to what people on Workplace and the people around me have been saying and it’s really helped to lift me.”

The competition was launched in March and there have been scores of Workplace nominations that recognise and celebrate the contribution Royal Mail people make to our organisation, their colleagues and the communities we serve.

The Crown Awards exist to celebrate the fantastic employees at Royal Mail and Parcelforce and give us the opportunity to showcase

their great work and the difference they make every day. The cash prize at the end of the year was designed to recognise the hard work and dedication of a person or team who was voted by their peers as having gone above and beyond. Despite our serious financial situation as a business and the recent implementation of cost control measures, we want to confirm that the Crown Awards will continue as planned.

We will honour the cash prize, which was ring-fenced earlier in the year, because it recognises the hard work and dedication of our nominees and reflects our company spirit.

Not yet on Workplace? Access your initial log-in credentials through the Workplace tile on the People App or, for more, visit myroyalmail.com/Workplace

SCAN TO VOTE This QR code takes you straight to the Crown Awards group on Workplace.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

Sunday people

“I didn’t know you delivered on a Sunday!” It’s 18 months since our iconic uniform was first spotted in communities across the UK on a Sunday morning – but it still manages to catch a few by surprise.

“We always have a laugh in the office because there’s still always one customer who remarks about it being a Sunday,” says Ramsgate Delivery Office postie Tom Payton. “They’re always pleased to see us because it means they’re getting their parcels a day earlier than they’re expecting. It’s the way the world is moving – towards seven-day services.”

A Sunday spent in Kent delivers insights into how our move to a seven-day service is enhancing the customer experience.

Ramsgate postie Tom Payton kicks off his Sunday shift.

Ramsgate is one of 13 parcel hubs making up the Medway pipeline, which is among the highest performing Sunday services in the country. Typically, the region will deliver an average of 8,000-plus of the 250,000 parcels we handle across the UK on a Sunday.

Customer operations manager Babatunde Adefila plays a key role in keeping the service running smoothly in the South East. His work begins on a Tuesday, when he gets the initial mail volume forecasts. He uses the plan to resource at each delivery hub, making sure there are enough colleagues to deliver the workload.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Scan the code for updates from our Sunday deliveries Workplace group.

On the day, he’s on hand to collaborate with representatives from all the sites to answer any questions and oversee the operation. If volumes end up being lower than expected, on-shift teams take the opportunity to get ahead on Monday’s workload. Sometimes Babatunde asks colleagues to work out of different offices to correct any imbalances between staffing and mail workloads.

“The planning aspect is crucial,” explained Babatunde. “If you don’t get this right, that’s when the whole process can fall over.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Babatunde Adefila oversees the Sunday operation.

“My role is to coach and support the sites because, as a team, we are determined to get the parcels out; there’s a level of pride in what we’re doing. My mantra is that every item has to be accounted for to give customers visibility throughout the pipeline.

“A seven-day service is the way the market is going and we have to be able to adapt to what our customers want.”

Ramsgate customer operations manager

Adrian Munteanu adds: “This service is becoming critical for our customers and, as a business, we have to be agile. It’s our frontline colleagues who are key to making this happen. They’re the ones out delivering for our customers on Sundays.”

Tom on his Ramsgate round.

CRITICAL MISSION

Tom’s a regular part of the core Sunday team in Ramsgate.

“It’s positive for people to see our vans out and about on a Sunday.”

The Sunday service began back in March 2021 with Tracked 24 items for high volume customers, as well as Covid-19 test kits being delivered to doorsteps. This was extended so smaller businesses could benefit too. A new Sunday product, launched in November, gives our business customers the option to have a Special Delivery Guaranteed item that’s posted on a Saturday delivered on a Sunday. This gives customers more options, including the ability to send higher value parcel contents that require added security during transit. Tracked 48 parcels are expected to be included next year.

“Shoppers are now expecting deliveries seven days a week and this has led to more online sellers providing these deliveries to compete in the market and grow their business,” says Royal Mail’s head of regional sales Yvonne Travers.

“Our ability to deliver this for our clients means we have been able to win more business with major brands and are increasingly able to help SMEs grow. We know our competitors will constantly look to improve their offering, which is why we need to continually improve quality and the services we can deliver on a Sunday.”

FIND OUT MORE

The story continues.

Scan the QR code to watch a Sunday shift in action.

Customer experience blooms

One customer thriving thanks to our ability to deliver seven days a week is Prestige Flowers.

Based in Halifax and offering floral gifts by post from its distribution site in Mansfield, the business has celebrated a decade of trading and has exceeded nine million deliveries across the UK.

On average, Royal Mail handles 84% of its deliveries.

“Believe it or not, Sundays are actually a more popular day for deliveries than Saturdays and so this is an incredibly important part of our business,” says head of sales and marketing Philip Crowther.

“We deliver twice as many gifts on Sundays than on Saturdays. Having Royal Mail supporting us with this strengthens our offering. Royal Mail is a 500-year-old business with a respected reputation giving us the might to deliver reliably to all four corners of the country. There are so many special occasions which fall on Sundays for our customers, and our marketing and advertising strategies are all geared around being able to deliver without charging a premium to our customers, which helps us to build a healthy business.”

Adrian Munteanu knows our business must adapt to compete.

A SEVEN-DAY SERVICE IS THE WAY THE MARKET IS GOING. WE MUST ADAPT TO WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS WANT.

For our new chief financial officer Angela Noon, the formula for transformation is about more than figures on a spreadsheet – it’s about us all coming together to drive the sustainable change we need to secure our future.

ANGELA NOON BEYOND NUM3ER5 THE

THE LAST 22 YEARS of Angela Noon’s career has been varied to say the least. She worked for Siemens AG – one of the world’s largest companies – having been divisional chief financial officer (CFO) in various sectors, and more recently as CFO and partner of next47, Siemens’ venture capital firm. So, some might question the appeal of moving to an entirely new industry. But, for Angela, the pull was all in the brand.

“The love colleagues and customers have for Royal Mail is incredible,” she explains. “I know of companies who have spent millions on getting people wedded to the brand –but here, it’s already there.”

POWER OF OUR PEOPLE

She’s been Royal Mail’s chief financial officer for eight months and a huge part of her role has been driving our transformation agenda – and what this unlocks financially in terms of the business plan.

Angela’s focus is on combining a revised strategy with our current product offering, as well as escalating modernisation to deliver on what the customer wants – work that’s critical to our company’s future.

Critical crossroad

“There’s no question that there’s a huge amount of brand loyalty and connectivity with Royal Mail,” says Angela. “It’s about the postie on the doorstep. And this access is unrivalled in our industry.

‘Before I joined Royal Mail, I used to think it was staggering that we can access every single household in this country. The competition would love that. But they don’t have the infrastructure to do it. We’re already there.

“If you look at DPD, Amazon or Evri, people don’t speak about their love of the service as much as they do with Royal Mail. Even though we’ve encountered massive changes over the past 10 years, there remains something unique about us.”

Our business is at a crossroads and Angela believes we need to change to be competitive. Consumers are looking for a different service now – whether that’s a delivery that falls on a Sunday, or at later hours in the day.

DRIVING TRANSFORMATION

To be successful, we must accept change and make the most of the opportunities.

NICK: With everything that’s happening, how is Royal Mail planning to retain and attract employees?

ANGELA: As we reinvent Royal Mail for future generations, we’ve been clear that we want to continue to offer market leading terms and conditions to attract and retain great talent. Introducing the new terms for new employees will make the business more competitive, affordable and agile – while still being industry-leading in terms of pay, hours and benefits.

We’re offering pay that’s 10% better than the market, with overtime paid at 1.25 times over the normal hourly rate. Our hours will remain flexible, with shifts available across seven days. Additionally, we have a range of benefits available to employees and we’ll continue to review and build on our offering.

From her past experience in a global role, Angela knows businesses rely heavily on their logistics and supply chain partners. “Competitors are approaching our customers with new, diversified services. They can deliver, store and even prep items. They’re essentially offering to solve all the customer’s problems. The need for us to diversify is now more important than ever.”

That’s where Angela and the transformation agenda steps in – a core mechanism she says everyone needs to commit to.

“Whatever dispute is going on now, the future of Royal Mail is delivering a service that meets the requirements of our customers. We’ve been very open with what we’re trying to do in terms of profitability and growth.

“We need a change in mindset. It’s essential we remain relevant in the market. But for transformation to be successful, we must accept the change and make the most of the opportunities.”

Trading update

Royal Mail was yet to release all details of its half-year results as Courier went to press – find the figures on Workplace. However, many retailers, including Amazon, have already warned of reduced spending and parcel volumes during Peak. That’s a major concern across the industry during the primary retail season.

“We know our volumes are going to be down in comparison to what we’re used to over Christmas,” says Angela. “So, we’ve had to make some drastic changes, which includes scaling back on investment decisions as a result of the strikes. We’re looking at a £350-450 million loss for the year – excluding voluntary redundancy charges – or more if strikes continue.”

Angela’s seen first-hand how damaging the strikes have been to Royal Mail and, in turn, how important it is for the business to be transparent during such challenging times.

“We’re in a serious situation. We’re losing more than £1 million a day and, as CFO, I have to take action to safeguard the company. At the end of the day, we’re talking about the future of Royal Mail – making sure we’re around in another 500 years.”

Power of our people

Angela’s playing a pivotal role in driving change at Royal Mail – and it’s not just in transformation and finance.

“You have to go beyond the numbers. They’re easy to report on – it’s moving on to that next level of ‘how do we use this

LAURA: Is being a family-friendly company still a priority? The unrealistic pay rise on offer – coupled with the proposed impractical, later hours of work and Sunday attendance – implies it isn’t.

ANGELA: We understand a number of colleagues are concerned about working on a Sunday. On the other hand, others are happy to as we know they’re already doing this. This new business needs to develop – which is happening with volunteers. But, if we don’t get enough volunteers to work on Sunday, we’ll have to bring in new people on different terms to ensure we can deliver a comprehensive Sunday service for our customers.

We’re fully aware that later start times can be problematic for some people, especially those with schoolaged children. So, we’re going to put in place a process to understand individual needs and have a range of family-friendly options, with an earlier duty finish time, wherever that is operationally practical. We have also further revised our planned start times, so that the last letter delivery times in the vast majority of offices will be before 5pm.

There’s a huge amount of brand loyalty and connectivity with Royal Mail. It’s about the postie on the doorstep.

Laura Cornish Courier Editorial Panel member and Mossley Hill postie

Kamil Sterniczuk

Courier Editorial Panel member and Stafford postie

NICK:

Nick Park Courier Editorial Panel member and Epping postie

ANGELA: Our financial situation as a business really is very serious. We need to put in place some stringent measures for controlling our costs and improving how we manage our cash every day. We have no choice in this current environment of ongoing strikes and falling parcel volumes.

We need to work together as we navigate our way through these turbulent times for Royal Mail.

information to improve performance and improve the operation?’.

Sitting on the Executive Board, she’s a fierce advocate for female representation.

“I know it’s really important for the business to develop female talent and to get a diverse slate on every job application – we need to ensure female talent is coming through. That not only includes getting a female voice in the room – it’s about diverse voices and opinions to secure our spot as an employer of choice for the next generation.”

Angela’s mindset is that a company’s hard work is never complete.

“We have a far-reaching customer base, and such a reputable brand – tapping into the opportunities is endless. The next part of our journey is to explore what more we can do at the doorstep, how we can get customers more excited about our products and services, more automation in the network alongside efficient capabilities and technological innovation.

“I feel like this modernisation period is the future of Royal Mail – there’s nothing more satisfying than being a part of that.”

In relation to the current Royal Mail climate, will certain departments need to tighten their shoestrings to weather the storm?

We have a far-reaching customer base, and such a reputable brand – tapping into the opportunities is endless.

A wealth of health help at hand

Discover valuable resources equipping Royal Mail people with mental, physical and social wellbeing tools to help us feel First Class.

We all know how important it is to take care of your health and wellbeing. For some, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For others, the stress and cost of the festive season can be physically, mentally and financially draining. Taking a small amount of time out to focus on your wellbeing can make a big difference at any time of the year. Access a host of resources that deliver support for Royal Mail people.

Health Hub

The Health Hub is your one-stop shop for health and wellbeing. Accessing support early is important. Many people who do seek support often say they wish they had done sooner.

Mind Our Employee Assistance Programme (First Class Support)

Body From menopause to musculoskeletal support and guidance on managing health conditions. You’ll also find information on gyms, sleep, stopping smoking, advice for night workers and NHS Better Health programmes.

Social Flexible working, community and charity work, retirement, change and resilience, bereavement and grief, relationships and making the most of your money.

ACCESS SUPPORT Visit the Health Hub using the ‘My Health & Wellbeing’ tile on the People App, scan the QR code on the panel opposite or visit myroyalmail.com/yourhealthhub

Help@hand

Help@hand gives you, your partner and your family direct access to health and wellbeing services and treatment. This includes Remote GP, offering unlimited 24/7 access to a digital private GP service for you, your partner and immediate family. You can also benefit from up to eight physiotherapy and mental health support consultations a year to share with your partner, a second medical opinion service and a wellbeing calendar offering access to webinars.

GET STARTED Download the Help@hand app, select ‘Register via PIN’ and enter the code 164003. Registration will take around 10 minutes. Check out the eligibility criteria and information about confidentiality.

First Class Support

Employee Assistance Programme (First Class Support) is fully confidential, independent and available 24/7. Whether you need to speak to someone in the moment or during a life event, or want to access counselling support, there’s someone to talk to.

GET IN TOUCH Call 0345 266 5060 or visit the Health Hub and click ‘Employee Assistance Programme’.

Health and wellbeing ambassadors

More than 300 Royal Mail health and wellbeing ambassadors are available to support you – we are appealing for more colleagues to get involved.

FIND OUT MORE Head to the Health Hub and click on the ‘Ambassador Zone’.

Take action

Small changes can make a huge difference. Take time out this week to access the support available, talk to your line manager or a colleague about it and make one small change. And ask those around you about how they’re feeling to see how you can support them.

Support when you need it

Mail’s

FIND OUT MORE

Scan the QR code for the Health Hub to access information, support service or treatment you deserve:

The festive season is a joyful occasion for many of us. But, for others, it’s not an easy time of the year.

During my 30-year career, I’ve worked in HR, policy, business partnering and project consulting. All of this showed me just how significant health and wellbeing is in any organisation, so it was time to focus on what’s really important.

The main role of the Royal Mail health and wellbeing team is to listen to what colleagues are telling us as well as knowing what’s happening outside of our business. This helps us to make sure we have the right support and services in place.

Wellbeing at Royal Mail is built on four main pillars: physical health, mental health, financial wellbeing and social wellbeing.

So, what’s social wellbeing? It can be as simple as the things we do for our community. While we use these pillars as a guide, it’s important to take a holistic approach. For example, someone might be struggling with their mental health but the underlying cause is actually financial pressures so it’s important we look at wellbeing across the broad spectrum.

If I were sitting here four years ago, I’d be reflecting on the statistic that one in four people has a mental health condition. These days, particularly post-pandemic, one in two of us is either struggling with mental health issues or knows somebody who is. That’s a sobering statistic, and one we need to take seriously.

Thankfully, health and wellbeing has moved up the ladder of priority in the past decade. Organisations recognise the impact it can have on our people, the culture and the business.

The pandemic has certainly helped put wellbeing on the map.

Our Employee Assistance Programme (known previously as First Class Support) is an invaluable assistance programme that’s available to everyone, 365 days a year, 24/7. I know people have hesitations about disclosure, but I can’t stress enough that this service is completely confidential and independent of the business. No personal information comes back to Royal Mail.

Supporting our colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing is the priority.

We’ve just launched the Health Hub, housed on the People App, and Help@hand – a new service that gives you and your family access to a digital GP, physiotherapy, mental health support and much more.

It’s so important we all take some time out to focus on our own health and wellbeing. Small changes make a big difference – even if it’s a short walk at the end of a busy day.

My advice is to make sure you know where to go for health and wellbeing support. You might feel it’s not for you right now. But there might come a time when you need it. Everyone will shortly receive information on health and wellbeing mailed to them at home. Take some time to read this. And see how the support and resources can support you and your family.

Look out for each other and never feel afraid to ask, ‘Are you OK?’. People tend to say they’re fine, even when they’re not so sometimes it can take a couple of times of asking for others to open up. Talking is a powerful way to look out for each other.

Royal

new head of health and wellbeing Fiona McAslan is on a mission to provide everyone with the support they need to help them bring the best of themselves to work.

One in two people is either struggling with mental health issues or knows somebody who is. That’s a sobering statistic, and one we need to take seriously.

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

Our mission to deliver a lifesaving partnership

Royal Mail people have chosen the British Heart Foundation as our new national charity partner. Here’s how we’ll play our part in helping to transform the heart health of the nation.

Poor heart health is one of the leading causes of workplace absence across Royal Mail Group – and heart disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. In the UK, 7.6 million people are living with heart and circulatory diseases, with the disease causing a quarter of all deaths –equivalent to 460 deaths each day.

Colleagues across Royal Mail and Parcelforce have chosen the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as our new national charity partner for

2022-26. We’re on a mission to raise £2 million for the Community Hearts programme, which will support vital projects with the power to transform the heart health of our nation.

Charity champions

Royal Mail’s national charity partnership has been running for over 10 years, raising more than £6 million for the Stroke Association, Prostate Cancer UK and, from 2017-2021, Action for Children – helping it reach more than 5,000 young people through The Blues Programme. Colleagues across our business stage fundraising events – with additional contributions from Royal Mail Group.

“Our new partnership with the British Heart Foundation will see the launch of the Community Hearts programme, which supports our work with local communities and young people and puts the health of our people and the nation at the top of our agenda over the next four years,” says Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s deputy director of corporate affairs and ESG.

Community Hearts

Royal Mail’s partnership with the BHF, Community Hearts, is focused on three projects:

♥ Giving one million children CPR training –so they have the skills to save lives.

♥ Placing hundreds of lifesaving defibrillators in communities that need them most.

♥ Supporting thousands of families using the BHF’s Heart Helpline and providing accessible vital heart health information.

PRESSING MATTERS

Royal Mail’s Community Hearts partnership with the BHF aims to teach one million young people how to administer CPR.

The BHF exists to save and improve lives through groundbreaking and lifesaving initiatives, fighting for better patient care and providing vital information to keep millions of hearts beating.

“Together, through Community Hearts, we’ll aim to train one million children in CPR, so they have the skills to save lives,” says the BHF’s head of corporate partnerships Alison Mitchell. “We will aim to place hundreds of lifesaving defibrillators in your local communities, so they’re on hand when lives are at stake. And we’ll support thousands of families using our resources and nurses on our Heart Helpline by providing accessible, vital heart health information.”

There’s never been a greater need for the work of the BHF –and Royal Mail’s support has never been more valuable.

“Our new Community Hearts programme with Royal Mail will support people across the UK to better manage their conditions, no matter who they are or where they live,” says the BHF’s chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths. “We’ll also make our communities safer, equipping the lifesavers of tomorrow through vital CPR training programmes and providing access to life saving equipment –giving everyone the very best chance of survival.”

GET INVOLVED Look out for Workplace and Courier updates on fundraising activities – and share your own ideas by emailing community@royalmail.com

DISCOVER MORE Scan the QR code to watch our national charity partnership launch film.

Dilwar Ahmed’s father was only in his mid-50s when he was diagnosed with heart disease following a heart attack. Years of ill health followed before he passed away in 2015. The Royal Mail new business sales manager explains how he hopes our partnership with the BHF will help prevent other such tragedies.

My dad wasn’t a super-active person, but he never had problems getting around. When he began to experience chest paints and tightness, he ignored the signs.

And then, when he had the heart attack, it was too late to prevent the disease from getting worse. His only option to stay alive was a triple heart bypass. After that, he never returned to full fitness. Just remember, an operation can keep you going, but it may not always bring you back to normal health.

Heart disease can affect anyone, so I think it’s fantastic that Royal Mail’s teaming up with the BHF to promote heart health. A big element of this partnership needs to focus on awareness. For me, it’s a personal connection. I’ve made changes to my lifestyle because of what my dad went through. I go to the gym, do a lot of walking and practise yoga.

It’s about being conscious of the little things we do and making a lifestyle choice. You could be incredibly active during the working day but, outside of work, healthy habits slip with bad food choices. Don’t underestimate stress and its impact either. Heart health is an overall package.

If the partnership can help other families avoid what we went through, that’s a step in the right direction.

If we had the awareness, we would’ve been able to seek help earlier for dad.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

ROYAL STAMP OF APPROVAL

Her Late Majesty The Queen was an ever-present feature on Royal Mail Definitive stamps for 70 years.

Artist Arnold Machin’s iconic portrait of The Queen first appeared on a 4d-valued Definitive (or ‘everyday’) stamp in June 1967. It’s been reprinted around 220 billion times, in more than 130 colours, and is the most reproduced image in history.

Throughout her remarkable reign, Queen Elizabeth also featured on more than 80 Special Stamps marking milestone moments for the monarch and our nation. Each set was personally approved by The Queen, including the February 2022 issue, which celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Our In Memoriam: Her Majesty The Queen stamp issue is the first to be approved by His Majesty King Charles III. The current Machin Definitive stamps will be updated to include an image of King Charles and Special Stamps will also feature his silhouette. These new stamps will enter circulation once current stocks – which remain valid – are exhausted. Non-barcoded Definitive stamps featuring The Queen remain valid until 31 January 2023.

Postboxes already in production will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth. Once these have been installed, new postboxes will feature the cypher of King Charles.

WORKPLACE TRIBUTES

Scan the QR code for colleagues’ memories – and to share your own royal reflections.

Formerly known as The Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI), the Postal Family Fund is a charitable organisation that helps Royal Mail Group & Post Office Ltd families with children who need a little extra support. We have been supporting postal families for over 150 years.

CONTACT US IN CONFIDENCE

Your application will be dealt with in strict confidence. It will only be seen by members of the Postal Family Fund team. To check eligibility and to apply, please visit our website at postalfamilyfund.org

GET INVOLVED

Your time and donation could change a postal family child’s future. There are a number of ways you can get involved with Postal Family Fund. For more information, visit postalfamilyfund.org

A big thank you to the Post Office

Supporting Postal Family Children

APPLY FOR A GRANT AND BURSARY

RISING STARS BURSARY For families with children under the age of 18, where the child has a special talent or passion in the arts (art, music, performance, literature), sport, or other specialist area, and help is needed with the associated costs. Apply at postalfamilyfund.org

UNIVERSITY BURSARY Supports young people at university or an equivalent institution in the UK. The bursary is paid for up to three years. There are additional grants for computers / tablets for those going to university for the first time. Apply at postalfamilyfund.org

REGULAR GRANT A regular grant to provide additional support to children. For example to supplement income and benefits or to support the cost of travel to hospital appointments. To apply, ring our Confidential Helpline on 0345 600 4586

£25,000.

Remembrance Fellowship for its kind donation of

Drawing strength from my role

Postie and artist Andy Welch paints a picture of his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening neck injury.

Andy Welch’s world was turned upside down without warning when he awoke one morning in agonising pain. It was last December, at the height of Peak.

Knaresborough postie Andy’s neck was broken – and his life was in danger. It was a devastating diagnosis and, while doctors declared his injury was the result of a severe infection, the cause remains a mystery today.

This disturbing turn of events was particularly puzzling for 58-year-old Andy, who considered himself physically fit due to the miles covered each day on his North Yorkshire round.

“I enjoy the outdoors element of my job,” he says. “It keeps you healthy and gets

you talking to all sorts of people in the community. It’s a role I love, which is why I’ve been doing it for 25 years.”

Andy’s also a talented pen and ink artist. But a life-saving operation performed by neurosurgeons followed by a month-long stay in Leeds General Infirmary meant putting his hobby on hold.

“It was a really scary time,” he recalls. “I’m so grateful for the expertise of the medical team.”

It’s been a long road to recovery for Andy, who returned to light office duties in May and is able, once again, to pursue his passion for art. He even presented his surgeons with an original illustration to express his gratitude.

WHY I’M HERE

“After my operation, I struggled to even walk a metre,” he says. “However, thanks to physio and a group of very supportive friends and colleagues, I’m now able to go out for long walks.”

Andy was thrilled to get the go-ahead to return to his job during a recent neurology consultation. It’s a phased return for now, but he’s optimistic about the future.

“My managers and team have all been so patient and supportive of me during my illness and recovery.

“It’s really confirmed that I work for a brilliant, people-first organisation. I’ve never been more proud than when I was representing Royal Mail on my daily rounds. And I can’t wait to get back out there.”

Giving young stars a sporting chance

How

the Postal Family Fund is helping transform the lives of young people across the UK.

From aspiring Olympians to Cambridge scholars, talented children of Royal Mail people are building bright futures that might have been beyond their reach without the support of the Postal Family Fund.

Formerly known as the Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI), the charity was created in 1870 to help the families of General Post Office people.

Today, the fund is available to Royal Mail people and their families for a wide range of causes – such as providing access to university education, funding support for special talents in sports and the performing arts, and more. The fund is also open to families with children who need a little extra support during difficult life events, such as illness or the loss of a parent.

Helping Hannah

“As the first person in my family to go to university, I was a bit daunted when I was accepted to study English and Theatre Studies at Warwick – I wasn’t sure how I would afford it,” says Hannah Filer, the daughter of Clevedon postie, Lee. “After researching different grants and bursaries, I stumbled upon the Postal Family Fund – and I’m so glad I did.”

Hannah, 21, was awarded a Postal Family Fund grant to help cover her accommodation costs, meaning she was able to focus on her studies and use her student loan for general living costs. “It really has been invaluable, especially with the cost of living,” she says.

Lee has worked for Clevedon Delivery Office, North Somerset, for more than 20 years.

“We’re so proud of everything Hannah has achieved so far,” says Lee. “Of course, we have helped her as much as we can – but university education is very expensive.

“We’re really pleased she was able to access the fund – not every business has something this special for colleagues and their families.”

After successfully completing her BA degree, Hannah’s now a postgraduate student at Clare Hall, Cambridge. As part of her Master of Philosophy studies, she’s carrying out valuable work with young people from disadvantaged areas, improving their access to the arts.

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

The Postal Family Fund has helped Hannah thrive in her studies.

“I was lucky to be accepted to access the Postal Family Fund for my degree, which I feel very grateful for,” she explains. “Now, I’m passing on my love of theatre to younger generations.”

Hannah’s charity work has included a collaboration with footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign against poverty, helping to improve living standards and prospects for some of the UK’s poorest children. As well as focusing her research on access to theatre and the arts, Hannah also carries out charity work during her university holidays. “I love drama, theatre, learning, education – as well as researching and writing about what I’m interested in.

“My ambition is to make a difference to children’s lives, focusing on education outside the classroom, such as drama workshops and theatre trips – and it’s thanks to the Postal Family Fund that I’m able to do this.”

TABLE SERVICE

Rising sports star Louis Cheung-Turner.

Batting for Louis

Champion table tennis player Louis Cheung-Turner, 14, was a recipient of the Postal Family Fund Rising Stars bursary. Dad Ken’s been a postal worker at Liverpool’s Mossley Hill Delivery Office for over 20 years.

Louis began playing table tennis in afterschool club at the age of eight – and his talent was quickly recognised by a coach at his local club. Fast forward six years and Louis now has a string of trophies under his belt, including being National Champion for his age group – and has competed at various international competitions, with his sights set even higher.

“Competing in any sport at a serious level needs serious investment,” says Louis’ dad, Ken. “We feel so lucky that the Postal Family Fund has helped us cover things like expenses towards training camps, equipment, and travel to competitions.”

Louis echoes his dad’s thoughts. “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Postal Family Fund for the support over the past three years. The bursary’s helped me on my journey to realise my dream of one day playing in the Olympics. And it’s helped shape me into the player and person I am today.”

Postal Family Fund:

How it can help

The Postal Family Fund may be able to provide help to the children of Royal Mail colleagues in the event of parental death, absence, disability, chronic illness of parent or child, or other serious family issue which is restricting development. It can also offer support when a young person is about to attend university or where a child has special talents in the performing arts, sport or other specialist area and the family needs help with expensive equipment or dedicated coaching.

For more information or to apply, visit postalfamilyfund.org

Further support

For help with child welfare issues, this helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm: 0345 600 4586

NOT EVERY BUSINESS HAS SOMETHING THIS SPECIAL FOR COLLEAGUES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

PLYMOUTH

Britain’s vibrant ‘Ocean City’ bristles with energy all year round – and that buzz builds in the run-up to the festive season.

It’s the home of Western Europe’s largest naval base, so comradeship and hard work are woven into the fabric of Devon’s historic port city. And this culture of good-natured camaraderie and commitment to service are hallmarks of Plymouth’s Royal Mail and Parcelforce teams.

There’s a unique unity to our operation here, with so many diverse parts of the business located within a stone’s throw of each other – including the city’s flagship mail centre, one of our bustling Fleet workshops and our nationally acclaimed Customer Experience (CE) team.

Based at Drake House, the CE team’s been presented with an early Christmas gift: our Santa Mail campaign. which delivers much-anticipated replies from Father Christmas.

A crew of 60, led by team leader Olly Greenwood and advanced customer advisors Wayne Tobin and Jack Widdicombe, is handling the influx of letters.

Our Tallents House team usually works with Santa, sending greetings from the North Pole via our stamps and collectibles HQ in Edinburgh. But the operation’s moving to the south coast this year while Tallents House co-ordinates the stamp swap-out scheme.

Make Plymouth your first port of call to discover dedicated teams from all parts of our business delivering for their customers during the countdown to Christmas.

DEVON SENT

BOXING DAY

John Davies and Parcelforce colleagues keep the parcels moving in the run-up to Christmas.

PLYMOUTH

“While it’s great fun, there’s a lot of highpressure preparation involved,” says Olly. “I don’t think any of us expected Santa Mail to come to Plymouth, and it’s exciting to work on something that’s so unique and such a boost for the Royal Mail brand.

“My children are 10 and six and I’ve told them that I’m Santa’s little helper.”

The Drake House warehouse has been transformed into a festive grotto with an operation running between 8am and 8pm, five days a week, despatching cards from Santa to families across the nation.

Peak practices

If it’s not yorks stacked with Santa Mail and Christmas cards on the move at the mail centre next door, it’s the ever-growing Peak parcel demand which our experienced team handles each December.

Melody McFarlane, an OPG at Plymouth Mail Centre, understands just how important it is to be at the top of her game to keep everything moving seamlessly.

ELF BENEFITS

“It starts to get busy the week before Halloween, when customers are ordering costumes on Tracked 24,” says Melody. “It’s like a practice run for Christmas. We’ve learned who’s best suited for each stage of the process and put people in their strongest areas. I like sorting the mail once it’s left the conveyor because it’s a bit of a puzzle. I’ve worked across the process as I like to see the whole cycle.

“Peak always brings a big challenge because we see the volume increase and you know you’re dealing with Christmas presents, so you take extra pride in doing the job because you don’t want to spoil someone’s day.”

Stepping up

As well as soaring demand, Christmas brings an increase in the average size of parcels flowing through the network. This is where our Parcelforce colleagues step in to deliver large parcels from their base on the edge of picturesque Dartmoor.

An average day will see them deliver 4,500 items. But when Christmas time comes around, their daily load peaks at around 6,000.

Around 75% of the site is outside, which makes braving the elements during the colder and wetter months of the year an even bigger challenge. Here’s where a strong work ethic shines through.

“It feels like a wildlife centre, with

swallows in the summer and visits from the deer that come up to the depot,” says operations manager Chris Carrington.

“We’ve got a really good bunch who make the job much easier,” adds collection and delivery driver John Davies. “Before working here, I spent 22 years in the RAF, so I’m used to working outdoors and actually enjoy it. My dad was a traffic cop and my mum was a rally driver, so the job I’m doing with the time we spend on the road has probably always been in my blood.”

Olly Greenwood is enjoying life as Santa’s sidekick.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS Melody McFarlane scans the mail at Plymouth Mail Centre

CHECK MATE Jordan-Lewis Fowell helps maintain our fleet of vehicles.

For Tom Piggott, it’s been more than a decade of serving his local community. Not only does he deliver to the road he lives on, but also to League One football club Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium, where he spends his Saturday afternoons with granddaughter Tierney.

“We’re out on a limb in Plymouth, but it’s a really lovely part of the world and you have to make sure not to take it for granted. It’s nice to walk around and see all the people I know every day. Our business is all about the communities we live in and serve.”

“We operate in our own bubble and are a tight-knit group. Between us all, we’ve got so much experience. We look at hundreds of vehicles every month and quite often predict what’s wrong before they even come in. We’re probably quite an underrated part of the business – but that suits us just fine.”

Jordan-Lewis believes the key to the success of the workshop is treating colleagues from other areas of the business as customers – striving to give them the same level of service as the general public.

Familiar faces

Magic mechanics

Keeping the mail moving to keep those communities connected and UK businesses running is the lifeblood of our business. The Plymouth Fleet workshop – located just across the road from the mail centre – is one of seven sites in the Devon and Cornwall cluster and is responsible for the maintenance of 450 vans, 55 HGVs and numerous trailers. There are around 2,000 vehicles across the cluster.

A team of dedicated trained mechanics deals with everything from planned services and essential maintenance work to ad hoc repairs that keep our vehicles safe on the roads.

Workshop supervisor Jordan-Lewis Fowell’s been with the business for seven years, has progressed through training and now steps up as management cover across the seven sites when he’s needed.

“I’ve been given a great opportunity to develop my skills and I really like what I do. I’ve never been the kind of person to be satisfied sitting still,” he says.

Delivering fantastic service to customers also comes as second nature to our core Delivery teams – and it’s what makes postie Jamie Meade tick. He joined the business through an apprenticeship scheme at 16 and has racked up more than 30 years of service. Alongside his Plymouth Delivery Office colleagues, he’s one of the final pieces of the Royal Mail jigsaw.

“We’re the foot soldiers of the business, providing the human touch to our customers,” says Jamie.

“Royal Mail is about providing a good, solid service and I think our customers appreciate the continuity they get from us and have real trust in us. We often get to know our customers and their families –that makes us unique as a business.

“I always take a customer-first approach. There’s more choice out there for consumers than ever before, so we have to try harder than before to deliver a great customer experience. And that’s never more crucial than at Christmas.”

EXPLORE MORE

Scan the code for further images from our Plymouth visit.

CUSTOMER FIRST Plymouth postie Jamie Meade making connections with the local community.

SANTA MAIL IS SO UNIQUE AND SUCH A BOOST FOR THE ROYAL MAIL BRAND.

We’re all looking for ways to beat inflation; did you know that The EasySaver™ Card is your passport to save when high-street shopping. It’s convenient, secure and really easy to manage. Every time you load money onto the card, you will save 8%; e.g. load £200, only pay £184.

It’s also easy to take advantage of 800 retailer discounts, including the major supermarkets. Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda have provided savings for more than 40,000 colleagues so far this year. They typically save between 4% and 5%.

We have an exciting competition for you this December!

Anyone who logs in to My Bundle+ from 1–22 December will be automatically entered into a prize draw, with the chance to win one of 20 £50 credits to use with a My Bundle+ retailer. Winners will be announced on the My Bundle+ Workplace group.

Access My Bundle+ via mybundleplus.myroyalmail.com or the People App. You can also find us on Workplace under the group ‘My Bundle+’.

MAILBAG

Readers share tales of Royal Mail life and reflect on stories from the autumn edition of Courier.

Helping Michelle feel at home again

I was unaware of the Rowland Hill Fund’s work and found Michelle’s story both positive and moving.

Eric Birch Postie, Manchester South West

A final bow

Epping postie and Courier Editorial Panellist Nick Park on joining the queue to pay his respects to Her Late Majesty The Queen.

Our monarch ignited the spirit of our nation – and the world. New friendships blossomed and the camaraderie was evident among mourners from different walks of life, all with their own reasons for embarking on this adventure.

I was no different. The Queen’s ancestors founded Royal Mail. Her face is emblazoned on items we deliver. The royal family is entwined with our business and we display the crown on our uniform.

The moment I entered Westminster Hall, I sensed the silence echoing throughout. Quiet emotion flowed through the air. With nervousness creeping through my veins, I somehow managed to bow in front of our Queen and paid my last respects. The quest was worth it.

As I turned to head for the exit, I caught the sun shining in from outside, calling me towards it. I felt hugely elated.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Behind the mask

I really enjoyed the story about Simon Bamford starring in Hellraiser because I loved those films and it’s great to know a friendly fellow postie is inside the horror costume!

Ashley Pearson Postie, Boughton Monchelsea SPDO

A Parcelforce gem

During the 1990s, I worked at Parcelforce’s Milton Keynes HQ, in the same role as Employee of the Year Vicky Hare. Vicky’s words and thoughts brought back some great memories. I’m still hugely proud of Parcelforce.

Mark Jones, retired Criccieth, Wales

Dyslexia Awareness Week

Nick and Paul’s stories about living with dyslexia were both reassuring and relatable. It made me feel as though I’m not alone and should be proud of my achievements.

Sean Jones

Parcelforce driver, Milton Keynes

Fantasy Football

Back to my routes

It was inspirational to read about a senior leader like Ricky McAulay, who started as a postal cadet and has guided the business through change.

Lily Hemmens

Independent case manager, South Midlands Mail Centre

Courier Editorial Panel member and Hedge End postie Paul Stewart writes: Have you got what it takes to be the best football ‘manager’ in the business? I knew lots of people who enjoyed the game, obsessing about those last-minute line-up changes on a Saturday morning before heading out on delivery, so I came up with the idea of a fantasy football league at Royal Mail. We currently have over 1,100 players signed up, accessible through Workplace. Now’s the perfect time to join the fun and try to scoop one of the monthly prizes, or set your sights on the big end-of-season jackpot for the overall winner.

GOAL KICKS Scan the QR code for details of how to get in on the action.

There’s a £20 Amazon gift card for the writer of every letter we publish. Email courier@linney.com or write to us at Courier Letters, Linney Create, Adamsway, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4FW. Also share your own news and views on the Courier Workplace page.

EDITORIAL

PANELLIST

EDITORIAL

PANELLIST

Ain’t no mountain high enough

While most kids her age were still learning to ride a bicycle, seven-yearold Kerry Wilson already had her sights on something much faster.

Her dad was into motocross – a form of dirt and adrenalin-filled off-road motorbike racing – and young Kerry was there almost every weekend, watching him compete.

For nearly two decades motocross was Alloa postie Kerry’s life. She competed in Europe and all over Britain, winning the Women’s British National Championships no less than 11 times.

Then once she hit her mid-twenties, Kerry was ready to hit the brakes.

“I needed some time out – space to find out what was next.”

An incredible winter spent working and snowboarding in the French Alps turned into an extended working holiday, which meant Kerry and her girlfriend Amber – a former postie herself – saw a whole new side of the mountains.

“I remember wondering why everyone had mountain bikes,” says Kerry. “And then we realised – when the snow melts, the bikes come out.”

Amber encouraged Kerry to get on a bike and that day, her life found a new course.

Alloa postie and adrenalin junkie Kerry Wilson on how she became one of the UK’s fastest women on two wheels.

RIDING HIGH Kerry’s tasting success in the world of mountain biking.

PEAK FITNESS Kerry in action on the slopes.

“Even though I’d been riding two wheels pretty much my whole life, this felt totally new. Once I experienced the danger and adrenalin of riding down a mountain, I was hooked.”

There was a buzz around Kerry almost immediately, with people clamouring to sponsor her. And when she entered her first race – a regional time trial down an unforgiving mountain trail – she won.

“It felt amazing,” she recalls. “Just me and the bike, tearing down a savage trail trying to beat the clock.”

Kerry had caught the mountain biking bug. But with Brexit and Covid making it difficult to work, the couple returned home to Alloa in the Central Lowlands of  Scotland.

Kerry knew if she was to continue competing, she would need a job, and jumped at the chance to become a postie.

“I always knew it would be my dream job. I love being outside. It helps keep the legs fit!”

Kerry spends her afternoons training, with Amber on an electric bike so she can keep up.

This year, Kerry took on a Scottish World Series endurance trial, which involved pedalling up a mountain as well as racing down it – six times.

She also came third in the British Championships in Glencoe and won the Scottish Championships – a special moment on home turf, making all the bumps and grazes worthwhile.

Last year, Kerry and Amber returned to the Alps to get married (above), camping in the mountains and celebrating the place where this exciting new chapter began.

“I’m so grateful to Amber for getting me on a bike,” Kerry said, “and to all the people at Royal Mail who support me.”

Great Scott!

Pedalling postie

When Scott Roberts joined Worcester Delivery Office 10 years ago, he was 21 and a keen mountain bike racer with several competitions under his belt.

Then, just nine months into the job, Scott suffered a catastrophic fall during a cycling event. He had to be airlifted to hospital where he was told his back was broken and his chances of walking again were 50/50.

The day after the accident, Scott had major surgery then spent three months at home recovering.

“I couldn’t do much at all,” he remembers. “Mentally, it was a real struggle at first. Luckily, I was still living at home and had my parents around for support.”

Incredibly Scott defied the odds, getting back on his feet, his round and his bike – just eight months after the fall.

This year, on the 10th anniversary of his accident, Scott made a triumphant return to racing, winning a nail-biting seven-round series, and the Masters British Championship.

“A lot of people were shocked to see me competing,” he laughs. “But I never lost hope that I would get back on my bike.”

Scott Roberts on his incredible sporting comeback.

WHEEL LOVE In training with wife Amber.

OUR HISTORY

Our history’s in your hands

On the second anniversary of Courier in its current format, Gavin McGuffie, senior archivist at The Postal Museum, explores the origins and evolution of our in-house publication – tracing its roots back to the 1800s.

The Postal Museum’s archive of Royal Mail and Post Office publications is a voyage of discovery through three centuries.

Here’s where milestone moments for our business sit alongside historical events that have shaped our nation – from the evolution of our fleet and services to our role in wider society. That’s reflected in Courier’s coverage of the pandemic and this edition’s focus on our ties to the royal family through our brand and stamps.

Browsing through issues dating back to the 1800s reveals fascinating insights into styles and themes that have changed – and those that have remained a constant.

Blackfriars Magazine

Our in-house journal’s had four names since it was first published in September 1885 as Blackfriars Magazine, a text-heavy title in the style of a ‘gentlemen’s club’ newsletter.

By 1888, it’s Blackfriars, the Post Office Magazine before, two years later, being rebranded as St. Martin’s-le-Grand, a nod to the London street where postal headquarters were located from the early 19th century.

The Post Office Magazine

The final edition of St. Martin’s-le-Grand appears in October 1933. A revamped publication, The Post Office Magazine, is launched in January 1934 and has a cover price for the first time.

This change comes at a moment of great transformation for the General Post Office, as it’s now known. The first edition’s cover features a postman retrieving letters from a postbox and, inside, readers are introduced to ‘Britain’s oldest Postmistress’, 93-yearold Miss Mary Mellars of Worksop. On sale for one penny, it includes adverts for Shredded Wheat and Ovaltine.

In a piece, ‘Introducing Ourselves’, we’re told: “There are nearly a quarter of a million of us in the Post Office. The purpose of The Post Office Magazine will be to introduce us to one another, to show by means of pictures what each of us is doing and to tell by means of articles what is happening in the various offices and departments.” It’s a mission statement that remains as relevant to today’s Courier team as it was almost 90 years ago.

Courier

After taking a break during World War Two, the magazine returns in July 1946, priced 2d. In October 1951, a price rise to 3d from December is announced ‘with regret’.

By the 1960s, the publication is trying to fit in with the popular culture of its time. The Beatles appear on the front cover in February 1964, photographed with the two joint secretaries of the Beatles Fan Club. The accompanying article refers to the group doing its bit to ‘swell the mails’. In an interview with Jo Bergman of the Beatles’ press office, we learn that the Fab Four are receiving fan mail at a rate equivalent to 300,000 items a year.

The last title change comes two years later. The September 1966 edition of The Post Office Magazine announces the opportunity to ‘Win a Ford Anglia Super in Courier, the GPO staff newspaper – out

next month’. “It’s the chance of a lifetime”, claims Tilly, Courier’s ‘zany telephonist’.

We’re told that Courier’s 15 journalists are eager to serve the needs of colleagues and will have “much more scope to cover staff activities more fully and to present them more attractively”.

Now a tabloid and still 3d, the first edition has a ‘Feature of the Month’ on Buckingham Palace Post Office. And comedian Ken Dodd reveals that he’s always wanted to be a postie. “I’d have had a fine time with my tickling stick,” he says. “There’s nothing like an early morning tickle through the letterbox.”

In 1968, there’s a focus on Post Office workers competing in that summer’s Mexico City Olympic Games.

The April 1979 edition is the first time that Courier is distributed free to all colleagues.

Courier has now been going strong for well over half a century, the longest lived title in our series of postal publications.

Explore the archive

Copies of postal publications from down the decades are available to view at The Postal Museum. Royal Mail Group colleagues enjoy £1 entry to the museum. For more information, visit postalmuseum.org

Now and then

This March 1988 edition of Courier demonstrates how, for Royal Mail, some things change and some stay the same.

1988

Thirty-four years before the roll-out of our electric fleet, the main story covers a £100 million investment in new, more reliable vehicles and a computerised road transport information system (RTIS) that will set our business ‘on the road for the 90s’.

The cover also includes an article about a union vote in favour of a reduction in the working week, and a piece from the Post Office chairman on the threat of competitors attempting to ‘cream off the business in the town centres’ if we lose our postal monopoly.

“We must work hard to keep our customers,” writes Sir Bryan Nicholson.

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES

Have you featured in a past edition of Courier? Do you collect back issues of the publication? Scan the QR code to share your Courier story on our Workplace page

“The simple fact is, that if they have a viable alternative to Royal Mail Letters, those same customers will march with their feet.

“We have got to convince customers to stay with us by giving them the service they want at an attractive price.” 1964

Tuck into a festive hamper worth £350

Eat, drink and be merry this Christmas with the ultimate hamper worth almost £350. This luxury-packed prize includes a beautiful bottle of Autreau Roualet Champagne alongside a host of sweet and savoury treats, including award-winning cheeses, a rich pork rillette, chutney, a variety of crackers and dozens of other festive food and drink items.

For the chance to win, tell us in fewer than 30 words which story you’ve most enjoyed in this issue of Courier – and why. Email couriercomp@linney.com using ‘Hamper’ in the subject line. Or post your entry to Courier Competition, Linney Create, Adamsway, Mansfield,

Nottinghamshire NG18 4FW. Include your name and address – along with your job role and location. Entries must reach us by Friday 16 December and may be published in a future edition.

When you’ve found the keyword, post your entry to Courier Crossword, Linney Create, Adamsway, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4FW or take a photo and email it to couriercomp@linney.com by Friday 20 January 2023.

Aardman Classics and Christmas 2022 stamps

Elegant new illustrations honouring the traditional Nativity story and colourful collectibles celebrating much-loved animated characters are among new Royal Mail stamp collections.

We have 10 sets of stamps from both issues to give away.

This year marks the first time Royal Mail has issued a fully barcoded festive stamps set. Six designs depict key moments from a classic Christmas tale that continues to captivate today.

Eight fun-filled Aardman Classics stamps recall the hilarious exploits, heart-warming tales and ‘cracking’ moments of TV and film favourites such as Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

For the chance to win both sets, email your name, address and contact number to couriercomp@linney.com using ‘Stamps’ in the subject line. Or post your entry to Courier Competition, Linney Create, Adamsway, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4FW. Include your name, address and contact number. Entries must reach us by Friday 20 January 2023

Discover more stamps, souvenirs and gifts by visiting royalmail.com/shop or scanning the QR code.