Conference news&views
The Nationwide Group Staff Union magazine Winter 2011 – Issue 72
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Cinematickets
Overtime Theunionstepsin LET’S HEAR IT FOR PAM
NGSU REP OF THE YEAR INTEREST: EXCHANGE: NEWS P2/3 VIEWS P6/7
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CONTENTS 4/5OVERTIME 6/7EXCHANGE 8–11CONFERENCE 2011 12PANCREATIC CANCER 13TRAVEL CLUB 14/15UPDATE 16/17BENEFITS 18DIVERSITY 19COFFEE BREAK
WELCOME I’m pleased to introduce this edition of Rapport magazine – it’s normally a task that falls to Bill Blumsom but we’ve given him some extra space to reflect on his time as President as his term of office draws to a close. We’re really sorry to see Bill leave – he’s been a great President and we’ll miss him. Check out Bill’s article on page 6. We held our National Conference in October. It’s an important event for the Union and we have a full report about the proceedings and some of the motions that were approved by delegates and which will become Union policy. A Conference highlight is always the announcement of our Rep of the Year and we were all delighted that Pam Roye was this year’s winner. Catch up on all of the Conference news in pages 8–11. One of the topics under discussion at Conference was the issue of overtime. This took on new significance following events in some parts of the branch network where suddenly employees found overtime arrangements being changed almost overnight. The Union was inundated with calls from members who were confused and angry about the changes. We’ve got more about how the Union intervened to correct this situation on pages 4–5. Some years ago delegates at Conference voted to set up a Charitable Fund. The Fund recognises our wider responsibility as an organisation and we’ve used it to support international
disaster relief funds, like the Haitian earthquake, and Tim Poil, General Secretary charitable events closer to home nominated by our members. This year we’ve agreed to support fund raising for Pancreatic Cancer research in memory of Neal Condict, a Nationwide employee and NGSU member. Neal’s wife, Angela, describes his battle with cancer and her attempts to raise awareness and funding for further research – see page 12. Diversity is an issue which we regularly report and campaign about. It’s easy to think about diversity in terms of discrimination issues such as gender, race and disability, but it’s actually about a much wider agenda of creating an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential without fear of prejudice. The case of Sophie Lancaster is simply shocking. Sophie was brutally attacked just because of the way she dressed and died of her injuries. On page 18 we describe how the Foundation set up in Sophie’s memory is trying to combat the ignorance and intolerance which led to her death. Finally, and on a happier note, we’ve got some great offers which can help you save money on dining out; going to the movies or seeing your favourite show or band. Enjoy! Best wishes for Christmas and New Year from all at NGSU.
Support trafficking victims A campaign to end the illegal detention of victims of human trafficking is seeking support from trade unions to highlight the plight of victims and the need for changes to the law. The campaign has been launched by the charity Eaves, which works with women and their children, who are vulnerable through homelessness or experiences of violence. Numerous victims of trafficking are kept in detention centres unlawfully, either because flaws in the immigration system mean that they have not been recognised as having been trafficked, or because they are being held due to offences committed because of their trafficking situation. Most commonly this happens when victims are detained because of immigration offences when they hold fake
passports, which have been forced upon them by their traffickers. Eaves Find out is calling on the government to put more about systems in place to ensure existing Eaves: laws to protect trafficked people are eaves4women adhered to and managed properly. .co.uk The bottom line is that victims of trafficking are just that – victims not criminals. Eaves has set up an e-petition in support of the campaign and need 100,000 signatures to trigger a government debate. Please help and support the campaign by signing the petition at: https://submissions. epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/18933
To find out more visit the NGSU website
BRING DOWN YOUR ENERGY BILLS With energy bills soaring now might be a good time to consider opting to go solar. Solar is good for the planet; for the next generation and good for you because it saves money when you generate your own energy. Now Safe Solar is offering NGSU Members a 12% discount on all its PV (photovoltaic) solar systems. For more details visit the NGSU website. And for more information about solar energy visit the Energy Saving Trust: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/ Solar-PV-electricity-panels
WELCOME MR PRESIDENT
NGSU’s new President for 2012–2013 is Steve Barnes, Steve Barnes who was elected unopposed. Steve has worked for Nationwide for more than 31 years, starting as a Trainee Programmer in the Swindon Admin Centre. He is currently a Senior Designer in Transformation Delivery, working on Voyager. Steve has been a member of the Union for over 20 years, serving on the NEC as National Area Officer for Swindon between January 1998 and December 2003 and Treasurer for the past eight years. Prior to that he was Area Secretary for Swindon. Steve has been an accredited Disciplinary Officer for some 10 years, representing members at hearings from Retail, HO and subsidiaries. He’s also an NGSU representative on the Group Operations Business Committee and attended National Conferences since 1995. Steve is married with two sons (both at university) and on a Saturday afternoon can often be found at a football ground supporting Swindon Town. “The Union does some great work in protecting the employment terms at Nationwide. I’m looking forward to working with union members and Reps from across the Society to ensure our voice remains strong as we seek to influence a better workplace culture and fair treatment for all.” Steve Barnes
WARNINGS ON EMPLOYEE FRAUD Nationwide ran a fraud awareness campaign throughout November highlighting the issue of employee fraud. Thankfully, incidents of employee-related fraud are still very rare but when they do occur they are very damaging – including the individual involved; the impact on their local colleagues and everyone in the Society suffers from the losses and potential bad publicity. We believe it is important that NGSU should also take a role in highlighting this important issue to members. Nationwide operates a zero tolerance approach to fraud – put simply this means employees who are caught, or where a reasonable suspicion exists, are likely to be dismissed for gross misconduct. It is also possible that the Society will seek to register their details on national fraud
databases and pursue criminal proceedings against them. And the likelihood is that employees involved in fraudulent activity will be found out. The Society is using increasingly sophisticated techniques and detection systems to identify suspected fraud or breaches of the Internal Fraud Policy. It really isn’t worth taking the risk. We strongly recommend that everyone reads the Fraud Policy and understands the wide range of issues that fall within the scope of the policy. Also, that they are clear about their responsibilities under both this policy and their Personal Responsibilities Statement that they will have completed in November. Union members who are concerned about issues of employee fraud or are involved in an investigation can call us for advice on 01295 710767.
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72 DEC 11 OVERTIME
CALLING
The issues raised impacted on all types of overtime, including Saturday working and ATM servicing, and had a variety of implications for employees depending on their contract type. The principle concern was that employees were told overtime was being withdrawn and replaced with Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) and that this would be applied to all forms of overtime including Saturdays. However, for all contract types – the contractual position is that Saturdays, when worked as overtime, attract a payment. To unilaterally impose TOIL and refuse payment is potentially in breach of these contractual terms. Some employees on 8 to 8 contracts found that their working patterns were being changed – being required to work Saturdays as a normal day and expected to take time off in the week. Although the contract terms cover this scenario, the Society’s own guidelines require changes to working patterns to be agreed in consultation with employees and this wasn’t always happening. Some employees on 9 to 5 contracts, under It is not unusual for the issue of branch which all Saturday working is contractual overtime and Saturday working to be the subject overtime, were being told they were no longer of calls to the Union but in early September the allowed to work Saturday because they were too volume of members asking for help reached a expensive. All employees on the 9 to 5 contract level where we knew something had gone have at least 11 years service and many have 20 or seriously wrong. 30 years loyal service. Most will have worked at Employees, predominately in the previous least two Saturdays a month during this period London and SE Region, had been told that and had come to rely on the overtime income. To overtime was being withdrawn as part of costhave this withdrawn almost overnight was not cutting measures and that new working practices acceptable and had implications arising from were being introduced without consultation or ‘custom and practice’ and potentially age proper notice. discrimination. We were extremely alarmed about the Tim Poil, General Secretary, and Bill Blumsom, volume and nature of concerns being raised President, registered concerns with senior by members. Overtime arrangements are management in the Branch Network and If yo contractual matters and, from what we could Human Resources. This resulted in a u hav e a n understand, some of the new working communication to the London and y con about c e o r v n e s rt conditions being imposed on employees SE Region seeking to clarify the correct conta ime please were in breach of individual contractual position. Frustratingly, some Areas ct NG SU. terms and collective agreements with the ignored this and continued to impose We’ve poste Union. We were also extremely changes. We also started to receive calls d the o guida vertim nce a concerned that some employees, who from members in other Regions also nd Q& guide e s A had dared to challenge the new to ch facing inappropriate changes. s and angin Arran g arrangements, had been told that the A further intervention by our General W orkin geme g nts o websi Union had agreed to the changes or Secretary led to the development of n our te – j u s links t foll were warned about raising concerns manager guidance and a set of Q&As. To from ow th the h e with us. ensure that all branch employees were made
overtime
ON HOURS’ CHANGES
With calls to NGSU about overtime reaching record highs the union intervened, explains Tim Rose
ome p age.
✁ NATIONWIDE BRANCH OVERTIME SURVEY If you work in a Nationwide branch, please complete and return this survey to, NGSU, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Oxon OX17 2QT or you can complete it online at www.ngsu.org.uk (follow the branch overtime link from the home page).
9 How often do you take the TOIL you’ve accumulated?: always mostly occasionally rarely never
About you 1 What area do you work in: e.g. Central London; Wessex; South Midlands
10 Are you able to take TOIL at a time suitable to you? always mostly occasionally rarely never
2 What contract do you have: 9to5 8to8 Portman 3 What is your job role: Hours worked We’d like to know how much work you do in excess of your contracted hours in a week. The actual hours you work may vary depending on seasonal workloads but try to give your best estimate of an ‘average’ week. 4 What are your contracted weekly hours? 5 How much extra time do you work in your branch (hours/mins) per week?: Before your normal start time: During your lunch break: After your normal finish time: Total extra hours: 6 Of these extra hours, how much is: Paid as overtime: Taken as TOIL: Worked for free:
11 Are you asked to stay late to make ‘customer service’ calls? If so: How often do you do this: Is this voluntary: How long is a session: Do you get and take TOIL: Are these paid as overtime: 12 Do you do extra work from home? If so: How many hours do you work a week: Do you re-claim any of this time as TOIL: sometimes never 13 Have you read the Overtime Guidance and Q&As issued in September: Yes No – but am aware the guidance exists No – not aware of the guidance 14 Comments: Please tell us about your experiences (continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
7 How many ‘additional’ Saturdays* do you work in an ‘average’ month: Of these, how many are: Paid as overtime: Taken as TOIL: Worked for free:
aware of the correct position the General Secretary asked for a joint statement to be issued to all branch staff. We are still dealing with individual cases where employees aren’t being treated fairly. We’re supporting these members to resolve their issues and continuing to monitor the situation. There are still some issues outstanding, for example, where employees now have working patterns which reduce the amount of ‘customer facing’ time but with no adjustment to targets. The Society eventually listened to our concerns
8 Do you service ATMs? If so, is this: Paid as overtime Taken as TOIL Worked as part of your normal hours
* Where you work Saturdays in addition to working your normal contracted hours during Monday to Friday.
TAKE OUR OVERTIME SURVEY (ABOVE) The Society has indicated that it now wishes to formally consult about the approach to overtime. We would like to invite NGSU members in the Nationwide branch network to complete a short survey about the hours they work. This will further help our understanding of the working patterns across the Network.
and responded. However, this incident has seriously damaged employee relations and eroded much of the goodwill on which the Society depends to run its branch network. The driver behind this approach was to reduce the branch overtime bill. Overtime is a significant cost to the business but the Society has significantly benefited over the years from untold amounts of goodwill and unpaid overtime and ultimately it will be the loser as increasing numbers of staff choose not to undertake voluntary overtime.
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Exchange@Rapport magazine, Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT
FAREWELL TO BILL Bill Blumsom, who is stepping down as NGSU President, has been a vital part of the union for many years. He has been an active union member since joining Nationwide as a trainee manager in Cambridge branch in the mid 1980’s, serving as a member of the National Executive Committee; two periods of secondment to the Union; as an Individual Cases Officer and supporting activity related to the merger of the Portman. He was elected President in 2009. Bill has decided to seek new challenges when his term of office comes to an end and he’ll be leaving Nationwide but staying an Associate Member of NGSU. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Union and Nationwide. He talked about his role as President: “The question I’m often asked is, what is the purpose of a Union and why do I believe being a member of the union is both important and worthwhile”, he says. “The answer is simple. The Union is about representing the view of its members as a single unified voice and enabling many individual’s views to be sought and the consensus views to be presented as representative of the majority. Not in a militant way but in a realistic, reasoned way that works with Nationwide to generate solutions that are fair and ensures people are treated with dignity and respect. This has been borne out at our recent Conference where individual issues are submitted by members of the Union for debate and consideration by their nominated representatives and then voted upon. This is how the policy of the union is formed and there are many other ways that the views of members, are sought and fed into the various negotiating committees. These views then inform the stance the union takes on various issues and forms the basis on which the NGSU conducts negotiations on behalf of its members. As President, I attend over 30 Regional Councils each year. Here I meet your representatives, who work alongside you in the branches and departments and I learn about what really
BELOW: BILL DONS A SILLY HAT TO HIT HOME A SENSIBLE MESSAGE – IN UNITY IS STRENGTH.
concerns you and what you want the union to be discussing with the business on your behalf at the Employee Involvement Committees. One example that springs to mind in the last few years is that of Performance Management and Performance Improvement Plans. These were causing many concerns in Retail and elsewhere. The first indication that there was a problem was via feedback from representatives at Regional Councils. It quickly became clear that all was not well with people feeling bullied and unfairly treated.
‘The strength of the Union is that it represents the vast majority of the employees of the Society. In unity is strength.’ The Union gathered the views of over 300 members and put them to the business, leading to a complete overhaul of the system with the introduction of root-cause analysis, personalised rather then blanket PIP’s and line review of the quality and support provided by managers within PIP’s. This is just one example of how the Union works at addressing the concerns of members and how unity and speaking with a single voice can make a difference.”
What they say about Bill Blumsom
“ “ “ “ “
te nt – passiona a great Preside en n be io s un ha e ill th B t for ic in his suppor st ia us th rs en be d an dual mem e’ and of indivi as a ‘collectiv his help.” who’ve needed NGSU e eral Secretary, We will all be sad to se Tim Poil, Gen t en tm mi Bill go – his com ut to the Union is witho ber question. I will remem e who I have worked him for being someon closely with B in ill for the last 4 year believes passionately s on all things a e, tic jus br d an anch network with fairness our roles ofte a n demanding w proud family man and e sat on oppo si te sides of the fence – good friend.” but it’s has al ways been a pleasure wor Karin McKenzie, NGSU king with him r .” Tracy Conwell, Individual Cases Office Senior HR Bus iness Partner Branc h Network Bill….ju st to wis h you th best of e very luck for the futu enjoyed r e …..I’ve working y time as with you the last Throughout m o fe ver e, tiv w ta years. Y en and view our app a union repres nt s roach ta h ns ave alw a co pragma ays bee Bill has been t e n ic se fair, to a nd prac sad a sad da tical It w support. Very y for the ill be union a Nationw him go” nd ide whe Executive n you le Good lu Sara Seymour, a ve. c k !” l Gareth M Officer Nationa o rris, Per mittee formanc Director Executive Com e , North
NGSU NEEDS YOU
Union Reps play a really important role in helping us to shape a better working environment. They help us to keep in touch with issues impacting in different parts of the business; communicate with members and take an active role in consultation with Nationwide through the Employee Involvement Committees. They also help direct Union policy and help to ensure we’re working on issues that matter most to the membership. We’re currently appointing Reps for the next two years term of office and we still have a number of vacancies across the business, particularly in the Branch Network and in Dunfermline. The role of a Rep is important but it doesn’t need to be onerous – we work hard to make sure you can manage union duties with your normal role. Nationwide supports the work of union Reps by providing paid time off and adjusting targets to enable them to take an active role. We hope you’ll be inspired by the work of Pam Roye, NGSU Rep of Year (see page 11) and become an active Union Rep. A full list of constituencies and vacancies is available on our website or call us on 01295 710767 for more details.
What is your name? Sara Seymour What is your job title? Mobile Operations Manager What is your NGSU role? District Rep, Regional Chair (South) and National Regional Officer (South 1). What is the most common issue? At the moment – overtime! I often also get queries around pay and grumbles about lack of payrises for long term members of staff. What websites do you use? Mainly Ravelry, which is a craft website/forum. Occasionally Facebook. What papers do your read? None. What do you like about Union work? I like to know what’s going on across the business and also to know that I have helped people. I’m lucky now to have a really good working relationship with my Area Director so we can fix a lot of gripes before they go too far. How do you relax? I enjoy walking and also do a lot of crochet. However having recently moved house we don’t get much free time at the moment as every waking minute seems to be filled with work on the house! I finally have a kitchen floor, and a promise of an oven in time to cook Christmas dinner...
Sara Seymour
We welcome views from our readers on any subject, so if you have something to say, write to us at the address above marking your envelope ‘Letters’.
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w e n r o f p u Hands NGSU agreements Bill Blumsom, NGSU President, reports on the NGSU National Conference in October. National Conference attended by nearly 100 NGSU officers and representatives was an important event in determining the Union’s future strategy and actions. Delegates came from all parts of the business to debate 59 motions about working conditions at Nationwide and to determine how the Union should respond to protect the interests of you, its members. Changes to the Union rulebook, the role of the bankage officer and it’s impact on target achievement, diversity, performance management and terms and conditions of employment were among the range of issues debated and voted on.
Bill Blumsom Motions, which were passed by a two-thirds majority, become binding on the Union and it falls to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the negotiating team to try to fulfill the aims of the motion.
CONFERENCE IN ACTION Debates were particularly lively with a range of views and concerns expressed. It can be a daunting experience to stand in front of audience of 100 or more colleagues and attempt to persuade them to vote in a particular way but delegates soon rose to the challenge. It was clear many held some strong views on a range of subjects and welcomed the opportunity to speak to colleagues about the matters impacting upon the members in their constituencies. This was the first Conference attended by Representatives from across the Regional Brands and it was interesting to hear the views and experiences from our new colleagues. Below we spotlight the debate on pay but a full list of the motions and the voting outcomes are available on the NGSU website.
FOCUS ON PAY The issue that prompted most Conference motions was pay – with members seeking a fairer pay system which recognises and rewards performance for all staff. A number of motions submitted were very similar and were debated as ‘composite motions’, which draw together aims into one motion. Three motions calling for changes to the pay system were eventually passed by a two-thirds majority and so become binding on the Union and will guide negotiations on future pay arrangements. These are due to begin shortly with the aim of introducing new pay structures by the July 2012 pay review. The Union’s negotiating team will endeavour to achieve the aims of theses motions and will update the NEC on progress and to determine negotiation
Steve Barnes
Delegates enjoyed an interactive Q&A session with Tony Prestedge, Chief Operating Officer and Graeme Hughes, Group Director, HR and Corporate Affairs, about a range of issues of concern to union members. These included: Adjustment to targets Lack of a firm commitment to ensure fair adjustments are made to targets led to an Emergency Motion to Conference, instructing the NEC to open talks with Nationwide. The motion came from the South Regional Council and was passed with a two-thirds majority after Sara Seymour, Graeme H ughes representing the NEC and South Regional Council (Branch Network), highlighted the issue arising from changes to working patterns for some employees and the impact on branch targets. In some areas, employees are now working between 8am and 4pm in order to service ATMs during the first hour of the day when the branch is closed. This means they lose five hours ‘customer facing’ time a week but targets remain based on a full 35 hours customer contact time. Sara voiced the concern that this would hinder target achievement with consequences on bonus and performance management and asked if plans were in place to amend targets in these situations. The Society representatives made a number of observations – that it was very difficult to make adjustments to targets at such a ‘granular’ level; that the last of hour of day tended to be quiet and so lost opportunity was minimal; that targets already took account of ‘down time’ and it was felt that they were still achievable. However, Graeme did seek to reassure delegates that the Society’s intention was always to pay a bonus and therefore would look at the issue. Tony expressed a hope that in matter like these, employees would be able to have a dialogue with their managers and Area Sales Team to seek local situations. Although delegates welcomed some of the answers, there was disappointment at the response leading to the emergency motion. Third Party Credits Tricia Glynn, representing the London & SE Regional Council, highlighted a customer service problem, caused by non-Nationwide customers using NBS branches to pay in third-party credits. Tricia observed that this diverts resources from servicing loyal Nationwide customers and although attempts are made to engage with noncustomers this is rarely productive business. Graeme asked Tricia to write to him with more details and consideration is now being given to how this can be addressed to free-up branch time.
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strategies. Ultimately, the NEC will report back to Conference 2013 to developments arising from the motions and this will shape a further review of policy.
TAKE YOUR PARTNERS Working in a ‘partnership’ style relationship with Nationwide is generally more productive and leads to better outcomes for Union members, NGSU General Secretary Tim Poil told delegates. He cited examples of the pension changes and overtime issues where union influence had made a real and positive difference to the outcomes. Tim acknowledged that this approach sometimes leads to criticism that the Union is ‘too cosy’ with the Society but assured delegates that, when necessary, union interventions are robust and always seek to put the interests of members first. Tim set out the Union’s future strategy and its commitment to continue to protect the interests of members. He also welcomed comments by Tony Prestedge and Graeme Hughes about the relationship between the Union and the Society and in particular, the role NGSU plays as a ‘staff union’ and how this underpins our role as a stakeholder in the business.
‘Delegates came from all parts of the business to debate 59 motions about working conditions at Nationwide’ RAISE CASH FOR CAUSES Delegates and guests at Conference raised over £900 in support of two important charities. A raffle held in support of the NSPCC raised £800 from ticket sales and a matching donation from the Union’s charitable reserve. Earlier in the day, delegates raised over £100 in support of Meningitis UK by purchasing CDs from a teenage band Behind Closed Doors, who had written and recorded a song ‘Gone Too Soon’ in memory of their friend and band member who had died from Meningitis last year. The production of the CD was sponsored by Nationwide and the song can be downloaded from iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com /gb/album/gone-too-soonsingle/id427583555) with all proceeds to Meningitis UK search for a vaccine.
work with the Union and that the relationship would continue to play an important role in the future success of Nationwide. Tony’s presentation focused on the economic outlook and the likely effects on the trading environment and future profits. Whilst presenting a tough view of the economic outlook he finished by stressing some positives, including the strong trading performance of the business this year so far and also the significant investment the organisation has made and is planning in it’s infrastructure and people.
CULTURE CHANGE Graeme Hughes set out the Society’s plans to create a high performance culture and how engaging employees more with the business and its aims and values were key factors in achieving this. He gave an honest assessment of the changes in the culture over recent years acknowledging that the Society had moved from a position where Nationwide was A ROBUST AND CHALLENGING considered to be a people focused environment RELATIONSHIP to one that was more commercially focused Conference welcomed two keynote speakers from and directive. Delegates were reassured to hear Nationwide, Tony Prestedge, Chief Operating that Graeme’s vision for the future lay Officer and Graeme Hughes, Group Director, HR somewhere between the two extremes – one and Corporate Affairs. Both gave frank and where employees are re-engaged with the honest views of the issues facing Nationwide over business and enabled to meet the commercial the next couple of years and what this might challenges. Three key areas stood out in these mean for employees. future plans, those of Culture and Leadership; Delegates were pleased to hear Tony Inclusion; and Engagement and acknowledge the work of the Union and Enablement of employees to create To do that the business values the contribution a high performance organisation. w all th nload the NGSU makes to the working Graeme was also keen to emphasise e pro C ceeds D with environment. Tony described the the strength in the relationship Menin going gitis relationship between NBS and NGSU as between Nationwide and NGSU and U t a vac K search o cine g robust and challenging but recognised the contribution this makes to the for o to: that through open and honest debate Society. In particular, he recognised that www. m eni both parties are able to resolve as a ‘staff union’ representing 80% of news- ngitisuk.or differences and generate solutions employees across the Nationwide Group and-e g vents / which benefit both employees and the Union has a strong and powerful the Society. He confirmed the voice and that working together produces Society’s commitment to continue to better outcomes.
NGSU REP OF THE YEAR 2011
PAM ROYE Pam Roye from Retail, London South East, was awarded NGSU Rep of Year at National Conference. The award recognises the contribution local reps make to the work of the Union and, importantly, in supporting union members in their constituency. Reps are nominated by members in their area and the winner chosen by a panel, including NGSU General Secretary, Tim Poil and President, Bill Blumsom. Pam has been unstinting in her efforts in supporting members through branch closures and redundancy; resolving issues arising from overtime and many other queries within the London Region and chairing the London NGSU Regional Council. Pam had over 20 separate nominations from members across her Region and is a popular and well-deserving winner. She received the Geoff Webb Trophy (presented in fond memory of former NGSU employee Geoff), from the previous winner Rebecca Mckenzie along with a cheque. Brian McQuillan, DSM, who nominated Pam for the award, commented: “Pam is a brilliant support in the area. She will always offer impartial advice to members as well as helping the SAT team manage and deal with issues. In particular the branch closure programme was a huge change for our area and Pam put in massive resources supporting affected staff as well as using her vast experience to manage the closures. Pam is a model rep who gives honest realistic advice, challenging both members and management and helping resolve issues.” Pam was one of four nominees for this year’s award. Other nominees were Sharon Greenhalgh from Nationwide House, Kerry Wagg from NAC and Sara Seymour from Retail South.
Pam & Rebecca
‘Pam is a model rep who gives honest realistic advice, challenging both members and management and helping resolve issues’
Pam Roye
Rep of the Year 2011
‘Congratulations to Pam – and thanks for all your hard work!’ Said Pam: “ Being awarded NGSU Rep of the Year was one of my proudest moments. I was also awarded the CSM of the year for my Area in April 2011. To me these are recognitions that I am very passionate about any task I take on and care about the people I work with. “I am a firm believer in people having their say, and if unable I will be their voice. I work very closely with the Area Team in order to resolve issues. By being recognised in my Area as ‘The Union’ staff are always happy to discuss matters with me, knowing that what is discussed remains confidential and I will work hard to resolve the issue. I understand that sometimes it is difficult for staff members to talk during working hours, so I am always happy to talk to staff members in the evening to help reassure them with their concerns.”
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72 DEC 11 PANCREATIC CANCER
ANGELA AND NEAL CONDICT
l a e N f o r u o In hon Former Nationwide employee Neal Condict died of pancreatic cancer. Now NGSU is supporting a charity dedicated to researching treatment. Neal, a former employee at Nationwide House in Swindon, died last year of pancreatic cancer at the age of just 41. His wife, Angela, says Neal was diagnosed in September 2009 with a prognosis of three months without palliative chemotherapy or six to seven months with palliative chemotherapy. “Neal had always been incredibly active, running half marathons raising money for several charities; he played golf, enjoyed watching and supporting many sports,” says Angela. “The diagnosis was a complete shock, the only symptoms he displayed was slight acid reflux, weight loss which we had thought was due to his increased training in preparation for the Swindon Half Marathon in October and, later, jaundice. Sadly these symptoms appeared at a late stage of the disease, which had already spread to his liver. Neal took part in a drug trial funded by Cancer Research UK. We hope that the information they obtained will assist with
FOR MORE INFORMATION • Please visit the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund website: www.pcrf.org.uk • Or to donate to Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund: www.justgiving.com/ Angela-Condict
the research and treatment for pancreatic cancer.” In November NGSU sponsored a charity ball in Neal’s memory and to support Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, donating £1,000 from its charitable fund to support the charity, which is dedicated to supporting research to improve diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE Each year approximately 7,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death, causing five percent of all cancer deaths each year. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers – just 3% of those diagnosed survive for five years. It is also the only cancer that has seen no improvement in this figure over the last 40 years. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, because it is unusually aggressive, symptoms are often vague and appear at a late stage and surgery is very difficult. Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a national charity dedicated to supporting research to improve diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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72 DEC 11 TRAVEL CLUB
Treat yourself! Thought about using the NGSU Travel Club for Christmas Presents or a New Year Break? SPORTS PACKAGES London 2012 Olympic Games – Still availability for some events combined with hotel stay. Your chance to experience the Event of the Decade from £99pp!
TRAVEL HOTLINE
0800 9531 263 The NGSU Travel Club aim to beat any other travel agent, tour operator or internet price. The NGSU Travel Club is operated on our behalf by Benchmark Travel Ltd.
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per person
Football – choose from watching Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur play at home combined with a night’s hotel stay and stadium tour. Prices start at £79pp Alternatively we can arrange packages for Rugby, Tennis, Horse Racing, Formula 1 Motorsport around the World or even Rowing at the Henley Regatta
LONDON THEATRE BREAKS We can do London Theatre Breaks all the year round but why not join your NGSU Colleagues for an exclusive family outing to the hit Musical – Shrek. Fri 4th or Sat 5th May 2012. Best priced seats and B & B in a 4* Central Hotel from £99pp Child discounts and optional tours also available. HOLIDAY COTTAGES/PARKS/CARAVANS/BOATS Why not organise a family/friends weekend gettogether or mid week break for your loved ones in the UK or Abroad. We deal with all the main Operators such as Hoseasons, Cottages4U, Butlins, Warners & Park Resorts. 7 night prices can start at £39pp Fancy EURODISNEY instead? – We will not be beaten on price!
From
£279 per person
ABTA AND ATOL PROTECTED
The NGSU Travel Club is operated by Benchmark Travel Ltd. At the time of going to press, all prices were valid for specific dates in Jan 2012, with flights from London Airports. Supplements for Regional Airports, baggage and transfers may be extra. www.benchmarktravel.co.uk
Ring FREEPHONE
0800 9531 263 for e xtra discounts
WINTER SUN Need some sun to cheer you up. The current budget favourites for NGSU Members are the Canaries, Morocco & Egypt, with departures from most UK airports. Prices including flights start at £119pp for 7 nights S/C in Tenerife, £199pp for 7 nights B & B in Marrakech & £279pp for 7 nights All Inc for a 3* in Sharm el Sheikh. A firm mid-range favourite is still Mexico with 7 nights All Inc in a Cancun 3* from £699pp or newly sought after Cape Verde with 7 nights All Inc in a 4* from £599pp Affordable top range winter sun favourites with 7 – 9 hour flight times are moving on from Dubai where a 5 night B & B package in a 3* Hotel starts at £449 or a 5* Hotel starts at £739, to places like Muscat where the 4* Al Maha Hotel is a very reasonable £599pp for the same package or where prices at the 5* beach front world famous Chedi Hotel start at £1199pp for a 5 night luxury stay. HOLIDAY TIPS TRAVEL INSURANCE – With strikes, delays and even closures unfortunately becoming ever more frequent, Travel Insurance from a reputable broker has never been more important. More and more people are going for the cheapest internet quotes without carefully examining the small print/exclusions/excesses and even worse not declaring medical conditions! An air ambulance home at your expense could bankrupt you and worse! BE CAREFUL, BE WISE, BOOK IT THROUGH YOUR TRAVEL CLUB! AIRPORT PARKING/HOTELS Did you know the prices for Airport Parking & Airport Hotels actually go up nearer the date of travel! Book yours with your holiday and the extra savings could go towards an AIRPORT LOUNGE!
14
72 DEC 11
Update@Rapport magazine, Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT
I work in a project area alongside a number of contractors who don’t mind working extra hours as they get paid for them. I’m finding the pressure on employees to work in a similar way is becoming extremely stressful. I regularly work a 40+ hour week, with no lunch breaks, overtime or opportunites to take TOIL. How can I reduce my workload to be more manageable and cope with the stress? The nature of project work does require a degree of flexibility – occasionally it may be necessary to put in some extra hours to meet a milestone. But flexibility should work both ways and you must be allowed to take TOIL and to have proper rest and a break from work. In the first instance you should ask your manager to agree a more sensible work schedule with you. If this doesn’t work, a Union Individual Cases Officer can help you seek further help by raising the matter with HR. The temperature in the office is freezing, what should the minimum temperature be in an office and can we go home if it falls below that? The minimum temperature for working in an office is 16C but the regulations that govern this are more concerned with the overall ‘thermal comfort’. If the temperature falls to a level which is uncomfortable you should raise concerns with your manager and seek to
Q
A
Q A
agree some measures to help make you more comfortable. These can include arranging temporary heating; being able to wear additional clothing over your NBS uniform and rotating duties with other staff so you can take turns at working in a warmer part of the branch. If you have any staff members who are particularly vulnerable to the cold, for example a pregnant employee or an asthma sufferer, it would be important to complete a risk assessment and take steps to improve their thermal comfort. I am off work with depression and my manager wants to come and visit me with another manager. I find this intimidating. What are my rights and why do they want two people to come and see me? It’s not unreasonable for your manager to want to stay in touch with you during your absence and to discuss ways that the Society can support you and help you return to work when you’re ready. It is normal policy for someone else to accompany your manager to ensure the meeting is carried out properly and allows notes to be taken. However, you don’t have to agree to meet them at your home. If you feel unable to meet them in your normal workplace you can suggest a neutral venue, such a café, or another work office. You can also ask for a friend or relative to be at the meeting, especially if it’s at your home. A Union officer may also be available to support you. Please call us if you need help.
Q A
CONTACT US NGSU Middleton Farmhouse 37 Main Road Middleton Cheney Banbury Oxon 0X17 2QT Phone: 01295 710767 Fax: 01295 712580 email: ngsu@ngsu.org.uk Web: www.ngsu.org.uk PRESIDENT Bill Blumsom GENERAL SECRETARY Tim Poil ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY (MEMBERS) Marian Dean ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY (SERVICES) Tim Rose INDIVIDUAL CASES OFFICERS Angela Needham (Northampton) Carol Hunter (North) Karin McKenzie (NH) Diana Pitman (South & BAC) Ray Ponsford (Central/London) Derek Richards (NH) Jo Thomson (Central) REGIONAL BRANDS OFFICER Karen Hughes ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Juliet Harris BENEFIT SCHEMES
If you have a work or union related question you need answered write to us at the address at the top of the page marking your envelope ‘Q&A’.
www.ngsu.org.uk
EDITORIAL BOARD Bill Blumsom, President Jo Thomson, Union ICO Tim Rose, Assistant General Secretary EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Astrid Stubbs
DESIGN&PRODUCTION www.design-mill.co.uk PRINTED in the UK by Banbury Litho www.banburylitho.co.uk ADVERTISING Tim Rose trose@ngsu.org.uk
RJW Legal Helpline: 0800 9169063 Personal Injury: 0800 9169064 NGSU Travel Club: 0800 9531 263 IFS Life Insurance Helpline: 01453 755195
PRIZE DRAW RESULTS Prize Winners on Wednesday 1 June 2011
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE
Prize Chance Sum
Winner
Branch/Department
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Stephen Craig Helen Curtis Alison Pulsford Alison Stevens Jillian Lindley Joyce Mose
Dereham Newport (Gwent) Rickmansworth Maidenhead (Market Street) Maidenhead (Market Street) Pension Fund Members
SUPPORTING NEW STARTERS
103814 086104 097704 112509 095321 091853
£11,483 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Prize Winners on Wednesday 6 July 2011 Prize Chance Sum
Winner
Branch/Department
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Christopher Harris Hitesh Pindoria John Adams Nikki Ingram Denise Lifford Sonia Lindsay
Treasury Controls Wealdstone Pension Fund Member ND GCH Shef Terminators People Services Pocklington
106323 077730 087128 117150 122889 112147
£11,465 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Prize Winners on Wednesday 3 August 2011 Prize Chance Sum
Winner
Branch/Department
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Anne Mercer Caroline Lee Zoe Hunt Gillian Whitham Amanda Harris Christine Crammond
Belfast (Royal Ave) Bridgwater S_Olympia Pension Fund Members Ashford (Kent) Blackheath
088696 088524 111773 075786 118590 075736
£11,411 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Prize Winners on Wednesday 7 September 2011 Prize Chance Sum
Winner
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Fiona Bedford Branch Network NMDP Jade Rochester Croydon Donna Dobrowski Chelmsford Elizabeth MacKintosh Inverness Karen Watts Banbury Rakesh Bhundia Wembley
076025 082243 091512 120313 118396 120635
£11,359 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Branch/Department
Too many employees are facing disciplinary proceedings in their early days of working with the Society, says NGSU. Union representation is important for these employees, who are often unfamiliar with Society processes and procedures and are unsure what to expect from a hearing or what their rights are. It is therefore really important for new starters to join the Union at the earliest opportunity as this means they can call on our help should issues arise in their probationary period. Disciplinary hearings are still too high but NGSU is encouraged that levels appear to be falling and are down on the extraordinary levels of recent years. There were 414 formal disciplinary and improvement performance hearings in the first six months of 2011. Of these, 61 resulted in dismissal for reasons including conduct; capability; absence and timekeeping; and breach of security procedures. The hearings involved 391 employees (some being called to more than one hearing). But the number of hearings for employees in their probationary period is of concern. These are mostly performance-related and the outcome of hearings is often to extend the probationary period to give an employee more time to meet the required performance standards. The Union can help employees in this position by ensuring that they are receiving the correct support and training and are being properly inducted into the organisation. If you have a new starter in your branch or department please encourage them to join the Union. It’s really easy; they simply need to fill out the form below and send to our office in Middleton Cheney. Or join online at www.ngsu.org.uk.
✁
Prize Winners on Wednesday 5 October 2011
NGSU ‘Quick Join’ form
Prize Chance Sum
Winner
Branch/Department
Name
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Kay Osborne Meena Dave Stephen Perry Wendy Boyce Heather Gibson Lucy Tinnirello
Pensioner Member Greenford Pensioner Member Corby ND GCH Hoddesdon
75920 090887 075541 107801 116516 100178
£11,305 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Prize Winners on Wednesday 2 November 2011 Prize Chance Sum
Winner
Branch/Department
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th
Elizabeth Smith Emma Bradley Izran Bashir Stephen Crane A Walton Deborah Langley
Towcester Pontypool Kings Heath Pension Fund Managers Pension Fund Managers Hemel Hempstead
092427 117185 106961 075319 075652 114174
£11,327 £5,000 £2,000 £500 £500 £500
Employee number
Branch/department
Home email
I hearby apply for membership of the Union and I agree to: 1. commence payment of the appropriate subscription immediately and shall continue to do so whilst a member. 2. that subscriptions shall be paid by salary deduction from next month. 3. to Abide by the rules of the Union and I understand that I may obtain a copy from the Union’s offices. 4. understand that, from time to time, the Union provides additional benefit schemes such as insurance and discount products and I confirm that it is in order for the Union and other service providers to send details of these schemes to me. Signature
Date
SUBSCRIPTION LEVELS Membership is excellent value for money and is based on how many hours you work: Please tick the appropriate box
Full time Part-time (16–34 hrs/week)
Part-time
TO ENTER THE DRAW OR INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, PLEASE CALL 01295 710767
A membership pack will be sent to you shortly.
(under 16 hrs/week)
NATIONWIDE GROUP STAFF UNION Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT
Pensioner/ Maternity
16
72 DEC 11 BENEFITS
GET YOUR
Have a great night out
FREE TASTECARD!
A tastecard gives you 50% OFF or 2 FOR 1 at 5000 fantastic UK & Ireland restaurants. As a NGSU member, you can join the tasteclub for two month’s... FOR FREE! No payment details are taken so there are NO STRINGS ATTACHED. We just thought you may want to give it a try to see what you think! Your tastecard will enable you to enjoy 50% Off or 2 FOR 1 Across All Courses in thousands of UK and Ireland restaurants – simply ‘flash’ your card at any participating eatery and your food bill will be automatically halved! Tastecard is accepted at Restaurants throughout the UK, including: PizzaExpress, Brasserie Gerard, ASK, La Tasca, Strada, Bella ItaliaCafe Rouge, to AA rosette and Michelin rated establishments from Marco Pierre White, Pascal Proyart, Cyrus Todiwala MBE and Mark Baumann... the choice is absolutely huge! There’s no obligation to buy a Tastecard once your trial has ended but if you like it you’ll be eligible for a discount on 12 months membership. Sign up today at www.tastecard.co.uk/trial2/ngsu
Sign up at: tastecard.co.uk /trial2/ngsu
CINEMA
DISCOUNT TICKETS We’ve come up with a fabulous new benefit for all NGSU members who love going to the movies – a fantastic discounted cinema vouchers scheme. By registering on our scheme you can buy up to 5 pairs of discounted cinema vouchers every month for use at most of the major cinema chains in the UK; Cineworld; Odeon; Showcase; Empire; Apollo and independent cinemas. You’ll also get the chance to enter some great competitions. The actual saving depends on the Cinema group; the location of the cinema and the time and day you chose to see the film but on average, you’ll save between 20%–30% on a pair of adult tickets but you can save between 50%–60% at some cinemas. You must buy the vouchers online from the dedicated NGSU discount scheme and vouchers
UP TO
To join visit: ngsu.co.uk go to the benefits section
70% OFF THE HOTTEST TICKETS FOR LIVE EVENTS
NGSU has teamed up with Last Second Tickets to give members the chance to see some amazing live entertainment at great prices. Last Second Tickets works directly with promoters and venues to secure amazing discounts and prizes, for high profile live music and entertainment events and leisure experiences. They have thousands of offers every year, including ‘buy one get one free’ and discounted tickets for many of the nation’s most high-profile events, gigs, festivals, clubs, theatre, comedy, cinema, sports, days out and family attractions. To book To find out the latest offers and to book your discounted tickets, simply click on the LST tickets go to: Widget on the Services and Benefits page of lastsecond our website or visit www.lastsecondtickets. tickets.com/ com/ngsu. Remember to check back regularly ngsu to make sure you don’t miss out on seeing your favourite acts.
are sent to you by first class post. If you buy Cineworld vouchers you can choose to have a promotional code sent to you by text or email and then you can book your tickets direct online. Vouchers are available for adult and child tickets and for 2D and 3D films. The vouchers are valid for a minimum of six months so they make great gifts too! It’s FREE to register and there’s no obligation to buy tickets. The scheme lasts for 12 months so the sooner you register the more you’ll be able to save. To join visit the Services and Benefits section on our website. www.ngsu.org.uk
HAVE A GREAT
NIGHT OUT
We all love it when we get a great deal and we all love a good night out – now you can combine both with these great moneysavings offers. You can enjoy a night at the cinema; a show or concert and a meal – all at a discount. Go on – make the most of your NGSU membership and treat yourself – you deserve it!
18
72 DEC 11 DIVERSITY
BELOW: ‘EASTFIELD RAIL PUNK’.RIGHT: SOPHIE LANCASTER
"I am convinced Sophie was killed simply because of the way she looked. She did not conform to the ideals of those who took her life. "We need to show respect, compassion and tolerance for those whose culture differs from our own,” said Sophie’s mum, Sylvia, who has set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which aims to stamp out prejudice, hatred and intolerance. The charity is a lasting legacy to Sophie and provides educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures and campaigns to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from “alternative subcultures” or “Lifestyle and Dress” Other partners include The Anne Frank UK Trust, who include Sophie and Rob’s attack and death in their touring exhibition. NGSU member Trina Breedon, has raised AIMS OF THE money for the Foundation with her band Eastfield FOUNDATION • To create a lasting legacy Rail Punk because she too has faced prejudice for to Sophie. looking different and wants to ensure no one has • To provide educational to suffer like Sophie and her partner did. group-works that will Trina, who is a Claims Supplier Relationship challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards Manager at Nationwide Head Office, says that she people from alternative has been singled out for hostility because of her subcultures. bright red hair. • To campaign to have “It shouldn’t make any difference how you look the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to or dress. Regardless of creed or colour there are include people from other aspects of diversity.” alternative subcultures Trina met Sophie’s mum or lifestyle and dress. during one gig and was struck by how worthwhile ut the re abo u can o m t u the cause to avoid w yo Find o and ho ork, n o i t a further tragic deaths like d w Foun ort its p p e i u h s p Sophie’s is . help g a So g buyin lamasqua n i d “We want to create u l c in and Il d n a b greater awareness of t : wris ncil, at eye pe foundation.com individuality and the er lancast ie h p need for respect for all o www.s : t a d regardless,” she says. ’s ban
Stamping out prejudice.
The horrific murder of a young woman simply because of how she looked has sparked a campaign for more respect for all Sophie Lancaster was a young woman with a bright future when she was killed in an horrific attack on herself and her partner Robert Maltby on August 24 2007. The reason for her death? Sophie and Robert were Goths so they looked different. The couple were attacked by a group of teenagers while walking through Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Rossendale in Lancashire. As a result of her severe head injuries Sophie went into a coma, never regained consciousness, and died 13 days later. Robert survived despite his horrifying injuries. Five teenage boys were later arrested and charged with murder. Two were convicted of murder and sentenced to life-imprisonment. The other three were convicted and jailed for grievous bodily harm.
‘We want to create greater awareness of individuality and the need for respect for all regardless’
Trina .uk Follows tfieldrailpunk.co s
www.ea
19
72 DEC 11 COFFEE BREAK
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Guest reviewer Owen Stubbs unpacks some book treats for Christmas. HOW TO BE A WOMAN CAITLIN MORAN Caitlin Moran's brilliantly funny answer to how to be a woman raises some serious questions of it’s own: why pants are getting smaller, why are we supposed to get Brazilians, should you get Botox? Do men secretly hate us, what should you call your vagina, why does your bra hurt and why does everyone ask you when you're going to have a baby? Part memoir, part rant, Moran’s story follows her from her terrible 13th birthday, through adolescence, the workplace, strip-clubs, love, fat, abortion, TopShop, motherhood and beyond. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE CLEVER?: THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE QUESTIONS JOHN FARNDON This insightful, often humorous book, explores the types of questions that Oxford and Cambridge candidates are asked in their interviews. The author investigates what percentage of the world’s water is contained in a single cow, whether or not Girl Scouts have a political agenda, and many other fascinating intellectual challenges. It is a very interesting book, and with no plot line or story, it is wonderful to just dip into once in a while. THE SICKNESS ALBERTO BARRERA TYSZKA Set in Venezuela, this book primarily tells the story of Dr Andres Miranda as he struggles to come to terms with the fact that his father has been diagnosed with cancer. Meanwhile his secretary, Karina, secretly starts replying to the often deranged letters of a patient who claims he has “the sickness”. The book’s varying plot lines begin to overlap towards the conclusion of the story, and it is testament to the writer’s ability that he handles them all skilfully and manages to fit this complex tale into such a short novel. WAR TORN ANDY MCNAB & KYM JORDAN This book is a tale of two halves: the exciting, action-packed adventures of Sergeant Dave Henley and his squad in Afghanistan, and the everyday life of the soldier’s wives back home in England. However, it is a credit to both writers that they make both sections of the plot as interesting and gripping as each other. The characterisation is top notch, too, and the reader will start to care about the plight of the fighters and their families a great deal.
PRIZE WORDSEARCH
WIN CINEMA TICKETS A CHRISTMAS CAROL If you have a few minutes spare then why not try your hand at our wordsearch. See if you can find all the characters and related words from ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. Filmology have donated four vouchers for adult tickets at Cineworld (valid for all 2D films until 30/9/12). Two lucky winners will receive two tickets each. Completed entries should be sent to Middleton Cheney by 15 January 2012. M A R T H A C R A T C H I T U P E B A D
I M Y S J F C M A U J Q O Z U B J M M Y
N J J H P Q Z O V V R M W A E P P C D W
D C A M R F E Z Z I W I G N G H S K A Q
I M D C H Q E N K B K N E F G A P L F L
C D R Y O W R B D E O Z O H X N I F L B
GHOST BOB CRATCHIT FRED MARTHA CRATCHIT PHANTOM TINY TIM MRS DILBER SPIRITS
K T O R E B P D S V E B U O R T R F A N
W D I D B C M C O R B M C U U O I P P R
I I Z N L F S A S N B H Y R D M T K C O
L C I H Y E F C R U I Q F U A R S D E P
K K T P G T R Q G L G P U L U T S Z V J
I E Y H E O I P E T E R C R A T C H I T
N N O B O J L M O Y H Y X G O F B H H T
S S E G X M R S D I L B E R S L N Y I L
T A E C I P H O Z Q I M M U D F R E D T
MR FEZZIWIG DICKENS EBENEZER SCROOGE DICK WILKINS HUMBUG JACOB MARLEY FAN PETER CRATCHIT
We could SAVE you money PLUS
!
NGSU membe rs get
10%
commis s rebateion
Advice from an independent advisor on all matters including: ● Personal Financial Planning ● Retirement Planning ● Savings & Investments ● Life Insurance ● Mortgages ● Tax Planning EXECUTION ONLY SERVICE
Earn 50% of initial commission This is for members who use the Web to carry out their research, or who know which policy they want, the company, term and premium and who use the IFS Call centre to arrange a policy on an execution only basis. Note – IFS cannot give any advice under this option.
www.theifsgroup.com/ngsu
01453 797555
Head Office: 404 The Waterfront, Stonehouse Park, Sperry Way, Stonehouse, GL10 3UT Independent Financial Services (UK) Ltd is an appointed representative of the Falcon Group Plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Rebates are available on most products provided by most life insurance, pension and investment companies. There are a small number of products and companies that do not qualify – IFS will advise you if this is appropriate.