NGSU Rapport 77 Spring 2014

Rapport THE NATIONWIDE GROUP STAFF UNION MAGAZINE

SPRING 2014

ISSUE 77

Y T E F A S O T P U P STE

HOW YOUR REPS HELP KEEP YOU SAFE AT WORK

NEWS&ViEWS: P2 BENEFiTS: P13 HErE TO HELP: P14

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welcome…

My first weeks as President have been extremely busy, including Roadshows with an NGSU team at Swindon, Bournemouth and Northampton. I was able to meet many members and listen to their views on a variety of work issues. We also recruited new members.

I’ve attended Induction meetings to promote the benefits of joining the NGSU and chaired my first NEC committee meeting. We discussed the roles of the National Regional and Executive officers as well as the Union’s Strategic Plan 2014 -2018, which I am sure will benefit members as it will involve local reps in more of the day-today business of the Union.

Gill Grocott President

ContaCt Us… NGSU Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxon OX17 2QT Tel: 01295 710767 Fax: 01295 712580 ngsu@ngsu.org.uk www.ngsu.org.uk @TimPoil NGSU

INSIDE

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News & views From your union

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Stepping up to safety How your reps help keep you safe at work

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Tim’s blog General Secretary’s view from Middleton Cheney farmhouse

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Wish you were here Take a holiday selfie and win up to £1000!

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Time to talk Letting people know you have depression is vital

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Twin peaks Meet NGSU rep Bev Cubbon

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Benefits Find out what benefits your union can give you

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Here to help Q&As and top tips

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Hope for a home A hand up not a hand out

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Coffee break Dig it, I ♥ cooking, pet’s corner, book reviews, wordsearch

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Rapport Editorial board Gill Grocott, President Chris Palfrey, NEC Officer Tim Rose, Assistant General Secretary Editorial consultant Astrid Stubbs Design & production www.design-mill.co.uk

Printed in the UK www.banburylitho.co.uk Advertising Tim Rose trose@ngsu.org.uk

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news&views SPriNG iNTO ACTiON ONLiNE

Can you show someone how to use a computer keyboard, browse a tablet or smartphone and send an email? Then why not get involved with Spring Online 2014?

Spring Online is Digital Unite’s award-winning initiative that makes it possible for thousands of often older people to try out using technology, many for the first time.

Between 31 March – 4 April 2014 thousands of free taster events and sessions are being held across the UK to help and inspire local people achieve a lasting use of the internet.

Visit www.digitalunite.com/spring-online for details or to get involved.

…reps who help meet Bev Cubbon on page 12

spotlight on loCation alloWanCes NGSU has asked Nationwide to review the location allowances payable to staff in London and other sites. The allowances haven’t changed for several years but travel costs have gone up massively.

The review will take place as part of the wider annual review of all allowances and any changes will be announced later in the year or as part of the pay review.

hoMophoBia in the WorKplaCe NGSU is backing a national campaign to tackle homophobia in Britain’s workplaces.

The campaign has been launched by the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall. Featuring two people at work, it states: “One is gay. if that bothers people, our work continues.”

The campaign comes in response to research which shows that in the last five years 2.4 million people of working age have witnessed verbal homophobic bullying at work. A further 800,000 people of working age have witnessed physical homophobic bullying at work.

The campaign features workers from across various careers and professions — including construction workers, footballers, police officers, priests and firefighters. it will include posters on nearly 650 buses in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh as well as on 4,000 adverts on the London Underground.

Visit www.stonewall. org.uk/media/current_ releases/9357.asp for more information

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Fairness fight goes on Thirty years ago workers at GCHQ were banned from joining a trade union.

But while times have changed and their rights have been restored, attacks on unions and their ability to fight for justice and fairness at work, are sadly still with us.

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, says: “Facility time – the time that union reps use to try to solve problems at work and win improved conditions for their workmates – has been severely curtailed across government departments following a decision imposed by the Cabinet Office.

“Meanwhile the Lobbying Bill will force unions to reveal the names of union members following any complaint from an employer and unions will also have to appoint external auditors to look over their membership lists. People who belong to unions had previously thought that their membership details were a matter of private record between them and their union.

Now they are concerned that their details could soon be visible to a range of third parties.”

Benefit help Turn2us is a charity that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face-to-face through partner organisations. The charity’s website has a range of information and resources, including a Benefits calculator and Grants search. www.turn2us.org.uk Find out more about the bill at http://tinyurl.com/ oxodhy9

World Book Night

World Book Night on April 23 is the annual celebration of reading and books, which sees passionate volunteers gift books in their communities to share their love of reading.

In the UK 35% of people don’t regularly read despite reading for pleasure being a globally recognised indicator in a huge range of social issues from poverty to mental health.

World Book Night is about giving books and encouraging those who have lost the love of reading – or are yet to gain it – to pick up a book and read.

There are 20 World Book Night titles and if you would like to become a giver get in touch at www.worldbooknight.org.

…read our book reviews on page 19

news&views eUropean CoUrt asKeD to rUle

BanK on YoUr people

A landmark employment case with major implications for employers proposing to make 20 or more redundancies across an organisation has been referred to the Court of Justice for the European Union (CJEU) for a definitive ruling.

The case was brought by the shop workers Union USDAW on behalf of former Woolworth’s staff. Workers in shops with less than 20 staff were denied compensation for redundancy but colleagues in bigger shops were entitled to it.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) agreed that compensation should be paid to all staff but the Government has decided to appeal this.

eMploYMent laW in 2014 did you know the Government is planning a number of changes to laws on employment rights?

These changes include the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE); extending the rights to request flexible working; requiring a potential claimant to an Employment Tribunal (ET) to refer the matter to ACAS first; and giving Tribunals the right to impose penalties on employers that are in breach of employment rights.

Navigating the maze of employment rights is a key benefit of Union membership. All NGSU members are entitled to free initial legal advice from our solicitors, Slater & Gordon: For general enquiries call the Legal helpline on 0800 916 9063; for personal accident advice call 0800 916 9064.

Financial services organisations should consider a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, says a report by the Bank Workers Charity.

The report’s findings show that financial worries, caring responsibilities and concerns about the future are all significant home-life factors that affect performance at work.

The research also identifies workplace causes of ill-health and reduced productivity, which include lack of enjoyment of the job and the intrusion of work into home or personal life.

The report highlights the need for employers to prepare managers to support people in and out of work to ensure better performance as well as positive wellbeing. it adds that early intervention and support can generate financial gains through better productivity and reductions in sickness absence.

The report, ‘Bank on Your People’, can be downloaded from www.bwcharity.org.uk/ news/wellbeing-researchfinancial-sector

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Stepping up to safety How your reps help keep you safe at work

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hen accidents happen at Nationwide, NGSU is there to support the injured member and to work with the Society to ensure that they don’t happen again. There were over 150 reported accidents in the last quarter of 2013 and although none resulted in very serious injury, it’s still important to review the incidents and to identify if any action is needed.

NGSU Safety Reps attend H&S committee meetings where they find out about and raise such health and safety issues on behalf of members; review accident reports to identify trends and remedial actions; and consult on H&S strategy and policy.

Incidents have included a fire evacuation at Bournemouth Administration Centre caused by a misuse of a microwave. Reps with Property and Corporate Services agreed that microwaves for employee use are now in the restaurant area and supervised.

For resources on Workers Memorial day contact the Greater Manchester Hazards centre at: mail@gmhazards. org.uk.

Following two unrelated instances of glass panels breaking in NH, Reps have prompted a review of all glazing in the building. While no one was injured, Property and Corporate Services are now reviewing all breakages to identify if there is a wider trend and will take action if necessary.

NGSU works hard to safeguard your interests over Health & Safety to ensure that Nationwide meets its legal

WHY WE NEED RED TAPE international Workers’ Memorial day (iWMd) takes place on 28 April 2014 when people across the world are asked to remember the dead: Fight for the Living.

This year’s theme is protecting workers around the world through strong regulation, enforcement and union rights.

There will be hundreds of events across the Uk using the slogan We Love red Tape – it’s better than bloody bandages, stop deregulation! www.hazardscampaign.org.uk

RISK ASSESSMENT The Union also helps improve existing health and safety by reviewing risk assessments and accident trends in the Branch Network and Admin Offices. Although generally a ‘low’ risk issued identified include: • Slips, trips or falls on stairs, uneven floors • Trapping fingers, arms etc in doors or drawers • Physical assault (Branch) • Office manual handling (Admin Office) • Medical conditions (such as workplace stress) • Handling of chemicals (Hawksworth and STC) • Warehouse manual handling and FLT operation (Hawksworth and STC).

requirements in providing a safe working environment, developing better H&S policies, advising members on H&S issues and promoting awareness of health and wellbeing.

NGSU Safety Rep Iain Jeffree, who works in Customer Services and Operations in NAC, says: “The importance of logging accidents can’t be stressed enough. The Society and Union review every accident report to identify trends and possible action.

Please log every accident however minor and insignificant it seems at the time – you may help to stop similar incidents happening again.”

Following a risk assessment (see box above) a review was conducted with Nationwide to ensure appropriate first aid provisions and facilities for returning mothers were put in place.

Regulations like these help improve life for staff but the TUC has concerns that Government action on cutting red tape will make work a riskier place for employees.

The Union has put some members in touch with our Solicitors for an assessment for a personal injury claim, including workplace stress issues. The service is free to NGSU members and families and covers all accidents and injuries – not just those related to the workplace. The NGSU Personal Injury Line number is 0800 916 9064.

‘The TUC has concerns that Government action on cutting red tape will make work a riskier place’ The Government has announced that it is increasing its drive to cut red tape because regulations waste businesses’ time and money.

More than 800 regulations across all aspects of government have already been abolished or reviewed as part of its Red Tape Challenge, including major reforms to health and safety law.

That’s why on International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April there will be a call for protecting workers through strong regulation.

Hilda Palmer, Acting Chair of National Hazards Campaign, says: “No one should die simply for going to work but millions do each year in preventable circumstances. The majority of work-related deaths are not due to freak accidents or rare diseases, but employers’ failure to manage health and safety practices and a government that permits this.

“Last year some 2.3 million were killed by work worldwide – more than by war. In Great Britain, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provisionally report 148 workers were killed in work incidents in 2012/13 but this doesn’t include workers killed at sea; in workrelated traffic accidents or suicides due to the pressures of works.

“Another estimated 50,000 workers died of cancer or heart and lung disease as a result of poor working conditions.

Over 100,000 workers were injured, about 20,000 suffered major injuries, and 2 million are suffering ill-health.”

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on Farmhouse Tim’s Blog The view from Middlet Technical Practices has brought uncertainty and anxiety to the start of the New Year.

If the first couple of months of 2014 are anything to go by then we’re in for a challenging year – both in and outside of the work environment.

Like many places in the UK, the ‘view’ from the Farmhouse (Union HQ) has been a wet and wild one.

We’ve had water leaking in from the chimneys and seeping up through some of the ground-floor offices and our cellar could double as an indoor swimming pool! But these have been relatively minor inconveniences and our sympathies go out to those who have had to cope with the extremes of the weather and flooding.

At Nationwide the announced restructure of Financial Planning; the on-going integration of Regional Brands and changes within

Although the reduction in the numbers in Financial Planning has not come as any great surprise (the implications of the operating and risk issues have been openly debated for sometime) the impact is unsettling for those affected. We are working with the business to ensure the selection process for redundancy is fair and we are hopeful that the majority of employees will have their individual preference, to stay or leave, accepted. Those that leave will receive the enhanced severance terms and outplacement support.

We are disappointed at the loss of jobs but pleased that the Society has opted for a solution that will retain a Financial Planning function and we hope this change of strategy will secure the remaining roles for the long term.

Within Regional Brands we expect the final decisions relating to the integration of Dunfermline Branches to unfold over the next few weeks. We also anticipate that plans for the Cheshire;

Derbyshire and affected Nationwide branches to be announced shortly. We know that members are anxious to understand what the future holds and we are encouraging the business to provide the necessary clarity as soon as possible.

We have started the year with a new term of office for our Representatives and I’d like to welcome them to the role.

Many of them have already participated in our Regional Councils and Business Committees and have raised a number of issues impacting on their members.

Our branch District Reps will all be attending a National Employee Involvement Committee in early March where they will have the opportunity to discuss issues with the Branch Network Divisional Directors. We have a packed agenda that will cover issues such as the Customer Service Tracker; branch working arrangements and how the business and NGSU can work together to encourage a ‘Safe to Speak’ culture – we’ll report back on how it went in June’s Rapport.

You can follow Tim on twitter @TimPoil

Wish you were here Take a holiday selfie with your favourite mascot and you could be part of our £1000 prize draw

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he NGSU Travel Club is celebrating the launch of its new website www. ngsutravelclub.co.uk with a great competition for members.

All you have to do is take a picture of yourself with a new or favourite mascot, posing anywhere in the world, in the strangest, funniest, quirkiest, most picturesque, far-flung or exotic of places and send it to enquiries@ ngsutravelclub.co.uk.

The pictures will be published on the brand new Members Pages on the website and winners chosen every month to share that £1000 travel voucher prize. We’ll also be choosing one of the mascots to become the

Roger Benn says...

The site’s a lot more user-friendly but as ever, people will need to call us to book their main holiday to get the best deals.

There’s much more information about the photo competition, special member deals, holiday request form and all the benefits of using the Travel Club on the website www.ngsutravel club.co.uk

official Travel Club mascot, create some brothers and sisters for it and then follow all their adventures around the globe.

The new website is now live and is full of useful travel information and tips.

You can book all of your holiday ‘extras’ online, such as airport parking, car hire, transfers and attractions. Plus there’s lots of advice and suggestions to help you decide on the best holiday for you.

Says Roger Benn from Benchmark Travel, which runs the Travel Club on behalf of the Union: “The site’s a lot more user-friendly but, as ever, people will need to call us to book their main holiday to get the best deals.

No website can compare every offer from every operator so we get around this by offering a personal service where we can access every single deal available and 99% of the time at a cheaper price when we take off the Union discount.”

On average members save between £50 and £200 when they book their holiday through the Travel Club.

That adds up to between five and 20 months’ free membership of NGSU, with many members saving much more, just because they are a union member.

The discounts are also available to members’ families, who can book independently and everyone, including friends, who are on the same booking get the benefit of the savings.

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Time to talk Letting people know you have depression is vital, says Emma Dawkins

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t took the death of her grandmother and breakdown of her relationship to force Emma Dawkins to finally get help for her depression.

Emma, who works in Customer Resolution at Electra House, thinks that she has probably suffered with depression since she was a teenager.

“I’ve had it pretty much most of my life but I was not willing to recognise it,” explains Emma.

After the death of her beloved nan and break up of a relationship Emma had a mini meltdown. But even then she did not accept her condition as depression. “I thought I’d been through a bad spell.”

So it was only when things got even worse that she finally sought help from her GP. “But the doctor sent me to a counsellor who just prescribed a book from the library!” she recalls.

Emma persevered at work but found it hard to concentrate, her work suffered and the final straw was when she was asked to move teams. She ended up taking a month off work and on her return was moved back to her old team.

‘She advises anyone who has experienced depression to talk to their rep’

It took the death of her grandmother and breakdown of her relationship to force Emma Dawkins (above) to finally get help for her depression.

But because she was too embarrassed to tell people what was wrong she found a real lack of support.

“I wasn’t taken seriously, they thought I had done it to get out of moving teams,” she says.

“The thing about depression is that if you have not been through it, you don’t understand it and you think ‘Kick yourself up the butt’. I had that opinion too.”

Once Emma changed teams again she was a bit more open and decided to trust her manager, who proved supportive.

“But it was still very embarrassing and people think you are mad or skiving or some thought I was the manager’s pet because we had chats to see how I was.”

Once Emma became a union rep she began to realise how much

“I still worry. We’re a very changeable company and I think the worry for anyone with a disability is having to explain all of it to the next manager and see what their reaction is.”

Emma says a seminar on depression for higher level managers should be replicated for all layers of management. She also works for wider recognition through Nationwide’s Disability Network.

“I’ve been lucky to have managers who were very understanding but I’d like to see that for everyone.”

Emma adds that the union has been supportive and she advises anyone who has experienced depression to talk to their rep, to talk to their manager and to tell others about it.

“Get it out, don’t keep it in your head, don’t suffer in silence just because you don’t cope as well as anyone else,” she says.

“When I’m having a bad day I deal with it in my own way and I let my manager know. I try to make a joke about it, saying I’m taking my ‘mad pills’ but it is a serious issue,” she adds.

MENTAL HEALTH MYTHS AND FACTS MYTH: Mental health problems are very rare.

FACT: 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

MYTH: People with mental illness aren’t able to work.

FACT: We probably all work with someone experiencing a mental health problem.

MYTH: Young people just go through ups and downs as part of puberty, it’s nothing.

FACT: 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem.

MYTH: People with mental health illnesses are usually violent and unpredictable.

FACT: People with a mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence.

MYTH: People with mental health problems don’t experience discrimination.

FACT: 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination.

support was out there. And when a close colleague was going through depression too Emma was able to help her. “I was more vocal because it was not about me,” she says.

Emma is now taking medication for her condition and things have improved although there are still days when she cannot face getting out of bed.

more help…

Nearly three in four young people fear the reactions of friends when they talk about their mental health problems.

Mental health problems are common – but nearly nine out of ten people who experience them say they face stigma and discrimination. Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. www.time-to-change.org.uk

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Twin peaks

Base Camp, Bev, above and below

NGSU rep Bev Cubbon stops at nothing to give back

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s well as helping colleagues though her union work as a Departmental Rep, National Regional Officer Bev has taken on a variety of challenges, including a visit to Mount Everest with the Army Cadet Force.

Bev is a Team Manager with Customer Service and Operation in Swindon and has worked for Nationwide for 27 years in total.

She was made redundant in 2010 but came back to work for the company the following year with a determination to give back and be more involved in her union.

“It’s about putting something back and making sure people are treated fairly,” she explains.

Ensuring people are treated fairly is also an important aspect of her current training to be a union disciplinary officer.

Giving back was also high on Bev’s agenda when she approached the TA but was turned down for being too old.

A colleague told her about the Army Cadet Force and she went along to a meeting ‘just to find out more’ eight years ago – she never left!

Her work with the youngsters has included taking a group to Base Camp at Mount Everest.

Working her way through the ranks of Wiltshire AFC Bev jumped at the chance to take a City and Guilds Foundation Degree in Youth Leadership and Training, winning funding for the course from the NGSU’s David Hopkins Trust.

“The degree has helped me in

When she does have the odd time to herself Bev is busy with some more training – her new Shih Tzu puppy, Bosley!

Find out more on page 19.

‘It’s about putting something back and making sure people are treated fairly’ my work with the cadets as well as giving me an insight at work,” she says.

Bev is also the Army Cadet Force’s BTEC officer for Wiltshire, which allows over 16s who may not be academic to achieve the equivalent of four GCSEs. For this and her work in getting the cadets to Everest Base Camp she was awarded the Lord Lieutenant Award in 2013.

“I get a lot out it. Some of the young people were 12 when I started and now they are 17 and 18 and I have been able to watch them develop.”

DAVID HOPKINS AWARD david Hopkins was Head of Corporate Human resources at Nationwide. He was an inspirational leader in the business and liked by everyone who met him. david died tragically in a road accident in 1996.

His death was a real shock and a sad loss to all who knew him. Nationwide and NGSU set up a Trust Fund to support activities in david’s memory.

NGSU members can apply for a grant of up to £500 to support personal development in an activity they carry out in their local community. Write to Tim Poil, General Secretary, setting out how much you’re requesting and how you will use the award. The closing date is 30 April 2014 and successful applicants will be notified shortly after this date.

benefits Simon wins

£11,244 Simon Evans from distribution Change is off to Canada after winning first prize of £11,244 in the January monthly draw. “receiving the call was a complete shock. At first i thought it was a joke! Getting the cheque made it real and we are now planning a return trip to Canada,” says Simon. kerry Wagg, rep Support Officer, who made the call to Simon, says: “it’s one the highlights of my job! it’s a real joy to give the news and listen to their reaction from stunned silence to whoops of delight.”

Pictured right Neil Zerebecki from Telephone Sales, Pegasus House, who won first prize of £11,192 in december receiving his cheque from President Gill Grocott.

Details of all our member benefits can be found on our website. You’ll need to login using your employee number (but without the P) and your website PIN number. You’ll find you PIN on your membership card or you can get a reminder from the website or call us on 01295 710767. From the website home page, select ‘Member Services’ and then ‘Member Benefits’ for a full listing. www.ngsu.org.uk/member-benefits

FIRST PRIZE DRAW RESULTS

WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 083474 £11,273 Linda Jones MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 114564 £11,244 Simon Evans WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2013 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 127208 £11,192 Neil Zerebecki WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2013 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 096315 £11,103 Tina Teahon

Branch/Department Pension Fund Member Branch/Department Distribution Change Branch/Department Telephone Sales, Pegasus House

Branch/Dept Chelmsford

TO ENTER THE DRAW OR INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, PLEASE CALL 01295 710767 For details of all winners see our website.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK We’re keen to hear what members think about our range of benefits.

Have you booked a holiday from the Travel Club or arranged insurance from iFS? if so, what was the service like – did you save money; would you recommend them to other members? Have you called the Legal Helpline – did they answer your query? Have you registered with NGSU Extras – have you used any of the services such as discounted cinema tickets scheme or brought items from the Secret Sale? Please tell us what you think so we can ensure our range of benefits continues to meet members’ needs – email us at ngsu@ngsu.org.uk. Everyone who sends us feedback will be entered into a draw – four members will receive a £25 ‘Love To Shop’ voucher (closing date 12 April 2014).

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QA &

We answer your questions about working terms and conditions at Nationwide…

Can I be made to stay late to call customers after work? My BM says it may adversely affect my behaviours rating if I don’t.

No – outbound calling activity in the evening is strictly a voluntary activity.

This is stated in the ‘Branch Network Working Arrangements – Employee Guide (section 3.8)’. It would be unreasonable to penalise you through your behavioural rating for not participating in voluntary activity.

You can be asked to do outbound calling if it’s scheduled during normal working hours.

My manager has told me that I have to book all of my holiday for the year ahead now or risk losing it – is that correct?

The Holiday Policy in the HR Policy Point sets out the rules that have been agreed about booking holiday.

There’s no contractual requirement to book your holiday by a set date but it is sensible to plan ahead and submit holiday requests in good time. This helps your manager plan resources and means you’re much more likely to secure the dates you want. Your manager can decline a request for

specific dates for operational reasons but should offer alternative dates.

Just a quick reminder – Employees are required to book a two week continuous break.

This requirement can be waived at the discretion of your manager subject to a risk assessment being completed – so talk to your manager if taking a two week break causes a problem.

The requirement has been waived for employees in the branch network.

For more details on tax rebates visit: www.taxrebates. com/services/ refer/ngsu

I’ve separated from my partner and so only need single healthcare benefit but I’ve been taxed on ‘family cover’ – can I reclaim it?

You should contact HR and Payroll immediately so they can update your records for the current tax year.

You’ll need to contact the HMRC about any overpayment in previous years but unfortunately they aren’t known for allowing backdated changes. NGSU members are eligible for a free review of their tax code from the Tax Refund Company. You only pay a fee if they secure a refund on your behalf.

I’m concerned that my Manager is using CCTV in the branch to monitor performance – are they allowed to do this?

Nationwide’s Communication and Privacy Policy clearly states that surveillance by CCTV is not used to monitor performance. It must only be used for its specified purpose, which is to enhance the safety of employees and customers by deterring and detecting criminal or other inappropriate behaviour. On rare occasions covert surveillance may be used if there is evidence of specific criminal activity but this is subject to a strict authorisation process with Group Security.

here to help...

FOLLOW THE CORRECT PROCEDURE AND TIMESCALES

Unhappy that your Annual Performance Rating doesn’t reflect your true contribution?

Here are some tips on appealing: DON’T BE PUT OFF RAISING AN APPEAL There are a couple of myths about the appeals process: that ratings determined at ‘calibration’ can’t be overturned and that your Rating can be reduced at Appeal. These are NOT true. Every year employees are successful in having their Rating increased – so be confident and assert your right to appeal.

BE CLEAR WHY YOU DESERVE THE RATING YOU WANT Read the description of the rating you’re seeking in the Performance Management section of the Intranet and structure your case around this.

BACK UP YOUR APPEAL WITH EVIDENCE Use your evidence to show how you’ve met your objectives in your Performance Plan. Remember, your rating should reflect your performance across 12 months and be a holistic assessment of business objectives; behaviours and personal development – so provide evidence for all these aspects.

You should receive the rating you deserve regardless of your job level and hours worked i.e. a part-time employee in Level One can be rated as ‘Exceptional’ if their performance meets the required standard.

The first stage is an informal appeal to your manager, which can be verbally or in writing. If you’re unhappy with the outcome you can make a formal appeal using the Grievance Procedure.

You must do this within 10 working days of receiving the decision from your informal appeal. If you’re also appealing your quarter 4 bonus rating, make sure you’re following the correct process for each appeal – they are different!

BE POSITIVE ABOUT YOUR CONTRIBUTION If something hasn’t gone well or you’ve not had the support you need, say so. However, Nationwide expects you to take responsibility for your own performance and to ‘raise the bar’ – it’s important then to be positive about what’ve you done to overcome problems.

more help…

We can help you prepare for your appeal and gain the confidence you need to present your case effectively. Please call us for a confidential chat on 01295 710767 and to discuss what support is available.

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TOM PALMER

A hand up not a hand out is what sellers of The Big Issue magazine are seeking

Hope for a home

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ndy used to work as a lorry driver, but when he was run over and crushed by a reversing car his life changed forever. The accident made him unable to work and Andy ended up sleeping rough. To make matters worse he caught TB. Three years ago Andy started selling The Big Issue at Victoria and in that time he has built a regular customer base of nearly 60 people.

One night sleeping rough, Andy had all his possessions stolen and lost his driver’s licence and passport. With help from The Big Issue Foundation’s Vendor Support Fund Andy managed to save for a new passport and license and he hopes to one day be able to buy a van and run his own little business as a driver.

Andy seems a strong guy, a survivor.

Yet he relays a touching story of a Christmas card. One of his regular customers came by one day and gave him the card. “It said… Andy, you are

‘A hand up is what ‘The Big Issue’ offers, helping me to be self sufficient and being the guiding light I needed’

Join the London to Paris bike ride July 24 to 27 to help raise money.

Details www. bigissue.org/ london2paris

great guy,” he says.

The Big Issue offers people like Andy – some of the most excluded people in the country – a chance to take some control of their lives and earn a legitimate income. Vendors buy their magazines with their own money, taking charge of their finances and sales whilst developing the skills required to sell to the public.

Vendors buy The Big Issue magazine for 50% of the cover price. The magazines are not free and The Big Issue does not operate a sale or return policy. “We believe in the merits of

REAL LIVES

work and do all we can to support The Big Issue vendors as they move their own ‘micro-businesses’ forward,” says the charity.

The formula is simple but challenging. Becoming a vendor gives people who are homeless or sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, in danger of losing a home or unemployed and facing financial crisis the opportunity to sell a weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine to earn money.

The Big Issue Foundation supports and encourages vendors to make further changes to their lives so they can move away from homelessness and back into mainstream society.

“We believe change is possible and never give up on people no matter how challenging or complex their needs, wants and aspirations may be.

“We believe in a ‘hand up not a hand out’, and recognise that earning an income is often only the first step on a person’s journey away from homelessness. Our charity work for

For more information these websites are useful: www.bigissue. org.uk www.crisis.org.uk/ index.php www.shelter.org.uk

TOM PALMER

Have you ever wondered what the real lives of the people selling the ‘The Big issue’ outside your local supermarket or station are like?

Each has their own story to tell, complicated, devastating tales of how life has dragged them into homelessness.

None are begging, all are working at selling the magazine, earning half the cover price of £2.50, to help them leave homelessness behind.

people who are homeless focuses on delivering brighter futures, boosting self esteem and helping vendors to reclaim their citizenship.”

WHAT THE BIG ISSUE FUNDS The charity is often approached at a time of unimaginable personal crisis. its front line team focuses on cultivating strong working relationships with ‘The Big issue’ vendors and connects them to services and the vital support that is needed to help people who are homeless journey away from the street.

Health: Access to health care including dentistry, eye care, foot care, immunisations, sexual health care, registering with a GP and accessing substance misuse treatment Finance: Help gaining id, opening a bank/credit union account and accessing financial products with a focus on developing a savings culture Housing: Support to end rough sleeping and access to temporary and permanent housing Aspirations: Access to training and employment opportunities, support re-establishing family networks and opportunities to take up hobbies and interests.

The charity also has a Vendor Support Fund which helps people like Andy pay for items such as his licence and passport.

18 77 MAR 14

DIG IT…

with Kath

Spring is my favourite time of the year.

The garden is full of optimism with bulbs poking their shoots through and signs of life from herbaceous perennials, such as rudbeckia and Achillea.

Now is the time to cut back any seed heads left on perennials to feed the birds over winter.

Cut them right down to the ground and put the stems you cut off on your compost heap.

You still have the chance to move any shrubs or herbaceous plants to another location while they are dormant. Carefully dig out a trench around the plant giving yourself enough room to get your spade under the rootball. Prepare a new hole larger than the rootball and add a mix of garden compost and bonemeal fertiliser to the bottom. Put the plant in the well-watered new hole, planting to the same depth as before, backfill the hole with soil and firm around the base of the plant.

Once snowdrops have finished flowering, while they are ‘in the green’, is the time to

I ♥ cooking

PAVLOVA

by Margaret Langsbury Special Investigations Department

4 medium free-range egg whites 250g/9oz caster sugar 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp cornflour, 1 tsp vanilla essence 500g/17oz fresh raspberries 200g/7oz fresh strawberries stalks removed 3 tbsp icing sugar 350ml/12fl oz double cream 2 kiwis • Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2. Draw a 23cm/9in circle on a sheet of baking paper.

move them or split them into smaller clumps.

There are also many jobs to be done in the vegetable garden. Cut back green manure crops, such as grazing rye and let them wilt and then dig them into the soil.

Give fruiting plants the chance to put on good early growth by sowing tomato, chilli/ pepper and cucumber seeds in a heated greenhouse or in a heated propagator in a bright corner of the house.

Get outside with some energy and enthusiasm (and a strong back!) and prepare your vegetable beds for seed sowing. Fork them over, then rake them level, firm with a ‘shuffle’ type of walk over the soil and then rake again until you have a fine tilth. As the soil warms up, sow leeks, lettuce, peas, salad onions, broad beans and carrots outdoors in your prepared beds.

Have fun!

Kath

• Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture stiffens.

• Whisk in vinegar, cornflour and vanilla essence.

• Line baking tray with the paper.

Spoon the meringue inside the circle, making a slight dip in the centre.

• Bake for an hour, or until the meringue shell has hardened but not coloured. Turn off oven and leave to cool.

• Whip cream and icing sugar to soft peaks and spoon into the meringue shell. Arrange fruit on top. dust with icing sugar.

coffee break...

LONGBOURN JO BAKER

Downstairs rather than upstairs is the focus of this novel, which centres around the hard working lives of the servants who work for the Bennet family in Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB JAMES BOWEN

When James Bowen found an injured, cat curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet. See article on page 16 A LONG WAY DOWN NICK HORNBY

This is a fictional account of four people who meet by chance and form an unusual bond when trying to commit suicide on New Year’s Eve. Hornby uses his honest writing and dry wit to slowly unwind the tales of these very different people and their struggles with depression. See article on page 10

Pet’s corner REP BEV CUBBON’S DOG BOSLEY

I thought I worked too many hours to have a dog but finally took the plunge. Bosley, a Shih Tzu, is five months old and into everything. And he loves to talk!! He’s such a social little fella and wants everyone to play with him!

When I’m away with cadets on weekends I pay for what I call ‘childcare’ – after all I’m now a single mum with a baby to look after! He wakes me up during the night just like a baby!

I love having Bosley and wish I’d done it sooner – it’s lovely spending the time with him.

Tell us about you and your pet.

Email or write to the address opposite.

PRIZE WORDSEARCH

WIN

£25 voucher

One lucky winner will receive £25 book or ibook token. Simply find the words which are all to do with Spring and Easter. Completed entries should be sent to Middleton Cheney by 12 April 2014 with your name and membership number filled in below.

B M G B U K Z S Z S G K E G G S I

Y O L L W R F K P R Y H K Q B P A

W G N H A J K A H R U T T Y C H Y

QO Y Z R E N U B E M S T B E U L T N S I M U N WB C H H O O U F F

F D N K G T O G L A S G G I C F A

P Y N C WE C F H L U O RW C E H R I S E P Y F H D C K O L R H Z K

BASKET BUNNY BONNET CHICK CHURCH CHOCOLATE DAFFODILS EASTER

N R K X U Y P P E A R S K W A W U

H E L U H A F A M I L Y K G T C N

A T S D E K X J B A S K E T E S F

I U J T V F P N D S J V F S R R Z

EGGS FAMILY FLOWERS HUNT LAMB NEST SPRING TULIPS

Name Membership number

Please return to: NGSU, Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT

K D A F F O D I L S J T S O B X K

Y B U K R L H O N V E A S T E R S

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