Rapport THE NATIONWIDE GROUP STAFF UNION MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 81
CONFERENCE
NOW’S the tIMe tO Get YOur VOICe hearD
SICKNESS ABSENCE
We’re here tO help aNSWer YOur queStIONS
Y L T H G I L D A TRE TH R A E E H T N O reDuCe YOur CarBON FOOt prINt
NEWS&VIEWS: P2 BENEFITS: P11 HERE TO HELP: P14
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welcome… It has been as busy as ever for the NGSU, who among many things, have been busy representing and supporting members through individual hearings. I have been busy planning roadshows and look forward to coming out to meet many more of you in July and October. I would also like to say a big thank you to Wakefield Contact Centre for their hospitality last month, it was great talking to so many people about the benefits the Union offers its members.
CONTENTS 3 6 8 9 11 12 14 16 18
News & views From your union Climate of change How you can make a difference Tim’s blog General Secretary’s view from Middleton Cheney farmhouse Standing up to stress Managers need more help in identifying staff with stress Benefits Find out what benefits your union can give you Shaping hearts and minds Countdown to our national conference Here to help Q&As and top tips Accounts Annual accounts Coffee break Festivals, film review, pets’ corner, book reviews, prize wordsearch
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Health, work and well-being toolkit
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Gill Grocott President Throughout the magazine we use Tinyurls – these simply turn a long web address into a much shorter one.
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
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
news&views BE FRAUD AWARE
Just a reminder that employees are not allowed to process financial transactions on their personal Nationwide accounts or those of their partners or relatives. These transactions are in breach of the Internal Fraud Policy and subject to disciplinary action. We’ve recently had to represent some members in this situation and so our message to members is clear – do not process financial transactions on your own account under any circumstances. The policy at tinyurl.com/pm5p6fs explains the types of transactions and activities that employees can process. If you need help or advice over a disciplinary issue please call us on 01295 710767 and ask to talk to an Individual Cases Officer.
ChilDCare Changes A new Government tax-free childcare account scheme is launched in September, which will allow working parents to pay in to cover the cost of childcare with a registered provider. For every 80p paid in, the Government will top up by 20p (up to a total of £10,000 – equivalent to £2,000 support per child per year). The scheme means that childcare voucher schemes offered by employers will be closed to new participants. If you are a Nationwide employee and are already taking childcare vouchers through ‘you choose’ and continue to do so, you will not be affected by the changes. If you are considering taking childcare vouchers through ‘you choose’, you have until Monday, 27 July 2015 to enrol. Please call the Flexible Benefits team on 01793 657570 / 657186. You cannot participate in both schemes. If you decide to open a childcare account you will not be able transfer back to the childcare voucher scheme. More details about the Childcare Accounts can be found at tinyurl.com/qfvptlb
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Changing the culture on selling Inappropriate pressure on employees, such as performance league tables and excessive communications, means the Society still has work to do to educate managers about the risks that arise from the wrong culture, warns Tim Poil, General Secretary. His comments follow release of draft guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which states that poor performance management practices can lead to undue pressure being placed on staff to sell products which can result in misselling. “We know that a number of the poor practices identified in the guidance will be recognised by some of our members. We try to work closely with HR and business areas to ensure management processes are fair and appropriate and I’m confident that significant progress has been made in removing the potential for poor practice,” says Tim.
Concerned about poor performance management practices? Talk to the Union in confidence on 01295 710767.
‘We know that a number of the poor practices identified in the guidance will be recognised by some of our members’ But he encouraged members to get in touch if they are concerned about the way they are being performance managed. “We know members are often reluctant for us to share information with senior management for fear of damaging local relationships but we can work with them to report concerns in a way that protects their identity. We will continue to work constructively with Nationwide but we will also seek to establish our own relationship with the regulator so we have a clear communication channel
should the need arise,” says Tim. The FCA draft guidance is aimed at helping firms satisfy themselves that this risk is appropriately managed and monitored. It recognises the need for firms to maintain good relations with unions, who are encouraged to share information about potential performance management issues. The guidance notes that pressure on sales results can be passed down the management line from senior management, due to the commercial drivers of the business and because sales revenue is often a key consideration in career progression and remuneration. Middle managers are particularly likely to have to manage conflicts of interest to avoid poor performance management practice.The FCA sets out a number of practices that can create undue pressure. These can include excessive reporting requirements; intensive questioning of staff after every customer interaction; using communications about sales in ways that cause undue pressure and where the management culture is to rule by fear with threats of disciplinary action.
MORE INFO The FCA is due to publish its final guidance this year. Read the draft at tinyurl.com/orrzayj
news&views Knit for Nepal
Frinton-On-Sea Branch has sent out a rallying call for support for their efforts to send 1,000 knitted blankets to victims of the devastating earthquakes in Nepal. The team decided to get knitting themselves and then extended their appeal across the Anglia Region. Their efforts were boosted when Larry Banda (DD Branch Network North) mentioned their campaign in his weekly message to the north region. Caroline Burgess, BM and NGSU Rep for Anglia, said: “The need for help is immeasurable with the destruction being on such a massive scale. “Any help will be very much appreciated – whether that’s knitting a complete blanket; combining with others to each knit a square and sew them together or send knitted squares to us or simply donate some wool. Any contribution will make such a difference to the people of Nepal who have lost everything.” Contact Caroline on Frinton-On-Sea 1179.
Nepal Earthquake Appeal NGSU made a donation of £5,000 to the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) Nepal Earthquake Appeal from the Union’s Charitable Reserve. Requests for donations from our Charitable Reserve are considered and authorised by the National Executive Committee (NEC). Requests should be sent to Gill Grocott, President, at the Union Office in Middleton Cheney.
FREE LEGAL HELP 0800 916 9063 NGSU members have 24 hour access to free legal advice from Slater & Gordon Lawyers. The service will answer your simple legal queries straight away or provide initial assistance for more complex issues, giving you instant peace of mind. Simply call the Freephone number – 0800 916 9063 – and talk to a S&G legal advisor in complete confidence. Please note free phone numbers are not always free from mobile phone networks.
Off to the Forum Don’t forget between issues of the magazine you can keep in touch via our online chat room, the Forum, which provides an important way for members to tell us what is happening in their part of the business. All NGSU members have immediate access to the Forum by logging onto our website.
What’s a Tiny? We’ve been asked to explain what tinyurls are when we carry web addresses. They are simplified versions of long website details - so they make life easier and websites quicker to find.
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Climate of change Action on climate change involves supporting political action but there’s much you can do at home and work.
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une witnessed a huge demonstration in the centre of London calling on politicians to hear what we have to say about the importance of action on climate change. For the Love Of… saw over 10,000 people fl ood the streets of Westminster to speak up for what they love and ask their newly-elected politicians to act on climate change. In December, world leaders will meet in Paris to reach a global agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Coalition says we need to tell them how much this matters – it plans building momentum to make sure all our voices are heard in Paris and beyond. This year will also see England introduce a 5p carrier bag charge in supermarkets. Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have already successfully introduced carrier bag charges, lowering their usage by 75% and 80% respectively.The charge has been introduced to encourage shoppers to reuse bags - and where possible, get into the habit of using ‘bags for life’. Meanwhile divestment is increasingly used as a tool to change attitudes. Divestment is the opposite of investment. While investment means buying stocks, bonds or other
NGSU is committed to adopting and encouraging environmentallyfriendly approaches wherever possible.
Other aCtIONS YOu CaN take LIVE HEALTHIER Choose foods that are local, organic and sustainable Get rid of toxic cleaners and personal products Add plants to your workspace — they filter the air Take the stairs instead of the lift Find out how to cut your food waste at tinyurl.com/aogmymk Get recycling with help at tinyurl.com/qcw4utp SAVE WATER Ban bottled water. Use a cup Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before putting them in the dishwasher Don’t pour water down the drain — use it to water plants.
investments in order to generate fi nancial returns, divestment means getting rid of particular stocks, bonds or investment funds that are unethical or morally dubious. Fossil fuel divestment means to avoid direct ownership of, or commingled funds that include, public equities and corporate bonds of fossil fuel companies. There are 200 publicly-traded companies that hold the vast majority of listed coal, oil and gas reserves. The Fossil Free campaign is asking organisations to: immediately freeze any new investment in the top 200 publiclytraded fossil fuel companies divest from direct ownership and any commingled funds that include fossil fuel public equities and corporate bonds within fi ve years. Find out if there is a fossil free campaign running near you at: gofossilfree.org. There are many other things you can do at work and at home to help put a stop to climate change.
FinD out More Find out more about climate change on a free online course from Future Learn. The course Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions runs for eight weeks and is delivered by the University of Exeter. Details at tinyurl.com/qatw8c9
IN the OFFICe aND IN YOur hOMe OFFICe PAPER Photocopy or print on both sides of the page and reuse paper until both sides are used up Buy recycled, chlorine-free paper and recycle office paper when you are finished with it Reuse envelopes Buy a permanent cloth or mesh coffee filter instead of disposable paper filters SUPPLIES Use paper clips, staples, string or non-toxic glue instead of adhesive tape when possible Use stick-type glues or basic white glue. Avoid glues and cements that emit the smell of solvents (eg. rubber cement and hobby glue) Use crayons, china markers (wax pencils) or coloured pencils instead of solvent-based markers Use refillable pens and pencils rather than disposable ones. COMPUTERS AND IT Buy a laptop instead of a desktop, if practical. It consumes five times less electricity. Leaving a computer running the whole year will cost you more than 1,000 kWh/y, or almost as much as the total electricity consumption of a high-efficiency household Use one large power strip for your computer, broadband modem, scanner, printer, monitor, and speakers. Switch it off when equipment is not in use. This is a practical way to cut standby losses QUICK TIPS Take your own ceramic or china coffee cup to work Bring your lunch in a reusable container Why not set up an environmental bulletin board to post notices about local environmental meetings, environmental news and green cleaning tips? Walk or ride a bike to work. Use public transport or car share Make a sign for inside the front door that says ‘last one out turns off the lights.’
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on Farmhouse Tim’s Blog The view from Middlet with the aim of securing stable employment and good conditions over the long term.
Tim Poil The publication of Nationwide’s annual results has revealed that the Society made an eye-catching record pre-tax profit of £1.2 billion. This is quite an achievement given the extremely difficult economic environment that the Society has had to operate in over recent years. Without getting too carried away, we can be optimistic that the Nationwide has emerged from the aftermath of the financial crisis in good health. This is excellent news for our members because it means the conditions for employment are more favourable than they’ve been for sometime. However, the business still faces many challenges – from increased regulation, a competitive marketplace and the transition to the digital world. As a Union we need to be mindful of this and play our part in working constructively with the Society to meet these challenges
The annual results were also accompanied by the news that Graham Beale, CEO, is to retire at some point in the next year. I think it is important for the Union to acknowledge the part that Graham has played in leading Nationwide through difficult times. And they have been hard times - so steering the Society through to record profits is a significant achievement. I’m pleased to say that Graham has accepted an invitation to attend our National Conference in October and I look forward to hearing his thoughts about his time in office and what the future holds for Nationwide and its employees. Some of the employmentrelated decisions the business has taken during Graham’s stewardship have been uncomfortable for the Union and its members. However, I believe that there has always been an open dialogue between us and we’ve usually managed to deal with issues in a constructive way. For example, the Society could have looked to cut costs by closing the defined benefit pension scheme and removing enhanced redundancy pay – but working together
we have found ways to preserve these terms. I’d like to think that industrial relations between NGSU and Nationwide are a model for a modern partnership between a union and employer. It means that, to date, we have always been able to resolve issues in a way that does not cause disruption to either party. However, not all employment relationships are so constructive and the ability for a Union to organise strike action is fundamental to meaningful collective bargaining. The proposed changes to the required thresholds for strike action in the forthcoming Trade Unions Bill will do nothing to enhance industrial relations in the UK. The threshold of a 50% turnout of eligible voters and additional threshold of 40% of eligible voters in favour is not a test that has been passed by any government in the modern era or the majority of MPs who have been elected to the current Parliament. The industrial landscape would be improved by encouraging better dialogue between unions and employers (and that includes the Government) and not by strangling the legitimate voice of workers. You can follow Tim on twitter @TimPoil
benefits Bonanza win!
£12,000
FIRST PRIZE DRAW RESULTS WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2015 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 096947 £12,047 Susan Bruce WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2015 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 105961 £12,028 Emma Slinn WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2015 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 075607 £11,897 Les Ruffell WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2015 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 096170 £11,831 Jacqueline James
Branch/Department Potters Bar Branch/Department Birmingham (High Street) Branch/Department Pension Fund Member
Branch/Dept Member Service
TO ENTER THE DRAW OR INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, PLEASE CALL 01295 710767 For details of all winners see our website.
Gill Grocott, NGSU President, conducted June’s draw along with five union members at the Contact Centre in Wakefield. “I really enjoy running the draw and especially making the phone call to the lucky winners. It’s always lovely to be the bearer of such good news. And it’s getting even better with the first prize now topping £12,000! The more members that join the bigger the prize pool – so why not join or increase your chances and I could be calling you!”
CleaN up NGSU has set up a partnership with Hotpoint which could help you save some serious cash. Members can access the exclusive Hotpoint Privilege Purchase Club website and unlock unbeatable prices and deals on kitchen appliances from leading brands Hotpoint and Indesit. The site is the best place to view the company’s full appliance range, whilst avoiding queues and traffic. The Hotpoint Privilege Purchase Club offers the following benefits. Competitive Prices - Save up to 30% off the recommended retail price. Free nationwide delivery (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and free removal/disposal of your old appliance In addition to current savings of up to 30%, for a limited period you can claim an extra 5% discount on all your purchases. This 5% offer is strictly limited, starting on
1 July 2015 and expiring on 31 July 2015. To take advantage of this, simply choose your appliance and enter code NGSU5 at checkout to obtain your discount. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. To take advantage of these fantastic deals from the Hotpoint Privilege Purchase Club visit www.privilegepurchaseclub.co.uk and use scheme ID NGSU/001 to log in. Additional options/services Gas connection on free standing cooking appliances (By Hotpoint Gas Safe Engineers) Choice selection of timed deliveries. Connection services on all other freestanding appliances.
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Standing up to stress Managers need more help in identifying staff with stress and supporting resilience says NGSU.
S
truggling to raise a young family and keep her job forced one NGSU member to take time off for stress and, she says, she only coped thanks to her union. When she had the fi rst two of her three children, the member, whose name we have kept confi dential, was working as a CSM and wanted to keep that post on her return to work but with reduced hours. But on both occasions negotiations, which proved protracted and very stressful, she says, meant she was forced to return to work full time. When she stopped work after the birth of her third child she was again refused a part time role unless she took demotion to a CR role, she claims. She was forced to take time off for stress and fi nally agreed to take a year’s career break – she only came back to her role as a part time CSM after the threat of action last year and says she now loves her job and coming into work. “I have a new manager who is absolutely fantastic. I want to come into work. But I was made to feel that it was illegal to have a child as if it were an offence. It’s not a crime to have a child!” The member says she was supported by her union rep from day one. “My rep got me through a diffi cult time. Without her I could have broken down with all that was happening. The union has been brilliant.” Another member with sickle cell
Contact EmployeeCare on 0800 358 6858.
health, WOrk aND WellBeING According to the TUC Health, Work and Wellbeing Toolkit, Mental health refers to how we think, feel and behave. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Health, work and says mental health is “a state of wellwell-being being in which the individual realises toolkit his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Our mental well-being is about our ability to manage life’s problems. Both affect our daily life, relationships and our physical health. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.” It is a natural reaction to too much pressure, which if ongoing, can affect both mental and physical health. Download the toolkit at tinyurl.com/nl9llm9
anaemia says she nearly gave up work because of the stress she was put under after becoming ill two years ago. Without the union, she too says she would not be back at work today. The customer host says her skills and knowledge meant a lot of demands were put on her and the subsequent strain led to her falling ill and she was hospitalised for nearly fi ve months. “I was not given support. Even when I was ill and attached to drips I still kept getting calls trying to fi nd out when I coming back. I did not have the chance to heal. The constant berating did not help at all, it just meant more stress and pressure.” The member says she tried various avenues before a colleague told her to contact the Union and her problems started to ease. Her Union rep, she says, helped put her mind at ease and attended return to work meetings with her. “She was an intermediary between me and management. I didn’t know I could get so much support. Now I’m in charge again and have control over my life. I wouldn’t be here right now without the support I got from the Union. I didn’t get it anywhere else.” Tim Rose, Assistant General Secretary and part of the Union’s team on the Health & Safety Committee, said: “Managers need more help in identifying employees who are suffering stress and in using tools such as stress risk assessments to put effective support in place.” Tim added that the union is happy with the level of wellbeing support that Nationwide provides to help with stress and trauma arising from confl ict situations and incidents at work and to individuals who are supported through absences by HR
Interested in wellbeing? Why not take take an online course details at tinyurl. com/npu8wmz
and the occupational health scheme. “The counselling and advice service offered through the Employee Care scheme is excellent and members can be confi dent that the service is confi dential. The scheme covers work-related and personal problems that are affecting wellbeing and may include a recommendation for face-to-face counselling in addition to advice over the phone.” The Society monitors levels of workrelated stress through the analysis of absence and Viewpoint data. But says Tim: “We’re less confi dent about this and think that more can be done to identify areas of the business where stress is most prevalent and take action to establish the cause and fi nd solutions.” More details about stress reduction at work at tinyurl.com/phvusrw
there’S aN app FOr that There are apps for everything it seems and wellbeing is no exception. The Five Ways to Wellbeing app offers a practical way to help you feel good and function well in the world. The app is free and offers help with many different aspects of your life. There’s no daily dose or required level of work. Just use the app at your own pace to suit your life. tinyurl.com/q35fanc My Stress Kit is great for helping you keep an eye on your stress levels. The more you use its tools, the easier it can be to identify the causes of stress and manage life’s everyday pressures. tinyurl.com/p48d3w9. Headspace is a free gym membership to help destress the mind! tinyurl.com/ocmg2uk
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Shaping hearts and minds Countdown to our National Conference in October is underway.
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onference is the Union’s policymaking forum and sets our negotiating priorities for the next two years. All NGSU members have the opportunity to help develop this agenda and can submit issues and topic areas for debate. Tim Poil, NGSU General Secretary, explains how this can make a real difference to working conditions by looking at some of the motions passed at the last Conference and how Union Reps help advance the issues raised. “At our last Conference in 2013, delegates voted unanimously for the Union to seek an increase in the London Allowance payments. The current structure of allowances was introduced in 2008 and amounts had remained static for a number of years. We entered into the annual review of allowances in 2014 with a clear mandate from Conference to achieve an increase and ultimately we were successful in achieving a 3% uplift for the three tiers of allowances paid to employees in the London zones. This was a signifi cant achievement – a necessary increase in our view but one that was against market trends, ” says Tim. Another motion about pay called for a review of pay structures to enable long-servicing employees to advance their pay through consolidated increases. Says Tim: “This featured as part of our 2014 pay claim and, again, we were successful in agreeing that pay ranges would be increased by 2.5%.” Local Union Reps are taking an
Conference is being held over 12–13 October 2015, in St Johns Hotel, Solihull
increasingly active role in advancing the aims of Conference motions. Tim believes this is important to the success of NGSU and vital to our aim of remaining as an independent union dedicated to the interests of employees at Nationwide. “Our strategic plan identifi es the importance of placing Reps
‘The Society takes note of what happens at NGSU Conference and it is very influential in helping to shape hearts and minds’ SuBMIt YOur IDeaS All members are entitled to put forward ideas for motions. Submit your idea online at www.ngsu.org.uk or on the form opposite.
ConFerenCe Motions 2015 Please tell us briefl y about the issue you want to raise, why it is important and how you like to see it addressed.
rep OF the Year Our Constituency Representatives play an important role for the Union – working on behalf of local members and keeping us in touch with local issues whilst keeping up their day job with the Society. We like to recognise their achievements by inviting members to nominate their local Rep for our Rep of Year award – to be presented at our National Conference in October.
at the heart of everything we do. This makes sense because they have a greater understanding of the issues affecting the members in their part of the business. “We have worked with Nationwide to establish a number of Business Committees that enable local union Reps to engage directly with Divisional Directors and Senior Executives. These provide the ideal forum to talk to the business about the issues raised at Conference and to infl uence the decision-makers. An example of this was a motion calling for the Customer Service Tracker (CST) to be removed as a direct entry control for bonuses. This was raised by Reps across the distribution channels and was removed. Our Reps in Customer Service and Operations are continuing to pursue issues regarding ‘not ready’ time and branch Reps have focused on performance management issues and working arrangements such as Time Off in Lieu (TOIL).” Added Tim: “Conference motions really are important and help us pursue the issues that matter to our membership. The Society does take note of what happens at Conference and it is very infl uential in helping to shape hearts and minds. After all it represents the voice of around 12,000 employees and that’s what makes the difference.”
Name: Employee Number: Branch Department: Contact Number: Motion:
Please complete and return this form to: NGSU, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Oxon OX17 2QT Conference Motions can also be submitted online at: www.ngsu.org.uk Motions must be received by 21 August 2015. Inclusion in the Conference agenda is subject to Union Rules and ratifi cation by the Standing Orders Committee. The rule book is available online at www.ngsu.org.uk or call 01295 710767 for a copy.
reP oF the year 2015 Name of Representative: Constituency/Area: Nominated by: Reason for Nomination:
Please complete and return this form to: NGSU, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Oxon OX17 2QT Nominations can also be submitted online at: www.ngsu.org.uk/rep-of-the-year-2015 or email your nomination to: ngsu@ngsu.org.uk
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QA &
We answer your questions about working terms and conditions at Nationwide…
I work in a branch, how is TOIL calculated? You accrue TOIL for planned overtime on a time for time basis. If you work additional hours on a Saturday, you get one hour TOIL for each hour worked unless the branch is open for six hours in which case you’ll get seven hours (enough for you take a full day off). Remember, if you’re unable to take the TOIL within a reasonable period (or you have a TOIL balance of more than 14 hours, or two average days for a part-time employee), this should be paid as an overtime payment to clear the balance at the relevant rate. When using TOIL to take a morning or afternoon off, remember to factor in your unpaid lunch break when determining your start or fi nish time. For example, if you’re full-time and are using three hours TOIL to take an afternoon off, you should fi nish at 1.00pm.. Can I be made to work in another branch? Your individual contract of employment will confi rm your base branch. You can be required to work
Details of TOIL arrangements and moving locations can be found in the Branch Network Working Arrangements Policy. Details of how to claim for theft of damaged to personal property can be found in the Financial Support and Benefits Policy.
at other locations within a reasonable travelling distance (normally up to one and half hours travelling time a day is considered reasonable). When asking you to change your work location, your manager should consult with you. There is a stepby-step consultation process set out in the Changes to Working Arrangements - Manager Guide and it is reasonable for you to expect this process to be followed. If you are concerned about a proposed move, contact the Union for further advice. Can I claim compensation if my personal property is damaged or stolen at work? You can claim compensation if Nationwide or a person acting on behalf of Nationwide other than yourself was responsible for the damage. Compensation will not be paid if the damage occurs as a result of your own carelessness. Claims should be submitted using a Compensation Claim for Damage to Belongings. Claims for theft of personal property from Nationwide premises can be made against Nationwide’s insurance policy. Claims should be made using the Personal Property Theft Claim Form.
here to help...
Here are some of the key things you should know about how your absence is managed. repOrtING YOur SICkNeSS aBSeNCe You must contact your manager or deputy if you’re unable to attend work for any reason. Where possible, this should be before your normal start time but certainly within one hour of that time. If you’re likely to be absent for more than one day you should agree how you will maintain contact on subsequent days. Texts and e-mails aren’t acceptable unless you’ve agreed with your manager that this is how you’ll stay in touch.
prOVIDING SelF CertIFICatION aND MeDICal CertIFICateS If your sickness absence lasts for seven calendar days or less you should complete a self certifi cation form on your fi rst day back at work. If your doctor has provided a medical certifi cate you do not need to complete a self certifi cation form. A medical certifi cate is required from the eighth day of your absence (including any non-working days).
BeING reFerreD tO OCCupatIONal health Your manager may suggest that you are referred to occupational health for several reasons, including the number
For full details please read the Sickness Absence Policy and Ill Health Capability Policy. These can be found on the HR Policy Point on the Nationwide intranet or in the Help at Work section of the NGSU website. Please refer to the Holiday Policy for information about the impact of sickness absence on your annual leave entitlement.
of absences in a defi ned period; if you’ve had an accident at work or are suffering from mental health issues such as stress. Your manager will normally seek your consent for any referral in the early stages of a period of sickness absence but it is a requirement to enter the Prolonged Sickness Benefi t scheme or to be granted disability leave.
returN tO WOrk INterVIeWS You are required to discuss your absence with your manager when you return to work. This is to help them understand the reasons for your absence and determine if you need any additional support, such as an OH referral.
the Ill health CapaBIlItY pOlICY Concerns about the impact of sickness absence are normally discussed informally but they may be formalised under the Ill Health Capability Policy. This is normally a three-stage process with the purpose of providing you with help and assistance to improve and maintain your attendance and performance. NGSU members are entitled to full representation at all stages of the procedure.
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SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FULL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS (GENERAL AND CHARITABLE FUNDS) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 2014 2013 £’000 £’000
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2014
2014 2013 £’000 £’000
348 31 736 (117)
358 29 672 (136)
998
923
Income and Expenditure account Charitable Fund
973 25
901 22
998
923
Subscriptions Other income
1,112 131
1,065 107
Fixed assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank Creditors and accruals
Total income
1,243
1,172
(1,168) (1,114)
Total expenditure Surplus for the year Accumulated surplus brought forward Accumulated surplus carried forward
75
58
923 998
865 923
SUMMARY OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS PROVIDED
os ts
Ad ex mini pe nse strat s 10 ion %
4%
ts 8%
t cos
sc
The Union is required to issue this financial statement to Members under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended) Year ended 31 December 2014. A copy of the full financial statements is available on the Union’s website in the members’ only area. If you would a copy you can also write to Tim Rose at Middleton Cheney.
ise em
The members of the National Executive Committee do not receive any salary from the Union or any benefits. All members of the National Executive Committee are reimbursed for any expenditure incurred by them in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Union, as are the General Secretary and the President.
pmen
Details Amount Salary £119,328 Pension Contributions £13,126 (The Union makes contributions of 10% of salary on behalf of all staff) Car allowance £3,875
Services to members 71% Meeting expenses 7% Administration expenses 10% Premises costs 4% Equipment costs 8% Equi
Position General Secretary
ANALYSIS OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
Pr
Name T R Poil
Meeting expenses 7% Services to members 71%
accounts STATUTORY IRREGULARITY STATEMENT We are required by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended) to include the following declaration in this statement to all members. The wording is as prescribed by the Act. The irregularity statement, the exact wording which is reproduced below: “A member who is concerned that some irregularity may be occurring, or have occurred, in the conduct of the financial affairs of the union may take steps with a view to investigating further, obtaining clarification and, if necessary, securing regularisation of that conduct. The member may raise any such concerns with such one or more of the following as it seems appropriate to raise it with: the officials of the union, the trustees of the property of the union, the auditor or auditors of the union, the Certification Officer (who is an independent officer appointed by the Secretary of State) and the police. Where a member believes that the financial affairs of the union have been or are being conducted in breach of the law or in breach of rules of the union and contemplates bringing civil proceedings against the union or responsible officials or trustees, he should consider obtaining independent legal advice.”
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Set out below is the report of the independent auditors to the members as contained in the accounts of the Union for the year ended 31 December 2014: We have audited the financial statements of the Nationwide Group Staff Union for the year ended 31 December 2014, set out on pages 3 to 10. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). This report is made solely to the Union’s members, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Union’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Union and the Union’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of the Union’s National Executive Committee and auditors As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities of the National Executive Committee on page 1, the Union’s National Executive Committee is responsible for the preparation of financial statements which give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. Scope of the audit of the financial statements An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Union’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Union’s National Executive Committee; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. Opinion on financial statements In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Union’s affairs as at 31 December 2014 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended. Matters on which we are required to report by exception We are required by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended) to report to you by exception in respect of the following matters if, in our opinion: • A satisfactory system of control over transactions has not been maintained. • The Union has not kept proper accounting records. • The financial statements are not in agreement with the books of account. • We have not received all the information and explanations we need for our audit. We have nothing to report to you in respect of the above matters. H W FISHER & COMPANY Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Dated: 18 March 2015
Acre House 11 – 15 William Road London NW1 3ER United Kingdom
18 81 JULY 15 A WAY WITH WO
RDS
Festivals with heart NGSU member Matt Morris is a member of a band which has been taking festivals by storm and raising money for good causes along the way. Matt, a Learning and Development Trainer at Nationwide, is drummer and vocalist with ‘A Way With Words’, which for the second year running gave a storming performance on the main stage at The Wychwood Festival this summer. NGSU offered members a 25 per cent discount to attend the festival, which included established artists and emerging talent. In June the band also played in Swindon in aid of the charity Goldenhar UK & Swindon’s Women’s Aid. Keep up with the band /awaywithwordsofficial @A_W_W_W
TOLPUDDLE
It’s not too late to head off to another festival with heart this summer – the annual Tolpuddle Festival, which runs from July 17 to 19 and includes a host of activities as well as music from artists including Billy Bragg and The Beat. There is a history school for adults, poetry, debates, open mic spots, comedy and stalls as well as a range of fun events for children. More details and tickets at www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
Film review… ICE AND SKY
In cinemas in October
PHOTO: LUCJACQUET
Luc Jacquet is the man behind the hit March of the Penguins whose new film Ice and Sky ended the Cannes film festival. As well as a powerful rebuttal to climate change deniers the film, due out in October this year, is a call to all to take action now. In the film Jacquet returns to the Antarctic to tell the life story of climatologist Claude Lorius, now in his 80s, who has spent his life drilling out ice cores and whose analysis proved key in linking climate change and greenhouse gases.
coffee break... THE CHILDREN ACT IAN MCEWAN
High Court judge Fiona Maye is called on to try the case of a 17-year-old boy refusing the medical treatment that could save his life. When she visits the boy in hospital the meeting stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. THE ESTABLISHMENT OWEN JONES
Behind our democracy lurks a powerful but unaccountable network of people who wield massive power and reap huge profits in the process. Owen Jones sets out on a journey into the heart of our Establishment, from the lobbies of Westminster to the newsrooms, boardrooms and trading rooms of Fleet Street and the City. ART THERAPY: MANDALAS: 100 DESIGNS FOR COLOURING IN AND MEDITATION SOPHIE LEBLANC
We all look for ways to manage the pressures of everyday life, and alleviate feelings of stress. Mandalas provides a wonderfully creative outlet, but also a way of focusing attention away from external stress, encouraging a sense of relaxation and increased wellbeing.
Pets’ corner
CAROLINE GILLAM, CR BROMSGROVE BRANCH AND MEMBER OF THE UNION’S NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Farouk is a Pharaoh Hound, ranked as one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history. Indeed some say the very oldest. They were known to have existed 3,000 years before Christ. What a statistic to be able to put on a CV! It took a while for him to settle in with Ice, the Siberian Husky, and Rocco, the Bullmastiff, but now the thing they all love the best is running in a huge field every day, then have their tea and sleep. 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 21 August 2015 with your name and membership number filled in below.
R S E C A T D M I R N V G F C E R S O T P I R V E A Y L E G M P WA
U C D P I V W Y C H W O O D Y S L
MM E R P T I N T H OWN L O X L N I R T P Z S S J Y G L V MU D E K I B K OW P G H F C DWYWD B OM I V I P MG C L A V H T R FWT R WMWE L OGQ N O A T I T U
BANDS CAMPING CROPREY DOWNLOAD GLASTONBURY ISLE OF WIGHT LATITUDE LEEDS
S E A X Z B F G S V A N X Q L P D
T P D E O Y A T R M C J S P I Y E
X A S F Z A A N P J N E Q B E Q N
O R V K F G R I D L E E D S S E P
L K B S E C N N S S M U V P O R S
B F P K T G G L A S T O N B U R Y
MUD PYRAMID STAGE READING SUMMER T IN THE PARK V FESTIVAL WELLIES WYCHWOOD
Name Membership number
Please return to: NGSU, Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT
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