To receive an update on the Trade Union facilities.

To follow

(Mr C Lewandowski and Mrs J Powell declared interests.)

The Forum considered funding for the provision of additional Trade Union facilities time.

The Assistant Director: Improvement and Inclusion presented the report which contained the additional information requested by the Forum when it had considered this issue in January 2011.

She reiterated that a review of the allocation of Teacher Trade Union Facilities time had determined that additional hours needed to be allocated.  The current budget had not covered the previous arrangements leading to an end of year deficit.  The Forum was being asked to provide an additional £41,500 per annum from the Dedicated Schools Grant to meet the new allocation.

In the course of discussion the following principal points were made:

·         It was confirmed that the deficit on this budget had to date been funded at the end of the year from underspends on other budgets funded from the DSG.  It was emphasised that, as a matter of principle, where there was an overspend it was important that this was brought to the Forum’s attention for its consideration.  The Interim Director of Children’s Services acknowledged that the Forum needed clarity about budget expenditure.

·         The Forum remained concerned about the role of the Unions in Health and Safety audit inspections.  There was a view that the level of involvement was excessive and expensive, duplicating existing health and safety work in schools.  Such inefficiency needed to be addressed mindful of the financial challenges being faced.  It was requested that clear protocols should be drawn up for health and safety audit inspection activity.

·         The Health and Safety Officer commented on the relevant statutory requirements and answered a number of questions seeking clarification on their application.

·         The Interim Director noted that paragraph 52 of the Code of Practice accompanying the Regulations on Safety Representatives and Safety Committees, an extract from which was appended to the report, encouraged health and safety representatives to co-ordinate their work to avoid unnecessary duplication.  She suggested there would be merit in representatives from the Forum meeting officers responsible for drawing up the health and safety audit inspection arrangements to ensure that the sprit of the legislation was being met. Her understanding was that Unions and the Council officers were mindful of the need to make the best use of resources.

RESOLVED:

That    (a)        the provision of additional Trade Union facilities time be noted;

            (b)       the Forum agree to contribute an additional £41,500 per annum from the Dedicated Support Grant to fund this additional time on the following understanding:

            (c)        the expectation that expenditure will be rigorously monitored to stay within budget by Unions, officers and the Forum, and that as the budget is cash-limited any pressures be reported to the Forum;

(d)       a review of payment rates of Trade Union representatives and the efficiency of meetings and business be undertaken in the light of the financial challenges; and

(e)       clear protocols for health and safety audits be agreed by the Trade Unions and Health and Safety function, inviting comment from Head Teacher representatives, and reported to the Forum.