Minutes of D.U.C.U. Executive Meeting: June 20th, 2007.
Present:
Carlo Morelli (chair)
Mona Clark (secretary)
Paul Brown
Robert Duguid
Martin Elvins
Rosa Michaelson
Mark O’Reilly
Angela Roger
Marion Sporing
Apologies:
Angela Jennings
Lindsey Kirkhill
Ian Macpherson
Paul Seaman
127.1
The Minutes of the last meeting (June 7th) were accepted as a true record.
127.2
Matters arising:
126.7
127.3
Harlow College management have now agreed to enter negotiations
with UCU to resolve the current dispute, particularly focusing on the
terms and conditions of new posts and contracts of employment.
Framework Meeting (June 14th).
127.3.1 On-going market market supplements will be pensionable and subject
to cost of living increases. On-going payments will still be subject to
review as outlined in the agreed policy.
127.3.2
It was noted that the Academic Related profiles had been drawn up
with reference to ALC staff , but not Other Related staff. It was agreed
that references to descriptions about the way in which a role was
carried out would be removed from the profiles. In relation to the
Academic Related Level 1 role profile, it was agreed that the training
nature of the profile would be made more explicit. Profiles will now be
scored and the scores will be considered at the next meeting.
127.3.3
A draft HERA appeals procedure was discussed and has been
agreed. .
127.3.4
Concern was expressed about consideration of annual promotions.
The Director of Human Resources reiterated that this would not be
possible until the completion of job evaluation. The issue of staff
on probation was raised, as this has been causing unease, given that
there appeared to be no formal information forthcoming. The
University Secretary and Director of Human Resources agreed to
consider this further.
127.4 It was noted that there seem to be various versions of ‘workload models’ being
circulated by management to staff in some schools and departments. This was
1
deprecated by the Executive. Firstly, that the models appeared to be more ‘managerial’
in their philosophy rather than developmental. Secondly, none of these models had been
formally discussed with DUCU. It was agreed to write to the University Secretary,
requesting discussion and negotiation on any such models, with copies to Heads of
Colleges.
127.5 Meeting with CALS staff (June 15th.) University Secretary and Director of
Human Resources attended this meeting. Agreement was reached on a number of
contentious issues over the management and future of the department. Dr Duncan
stated that he would write confirming the elements of the agreement, but to date no such
letter has been forthcoming. It was agreed therefore that DUCU write Dr Duncan, with
our record of the discussion, and that if there were any digression from what had been
agreed, then the grievance procedure should stand.
127.6 University finances. Information from Finance suggests that the greatest bulk of
the growing debt which the university is facing is coming from present and future debts
incurred. It was agreed that there should be a clear statement from DUCU to the
Principal and to Court spelling out what we have been told is the problem and inquiring
why the situation has arisen.
127.7 It was agreed to write to the Acting Director of Finance to apologise if there had
been any perception that the members e-mail sent out by DUCU had been directly critical
of her or her team, as this was not the intent. This apology to be circulated to all staff in
Finance. The said e-mail and the response to it by Dr Duncan to be included in the letter.
127.8 Personal cases. At present there are around twenty personal cases being
handled by members of the Executive. These cover issues such as bullying and racial
harassment, and it was noted that there are identifiable collective ‘flash points’ in certain
units within the university. It was agreed that the Executive be circulated with an
invitation to help with personal cases, given the increasing burden on a few members at
present.
127.9 It was agreed that members would be given details of the PCS rally in Kirkcaldy
on Wednesday, 27th, and the CWU industrial action on June 29th, in order that they may
offer support.
127.10 It was agreed to write in support of Karen Reissman, member of Manchester
NHS Executive, who has been suspended, allegedly on account of her union duties.
127.11 A.O.C.B.
127.11.1
It was noted that management has agreed to speed up the
processes involved in establishing and paying pensions for
staff who have to take early retiral due to ill-health. The
improved process will be published on the university
web site
127.11.2
Clarification is to be sought on how decisions are taken about
the spending of research monies awarded to individual members
of staff, with particular reference to 02 budgets. It appears that
there has been a change in the process without any formal
and uniform directive.
2