G20 Summit – Planned Demonstration
28th March 2009
Further to the G20 Staff Guidelines cascaded earlier this week, the following information relates to a planned event taking place in your region this coming Saturday – 28th March 2009.
Please can you cascade this information onto the relevant Branch Managers within your region so that staff are aware of the event and potential disruption it may cause.
Event Details
“Put People First” are organising a major national march and rally in London on 28 March, ahead of the London G20 Summit
Put People First is a coalition of development charities, trade unions, faith groups, environmentalists and other organisations.
The March will form up along Victoria Embankment from 11am on the 28th March, before setting off at noon. It will then make its way past Parliament and through the centre of London to the rally site in Hyde Park.
The nearest tube station for the march start will be Temple.
The proposed route is as follows:
If there are any issues or concerns relating to this event or the staff guidelines cascaded, please contact SGF National Security & Branches on 01908 343790
G20 Summit – London – Branch Guidelines
The G20 Summit will be held in at the Excel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, London on the 2nd of April 2009. The G20 Summit will see one of the largest policing operations ever undertaken by the Metropolitan Police & City of London Police and although there will inevitably be some disruption to normal life during this period, the Police will be doing everything possible to minimise disruption while endeavouring to ensure that the event takes place safely and peacefully.
The security implications for this event are likely to cause a number of disruptions in the area between 31st March and 2nd April 2009. There has been some press speculation regarding violent or destructive behaviour during the summit and although we must plan for all eventualities, there is no reason at this time to believe that any planned demonstrations or associated events will be anything other than peaceful and that business should continue as normal. With this in mind, Santander Global Facilities (SGF) has devised a set of branch guidelines and considerations to be taken into account during the summit (See Appendix A)
Please ensure that all members of staff are made aware and are familiar with these guidelines prior to event.
Newham Borough
The Metropolitan Police have advised those living or travelling through the Newham Borough will be required to pass through security cordons at some point, particularly close to the Excel venue itself. To enable quickest possible access to your homes or the area, Police have asked that members of the public carry two forms of identification, one of which must be photographic.
If there are any queries relating to access through Newham Borough, please visit the Metropolitan Police website suing the following link:
SGF National Branches & Security will continue to monitor the build-up to the G20 Summit and will provide further advice should circumstances or Police recommendations change.
In the meantime, please ensure your Business Continuity Cascade is up to date in case that it may be required
If you have any queries, please contact SGF National Branches & Security on 01908 343790
Trevor Gordon
Security Manager
SGF (UK) – National Branches & Security
(Appendix A)
UNWANTED OCCUPATION OF BRANCH PREMISES AND PUBLIC DISORDER
Procedure - Occupation by Protesters/Demonstrators
- If demonstrators or protesters infiltrate the public area of the branch, stay calm and politely ask them to leave. Do not antagonise or argue with any demonstrators.
- If they refuse, try to discuss the purpose and nature of the demonstration with a spokesperson to determine the extent of the problem.
- Effectively they are trespassing and therefore could be asked to leave and / or be removed by police if required. However, for a major public demonstration it may be preferable to defer this action as demonstrators are more likely to leave of their own accord if they realise they are not causing a disturbance
- If such an incident continues, contact the police then seek advice from your Regional Manager and SGF. If the circumstances become difficult, you may also consider moving staff behind the counter or into a secure area until Police arrive
- If staff are threatened, touched, held or struck or if there is any damage to property or premises, contact the police immediately – then inform your Regional Manager and SGF
- Be ready to shut and secure the front door at any stage - keeping existing customers inside - until the disturbance has passed. To achieve this, vigilance is necessary and issues such as an increase in passing pedestrians and approaching noise should be considered as signals that temporary branch closure is necessary.
- When the demonstration purports to be against capitalism or the financial institutions, consideration should be given to staff not wearing uniforms or badges that would identify them to the demonstrators when travelling to and from the branch
- Staff are advised not to go out to lunch where they would have to come into direct contact with the demonstrators
- All public space meeting rooms should be locked and the keys removed to prevent demonstrators securing themselves within the rooms.
- Consideration should be given to securing any 24-hour ATM lobbies overnight to prevent usage immediately prior to and after any proposed demonstration.
- Staffing levels - consider whether all staff are required on the day in question and be flexible about arrival and departure times. Much will depend on whether local roads or stations are closed or open.
- Be flexible on branch opening and closing times as dictated by the circumstances or local police advice
- On the evening before a planned demonstration, ensure extra vigilance when following the branch lock-up / closure procedures. All external doors must be locked, windows shut and alarm systems set.
On the morning of a planned demonstration, ensure extra vigilance when following branch-opening procedures. If the light on the external alarm bell box is flashing or sounding, do not enter the premises but contact the Alarm Monitoring Station
Advance – Election of Chair of National Executive Committee
Following conclusion of the Election for Chair of Advance please note that Jim Leonard was elected chair of Advance and the following is the official report supplied to us by Electoral Reform Services Limited.
Our report of voting for the above election, which closed at noon on Wednesday 31st December 2008, is as follows:
Number of eligible voters: 6169
Total number of votes cast: 743
Turnout: 12%
Number of votes found to be invalid: 3
Total number of valid votes to be counted: 740
Result (1 to elect)
The election was conducted using the single transferable vote electoral system.
The following candidate was elected: LEONARD, Jim
The result sheet for the election forms the Appendix to this report. It details:-
the quota required for election
each candidate’s voting figures, and
the stage at which the successful candidate was elected.
As Scrutineers appointed in accordance with Section 49 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended), we are satisfied as to each of the matters specified in subsection 52(2) with regard to the election. The following points should be noted:
- The person appointed under section 51A to carry out the storage and counting of voting papers was Electoral Reform Services Limited.
- The person appointed under section 51A to carry out the distribution of voting papers was Electoral Reform Services Limited.
- A copy of the register of voters (as at the relevant date) was examined in accordance with section 49(3). The examination took place at our own instance and did not reveal any matter that should be brought to the attention of the trade union.
We would draw your attention to sections 52(4), 52(5), and 52(6). Section 52(4) requires that a copy of this report be published and made available to all members of the union within a three month period from today. This does not, however, mean that every member has to be notified individually.
Yours sincerely
pp. Tom Colling
Project Manager
For more information, including downloadable posters, please go to: www.workyourproperhoursday.org.uk
Adverse Weather Conditions
Monday 2nd, 3rd, 12th & 13th February
During Monday 2nd, 3rd 12th & 13th February 2009, we’ve experienced “exceptional” weather conditions, causing widespread disruption to large parts of the country.
Please read the following information which provides guidance with respect to queries relating to these adverse weather conditions:-
- For colleagues affected by yesterday’s and today’s exceptional weather conditions (ie 1 in 18 years conditions) and were unable to get in to work or had to leave early, it has been agreed that colleagues do not need to take annual leave and/or make the time up.
- For colleagues who, with the agreement of their manager, incurred additional expenses e.g. hotel expenses, this will need to be claimed through their expenses in the normal way.
- Following today, our normal approach for adverse weather conditions applies. These are that colleagues are expected to attend their normal place or work, or a more convenient work location if this is appropriate. If they are unable to attend work (either due to the conditions or as a result of school closures), colleagues should speak to their line manager and agree whether they will take the day as annual leave or make the time up over an agreed period.
- During exceptional weather conditions, the staff emergency information line (0500 372042) may be invoked and it is recommended that staff call this number for the latest information.
- Ask HR is available to support Managers with any further queries on 0800 028 3803, option 2.
Advance – Election of Chair of National Executive Committee
Following conclusion of the Election for Chair of Advance please note that Jim Leonard was elected chair of Advance and the following is the official report supplied to us by Electoral Reform Services Limited.
Our report of voting for the above election, which closed at noon on Wednesday 31st December 2008, is as follows:
Number of eligible voters: 6169
Total number of votes cast: 743
Turnout: 12%
Number of votes found to be invalid: 3
Total number of valid votes to be counted: 740
Result (1 to elect)
The election was conducted using the single transferable vote electoral system.
The following candidate was elected: LEONARD, Jim
The result sheet for the election forms the Appendix to this report. It details:-
the quota required for election
each candidate’s voting figures, and
the stage at which the successful candidate was elected.
As Scrutineers appointed in accordance with Section 49 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended), we are satisfied as to each of the matters specified in subsection 52(2) with regard to the election. The following points should be noted:
- The person appointed under section 51A to carry out the storage and counting of voting papers was Electoral Reform Services Limited.
- The person appointed under section 51A to carry out the distribution of voting papers was Electoral Reform Services Limited.
- A copy of the register of voters (as at the relevant date) was examined in accordance with section 49(3). The examination took place at our own instance and did not reveal any matter that should be brought to the attention of the trade union.
We would draw your attention to sections 52(4), 52(5), and 52(6). Section 52(4) requires that a copy of this report be published and made available to all members of the union within a three month period from today. This does not, however, mean that every member has to be notified individually.
Yours sincerely
pp. Tom Colling
Project Manager
Christmas Greetings
The next issue of our magazine is due for publication in late January/early February. I therefore would be grateful if you would complete the short survey on the back of this letter and return it in the pre-paid envelope by, no later than, 30th December 2008. This information will help us develop and implement part of our strategy in negotiations with senior management in 2009.
In reflecting on the outgoing year, whilst there have been many challenges and changes, Advance has been at the forefront in negotiating significant improvements to many of Abbey’s Policies and negotiated the new Work Life Balance (Flexible Working) recently introduced. We have been successful in our discussions with management regarding the new policy ensuring that management information will be kept for all business areas regarding the number of people who apply or are refused Flexible Working. This MI will make it easier for my team and I in our discussions with Senior Management in all Abbey business areas and Santander (UK) Global businesses. Advance was instrumental in the reintroduction of the Sharesave scheme into Abbey. We intend to progress the issue of Sharesave schemes in the other Santander UK businesses including Geoban in 2009.
Regardless of what 2009 has in store for our members, we are ready with a strong experienced team to work tirelessly on your behalf. We have many objectives for the coming year: however our number 1 priority is to continue to ensure that you are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and protect your job security and terms and conditions. We will also continue to ask for your feedback through our magazine and numerous surveys we undertake throughout the year. Your feedback is extremely valuable in enabling us to plan for the future and raise your issues with senior management whilst protecting your identity.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty and support throughout 2008 and ensure you that Advance will continue to be your voice at work. May I wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Kind regards,
Linda
Please note that our office will be closed from 24 December at 1.00 pm until 9.00 am on 2 January. During this time I will be available on my mobile (07917 578 979) to deal with any urgent matters.
End of Year Appraisals
The appraisal appeals process is on the intranet, we would encourage our members to go and have a look at the appeals process, if you are unsure where it is, speak to your manager for guidance.
The are two parts to the year end appeals process
Informal – Your line manager is always your first point of call if you are unhappy with your rating. Where possible an informal resolution should always be sought and an informal conversation can resolve the issue in the vast number of cases. The details and the outcome of these discussions should be documented by your line manager and you can request a copy for your records and should be signed by the two of you.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of this stage of the process you can proceed to the next stage
Formal Stage 1 – This is the next stage and is a 2 stage process, you must have completed the informal stage before you move to this stage. The process is detailed below:
1. You must complete the Appraisals Appeals Template. The form must be fully completed and must fully articulate why you feel that your rating is unfair. (if your form has not been fully completed it may be returned)
2. This stage of the formal appeal will involve an independent line manager, not in the reporting line and who was not in the ranking session where your rating was discussed.
3. Your appeal should be forwarded to an independent line manager who will take account of the information you have recorded on your appeal. When they have made their decision they will write to you to confirm the outcome and how it was reached.
Formal Stage 2 – If you are unhappy with the outcome of this stage of the appeal you can then proceed to the next stage
1. This stage will involve a meeting with the line manager of the person who heard your first appeal.
2. Second stage appeals need to be made in writing, there is an assumption that the paperwork would already have been fully completed as part of the first stage of the appeal, so a covering letter will be sufficient. You should however, make sure that you have included as much information as possible to enable chair of the hearing to prepare fully.
There are timescales for the appeals process and you should make sure that you follow them. If you are in any doubt about the timescales or you have a period of leave or are away from the business, then you need to let your line manager know as soon as you can. In short you have 10 days within which to make your appeal, and you can normally expect a response within 10 days. If you have appealed to the 2nd stage, you should do so within 10 days of the receipt of the outcome to the last appeal, and similarly you should receive a reply within 10 days.
Finally, Advance and Management have worked together in Partnership to develop a fair, transparent and user friendly appeals process. You should use this policy if you believe that your rating is unfair. You can phone Advance for confidential advice and support, our helpline is 01442 891122.
Integration of Santander back-office functions
Members will be aware of the recent announcement that Santander proposes to reduce its combined Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley workforce by approximately 1,900 staff in 2009.
Advance have received a number of calls from members who are concerned about this announcement.
Advance met with Senior Management this week to discuss the implications for Abbey employees.
At this moment in time we are not able to provide the details but these discussions are ongoing and will continue during January 2009.
Job loses are never welcome and Advance will ensure that any Abbey job loses are absolutely necessary and that there are no other alternatives, we will also ensure that members who remain in the business are not placed under pressure in terms of ongoing work volumes. We are aware that Santander have committed to make cost savings of £180 million by the end of 2011 following the acquisitions.
Advance asked what Abbey’s plans were regarding the major sites and we have been informed that there are no plans to close major sites although some smaller sites may be consolidated. Advance asked to be kept fully updated regarding any of these proposals
I will continue to keep members updated as consultation progresses. Maximising job security continues to be Advance’s priority.
We know that this is not as detailed as you would like, however we believe that we need to understand the full implications for those who may be affected before providing any further detail.
Linda Rolph
Advance Elections
The following elections will be run for Advance representatives and Chairperson from Friday 31st October 2008 to Friday 21st November 2008.
Chairperson
A National Officer of the union and responsible for the NEC, nominations for the chairperson role are only eligible from members of the union who have served a full term on either the National Executive Committee or Area Committee in the last 5 years.
Area Committee Representatives
Area reps form a vital part of the union representing the views of members in their particular business area, nominations for area reps are eligible from all members who have been in membership for at least 3 months. Full training will be given for this these roles.
If you require further information or nomination forms for either of the above please contact Advance office on 01442 891122
Bradford & Bingley
You should by now be well aware of the details of Abbey’s acquisition of Bradford & Bingley’s Direct Channels business, but just to reiterate the deal involves the:
- Transfer of £20B retail deposits
- 2.7M new customers
- 197 branches and 141 agencies (distribution points in third party premises).
I have been briefed on events this week and whilst information is still limited at this stage I believe this is good news. I also welcome the statements made to Advance and in public that the Bradford & Bingley transfer is about capitalising on a great opportunity for expansion and that where there are branch overlaps they would look to relocate rather than close.
Overall I believe the addition of Bradford & Bingley will be of great benefit and I hope to be able to provide more information in the next edition of our magazine which you will receive in late October - early November.
I am in regular dialogue with senior management and will continue to keep you informed of any further developments on our website Rest assured that we are your voice at work and the interests of all our members remains our top priority.
If you have any queries, please contact Advance’s office on 01442 891122.
Regards,
Linda Rolph
General Secretary
For The Urgent Attention
of Advance Members
I am writing following the announcement this morning, 29th September 2008, by HM Treasury to take the Bradford and Bingley into public ownership, with the retail deposits, branch network and related employees transferring to Abbey National plc with immediate effect.
I have been fully briefed by senior management in Abbey this morning on the details relating to the acquisition which was concluded in a very short space of time. Accordingly, there is not a great amount of information that I can share with you at the moment. It is however, a significant opportunity for Santander/Abbey to increase its branch capacity throughout the UK, raise its profile and advance towards its goal as the best commercial bank in the UK
I wanted to advise you that Advance will continue to be your voice at work and that our main objective throughout the coming months will be your job security.
It is to early to know the full impact of this acquisition however, rest assured we will be in constant dialogue with senior management regarding the plans going forward and we will keep you updated.
Linda Rolph
General Secretary
Advance
We will send a written communication to every member in the next couple of weeks.
Santander & Alliance and Leicester
Following the announcement by Santander of its intention to purchase the Alliance and Leicester, Advance has met with Senior Abbey management to discuss the proposals. Consultation is at an early stage, but Advance have requested that further discussions take place as the proposals move forward and the impacts on employees both in Abbey and Alliance and Leicester become known.
Our primary concern is the welfare of our members and protecting their long term job security. We will keep our members up to date with consultations as they progress.
Linda Rolph
General Secretary
Advance
Moving Forward
As you will be aware we held elections at the end of 2007 for our General Secretary and National Executive Committee:
We can confirm that our team going forward is as follows :
General Secretary Linda Rolph 07850 742340
National Executive Committee
Area 1 – Branches South West & Wales Caroline Stevens 05511 430051
Area 2 – Branches North Helen Kennedy 05511 430340
Area 3 – Branches London Jim Leonard 05511 430251
Area 4 – Branches South East Annette McColgan 05511 430177
Area 5 – Branches Midlands Martin Fisher 05511 430510
Area 6 – Head Office Chris Hockett 0207 612 5153
Area 7 – Contact Sites Cathy Kelly 07824 841944
Area 8 – GEOBAN Linda Bartle 01642 703849
Area 9 – AFI Robert Elliott 0113 236 6807
Area 10 – Non Abbey Maureen Ryan 0800 092 3300
Goodbye to ANGU, Welcome to Advance
In the last issue of our magazine we explained the background reasons for the need to change the name of our union. Agreement to the change from Abbey National Group Union to Advance was reached at our Extraordinary General Meeting on 9th November 2007.
On 1 January 2008, ANGU changes its name to Advance. Our name and stationery will reflect a new, modern and fresh approach for the union. What will not change will be our dedication to our members, our determination to ensure that working lives improve and that job security and conditions of employment are safeguarded. We are determined that all of our members are treated with dignity and respect. Next year we will be visiting more branches and other locations to recruit new members and meet existing ones. We will, through these visits and our surveys find out what our members want and how they feel. As we say, Advance is your voice at work.