Sussex Not For Sale

UCU have sent the following message to their members:

Dear members,

Some of you will have seen the revised White Paper that is going to Council tomorrow. On page 12, as part of the risk assessment, is the following: 

- Risk 4. Failure to implement an effective performance management
 system which leads to increased focus on deliverables

- Positive meetings have been held with the Trade Unions on the
 principles for a new system of discretionary pay increments, on
 recognising good performance and on revising the performance development
 and review process.

We have concerns about the adequacy of the whole risk analysis section and we were particularly concerned that the statement under Risk 4 does not accurately reflect the current situation. We have asked that the followingbe brought to the attention of Council:

 "UCU wishes to draw to the attention of Council that the comment
 concerning Risk 4 on page 12 of the revised White Paper (which Senate
 has not seen) seriously misrepresents the nature and purpose of the
 meetings between the trade unions and management. A more accurate
 statement concerning those meetings is as follows:

Positive meetings have been held with the trade unions concerning 
the development of transparent and objective criteria and processes
for the implementation of contribution points under the framework agreement,
including recognizing good performance and on revising the staff development
and appraisal processes. These meetings are unrelated to managing the risk identified."

 These meetings have been two informal, facilitated workshops. Any formal proposal for a policy on the use of contribution points will still need tocome to the trade unions for negotiation and agreement.