NGSU Rapport 84 – Winter 2015

Rapport THE NATIONWIDE GROUP STAFF UNION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2015 ISSUE 82

R E H T E G O T COMINUGDECIDES ITS POLICY NGS

STILL BIRTH HOW SHARON COPES XMAS WINE

SEE OUR OFFER

NEWS&VIEWS: P2 | BENEFITS: P9 | HERE TO HELP: P14

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welcome…

CONTENTS 3

As the year draws to an end it’s time to plan for the future and that’s just what NGSU has been doing at our national conference. You can find out all about the decisions made and how we see the way forward on our dedicated pages.

And, as always, we couldn’t do it without you so why not make 2016 the year when you choose to get more involved with your union like some of the lovely reps we paid tribute to during conference.

We’d love to hear from you.

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Gill Grocott President

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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

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News & views From your union Flu fighters Working when children fall ill Hidden suffering Endometriosis diagnosis and support Tim’s blog General Secretary’s view from Middleton Cheney farmhouse Benefits Find out what benefits your union can give you Terms for temps Calls for better treatment for temporary staff Gill calls for local knowledge Reps are the people who know their colleagues best Here to help Q&As and top tips Financial protection AFH offer financial support to NGSU members Calling all angels Donate your wedding dress to charity Coffee break Festivals, film review, pets’ corner, book reviews, prize wordsearch

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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

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news&views FOND FAREWELLS Gill Grocott

TRAVEL DISRUPTION We’re approaching that time of the year when travel to and from work can be disrupted by adverse weather.

You must make a reasonable effort to travel into work, attend for part of the day if conditions improve or work from another location or home. However, if it is not possible or safe to travel to work you will still be paid, provided you’ve made an effort. Nationwide’s policy about this can be found in the Time Off for Other Reasons Policy (Section 2.8) in the HR Policy Point.

ABOLITION OF FEES IN SCOTLAND

The Scottish Government has announced plans to abolish employment tribunal fees if new powers being proposed in the Scotland Bill 2015-16 are passed. The Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, is expected to devolve powers over the management of tribunals for Scottish Cases. It’s not yet clear what the precise meaning of a Scottish Case will be.

It seems that tribunal fees in England and Wales are here to stay as the legal challenge against the fees made to the Court of Appeal by UNISON has been unsuccessful. The cost of the fees depends on the nature of a case – an unfair dismissal incurs a case fee of £250 and a hearing fee of £950. NGSU will support members with the cost of tribunal claims where our solicitors consider there is a better than 50% chance of success.

President Gill Grocott is saying goodbye to Nationwide. “During my term I’ve managed to meet a number of you at roadshows, in the centres, presenting on induction courses, meetings and, most recently, at National Conference,” she says. “The part of the role that gives most pleasure is making someone’s day when you call them and tell them that they’ve won a prize in the monthly draw. I’ve really enjoyed my term and would like to express my thanks to all who have helped me along the way.”

t Meet Gill’s parro19 ge on pa

Derek Richards

Derek Richards, our Individual Cases Officer based in Swindon, is to retire after a long and distinguished service at Nationwide and NGSU. Derek has supported many of our members over the years and has been a passionate advocate of the Union. We all wish him a long and happy retirement.

Derek started his working life in the Portsmouth branch of the Nationwide Building Society in 1972 and has served NGSU as an Individual Cases Officer for the last 12 years.

He said: “I am grateful for the varied opportunities I have been given during my working life and pleased to have played a part in supporting our members through significant events in their working lives.

My contribution would not have been possible without the passion and leadership shown by Tim Poil and Marian Dean. To my colleagues in the Union and Nationwide I wish you every success for the future to ensure a strong Union for all our members.”

MIKE MOIR

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BRANCH STRATEGY

Over 100 delegates attended the Union’s National Conference in Solihull in October. Conference brings together Union Reps from across all Nationwide business areas with members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to determine NGSU’s negotiating agenda for the next two years.

TACKLING PREJUDICE

Full conference reports see pages 10–13.

There are more than 107,000 people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the UK, mostly of working age, of whom a quarter are unaware of their status.

Although most who live with HIV in the UK have normal life expectancy and lead fulfilling working lives, a large minority of people are ignorant of the facts. This means people living with HIV can face prejudice and discrimination in the workplace. Now a new TUC guide Tackling HIV Discrimination at Work, helps address issues that arise.

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Issues arising from the branch network dominated the second day with a number of motions passed about the need to review resourcing levels, the impact of complaint handling procedures and the approach taken to the Customer Service Tracker (CST) and Superstars.

Delegates from the branch network were able to take these issues forward to a meeting of the National Branch EIC that took place on the following day when Graeme Hughes, Group Director Distribution, made a comprehensive presentation about future strategy for the branch network and the transition to the digital world.

He explained how the approach to Help, Guidance and Advice, would enable Nationwide to differentiate from the banks and confirmed that maintaining the branch network was central to the strategy – although customers would increasingly use self-service channels to conduct transactions, they still wanted the option of getting help from branchbased employees. Acknowledging the branch-based roles would evolve over time Graeme gave an optimistic assessment of the important role branches will play in the distribution strategy.

Greg Heaton, Divisional Director Branch Network South, agreed to work with the Union to consider issues about branch resources, performance management and respond to concerns about the approach to CST scores in some areas. Simon Connolly, Performance Director South, confirmed that a review of Superstars is underway and a revised approach would be announced soon.

news&views NGSU AT OPTIMUS We’re pleased to announce that NGSU will have an Individual Cases Officer based in the new Optimus building in West Swindon. Union members working in Optimus and Pegasus House who need advice can book confidential face-to-face appointments.

The Union also has offices in: • Nationwide House (NH) - on the Lower Ground Floor in the Lifestyle Haven (near the gym).

• Northampton Admin Centre – on the first floor in the North Building.

• Portman House, BAC – on 2nd Floor North Please call 01295 710767 to book an appointment.

SOUP FOR SYRIA Acclaimed chefs and NGSU cookbook authors FORUM the world over have

Xxxx come together to help food relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of Syrian refugees.

Each has contributed a recipe to Soup for Syria, a beautifully illustrated cookbook of delicious soups from around the world.

Recipes include fabulous easy-to-make soups from hearty winter warmers to chilled summer soups. It would make a lovely Christmas gift with the added bonus that all money from from the sales of the cookbook is donated to help fund food relief efforts.

As well as buying the book you could help by spreading the word at #SoupforSyria or host a soup party in your home or office. soupforsyria.com

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Voucher code expires 31 December 2015.

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Flu fighters What are the options for working parents when children fall ill?

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t’s that time of the year when coughs, cold and flu get passed around the classroom. For working parents, balancing working commitments with looking after their children when they are ill can be very challenging.

The TUC has recently called for a change in the law to provide paid time off for parents in these circumstances.

According to the TUC, illness accounted for almost two-thirds (64.2%) of the 19.8 million days missed by school-age children in the autumn term last year.

At Nationwide, rights are set out in the Emergency Time Off for Dependents Policy. This is part of the Family Friendly suite of policies in the HR Policy Point. Nationwide has enhanced the statutory terms by allowing employees to take up to two days off as paid leave and a reasonable amount of time off as unpaid leave.

For working parents the policy provides support to help cope when children are taken ill. This does not mean that there is an automatic right to take two-days off to look after your child if they are not well enough to attend school. The intent is to help make arrangements for their care. This might mean arranging for another family member to look after your child or

Did you know many Nationwide HR policies are available to read on the NGSU website? You can find the Emergency Time Off and all other policies that provide time-off work. If you need more help – call us in confidence on 01295 710767.

arrange other childcare provision. Once the arrangements are in place you will be expected to return to work. However, if it is not possible to make alternative care arrangements then, of course, it is necessary to stay with your child.

There may be circumstances when it is reasonable to take the two days paid leave and agree some further time off, such as unpaid or holiday. For example, schools may have a policy that children suffering from the Norovirus should be free of symptoms for 48 hrs before returning to school – meaning parents will have to take extended time off too.

Both parents are entitled to time off to look after ill children, so dads can request time off work to look after their children too.

If an emergency arises then you should contact your manager as soon as possible and agree with them the time off you need.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience several emergencies in a year the policy will still apply.

WHO IS A DEPENDENT? A dependent can be a spouse or partner, a parent, a child or any other person who reasonably relies on you for assistance in an emergency; for example, an elderly neighbour.

Hidden suffering Diagnosis and support are the key to helping women.

SICKNESS ABSENCE POLICY

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ndometriosis is the word that unites a host of women, including Hilary Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Anna Friel, Anthea Turner, Dolly Parton and NGSU’s Assistant General Secretary Marian Dean to name but a few.

And with one in 10 women experiencing the hidden suffering of the disease it is only to be expected that they will be joined by an untold number of Nationwide employees where 65 per cent are women.

With an increasing emphasis on absence management, the importance of highlighting the disease and ensuring women get the most support they can is crucial to NGSU. Because endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways and shares symptoms with other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed. Recent research shows that there is now an average of 7.5 years between women first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.

Marian Dean experienced painful symptoms for many years before she was diagnosed and had a hysterectomy over 20 years ago.

She believes women’s early diagnosis is the key and urges women to seek help as soon as possible.

Download Understanding Endometriosis an information pack at http://tinyurl. com/ph26qwd

Marian Dean, the union’s Assistant General Secretary (Members)

If you’re unable to attend work you must follow the sickness absence policy. Telephone your manager as soon as possible and within an hour of your normal start time or arrange for someone else to call on your behalf. Texts and emails are not acceptable unless you and your manager have agreed this as a way to keep in touch.

Stay in contact with your manager throughout your absence – you should agree how you’ll do this when you first report your absence.

On your return to work, it is normal to have a return-to-work interview with your manager. It may be appropriate to discuss having a referral to the Occupational Health scheme, which is voluntary, unless you’re entering the prolonged sickness benefit scheme. But it can be helpful, especially for conditions like endometriosis, where there is a general lack of awareness of the condition and symptoms are not visible. The OH provider can help explain to your manager the impact of your condition on work and consider ways to support you.

If you need any help or advice about the absence procedures you can call an Individual Cases Officer on 01295 710767.

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on Farmhouse

Tim’s Blog The view from Middlet

However, the option to do so is part of Nationwide. This gives fundamental to the bargaining us a real platform to influence power of a union and these how the business operates and proposals undermine that in an the decisions it makes. Our unfair and unnecessary way. local Reps are integral to this The proposals are all the rtant process and so it is impo e frustrating because of the mor with ge that our members enga refusal by the government to Reps to keep them up-to-date enable legislation that already with local issues and challenge exists to allow unions to hold them on the actions taken.

Tim Poil online ballots. This would help If there isn’t a Rep in ider to increase participation and is your area, please cons something that is increasingly ard. forw putting yourself used as a voting mechanism Our Conference is an and ning plan After months of by other organisations important and significant it’s ce feren Con for on preparati Nationwide has used online event for our Union but it is le hard to believe how quickly voting for the election of board modest in scale and profi it passed and that it’s all main to members for some time. when compared over for another two years. ces eren The powers to impose conf y political part But of course it’s not over.

As s. s on Unions will have gres Con levie TUC and the The real work of advancing a more direct impact on affiliated union, we are an the issues that were passed us. We are already facing entitled to send a delegation as Union policy begins now. this ded new measures to have our to Congress. I atten Over the next weeks and our ott, Groc Gill membership database verified year along with months we will raise the , pard Lam Alan and t, by an independent assurer.

Presiden issues with the Society as outh rnem Bou ts esen These new requirements will repr who part of our ongoing dialogue onal place an additional financial Admin Centre on the Nati about working conditions. e. pressure on us and that adds Executive Committe I have often highlighted was to the cost challenges we This year there the important role that our t abou on ussi disc ble have as an organisation that considera local Union Representatives n Unio e Trad the of ct impa is funded by subscriptions. the have in helping us raise and does affect us. that and We are a non-political union.

Bill resolve issues on behalf e The Bill seeks to plac We have no political affiliations of our members. I want to on ns latio more onerous regu and make no political do so again now because n and gives new actio l stria indu donations - rather we focus all lved they will be actively invo n catio ifi Cert the to ers pow of our resources on supporting in directly consulting with levies and se impo to cer Offi our members. But we are a Nationwide on the issues unions. We e trad on nes fi trade union and so I’d urge passed at Conference. ballot a d calle r neve have all members to find out more Through the Employee our and n actio l for industria about the proposals.

Involvement Committee (EIC) hip with Nationwide ions relat able been have structure, we You can follow Tim such that I can’t imagine is ion ultat cons al form a ed on twitter @TimPoil to emb circumstances when we would. process in just about every

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Terms for temps DELEGATES LISTENING

Calls for better treatment for temporary staff.

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elegates overwhelmingly agreed to call on Nationwide to change the way it treats temporary workers. At present some temps are engaged on a contract of services, which provides only very basic employment rights and means that they are not eligible to receive bonuses, even though they have contributed in the same way as permanent employees.

A number of delegates highlighted the difference between this approach and engaging temps in accordance with the Agency Workers Regulations, which provide temps with the rights to equal treatment with employees after 12 weeks. The motion was passed, with delegates agreeing that this approach was more compatible with the values that Nationwide endorses through PRIDE and its status as a Living Wage Employer.

Delegates had the opportunity to discuss this later in the day with Tony Prestedge, Chief Operating Officer, and Alison Robb, Group Director, in a question and answer session.

Tony and Alison gave a commitment that the Society will work with the Union to review the approach and consider options that sit more easily with the values Nationwide sets.

Delegates also discussed performance management, expressing concerns that ‘calibration’ is about fixing a distribution of performance ratings with many employees feeling

Conference debated more than 50 motions over two days of lively discussion. Issues addressed included concerns about pay structures, loyalty awards, the need for business areas to provide a better work-life balance and working arrangements in Customer Services and Operations.

A STRATEGY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH The keynote presentation was given

by Graham Beale, Nationwide’s retiring Chief Executive who reflected on his time in office and gave a fascinating insight into how he and the executive team steered Nationwide through the financial crisis.

A central theme of Graham’s presentation was the importance of Nationwide’s values of putting members first and having a social purpose. The Society’s success has been built on a steady evolution of its strategy that is based around being a modern mutual, exemplar organisation, a strong society and a great employer.

Graham said Nationwide was proof that an organisation could be successful by doing the right thing and that the future strategy would be true to its heritage of being customer centric and with a human touch.

Graham acknowledged the important role NGSU plays in helping to shape the working environment.

performance management is no longer a two-way interactive process.

Tony and Alison gave assurances that there is no fixed distribution of performance ratings. However, they acknowledged that business areas are challenged if their spread of ratings shows significant variation against normal expectations and concede that this can feel like an “implied distribution”. Alison confirmed that HR will be reviewing the approach to performance management and consider ways to make the process more interactive and engaging.

ALISON ROBB ANSWERS A QUESTION

All motions passed by a twothirds majority of delegates have become adopted as Union policy.

The National Executive Committee will now determine the best way to pursue the aims of the motions and tackle issues raised. A list of the motions and the voting outcome are on the NGSU website www.ngsu.org.uk/about-us/ conference.

TRIBUTE TO TIM General Secretary, Tim Poil received a standing ovation in recognition of his leadership of NGSU over 25 years. In a tribute to Tim’s long standing service to the membership, delegates heard how he has led the Union to become an influential voice in the development of the people agenda by building a relationship based on trust and respect.

Earlier in the day Tim outlined some of the challenges that union members will face as the Society evolves its digital strategy under the leadership of a new Chief Executive. He said that the Union was well-placed to face the future – membership is increasing, its financial position is strong and it has a growing network of effective Representatives. Tim noted that through the Employee Involvement Committee structure, NGSU has established regular and direct access to senior management across the business and that Reps must use this opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve local issues and shape working conditions.

“It was very empowering to raise my points and the reactions and support I received, from all, was outstanding” Joanne Lewis, Department Rep, Direct Services, Wakefield

STRONGER TOGETHER He gave a number of examples where union involvement had played an important role in determining the final outcome, including pension reforms and the implementation of the regional brands change programme.

ALL PHOTOS – MIKE MOIR

Tony Prestedge, talked about how the relationship between Nationwide and NGSU had helped to shape the Society’s strategic thinking. Tony, who chairs the Employment Involvement Committee (EIC), told delegates that the challenge provided by Tim Poil and members of the Union team makes a real difference to the people agenda.

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Gill calls for local knowledge Reps are the people who know their colleagues best.

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utgoing NGSU President, Gill Grocott stressed the important role local Reps play in supporting Union members.

Gill noted that during her term of office, she had been disappointed that sometimes policies and procedures agreed nationally between Nationwide and NGSU weren’t always implemented at a local level.

She gave the example of overtime and Time-Off-In-Lieu (TOIL) in the branch network. Although the policy setting out eligibility for overtime and TOIL is very clear, some members report they are unable to claim the appropriate entitlement. Gill told delegates: “As Union Reps, this is where you come in. You know your local members and the local issues – it’s up to you, with our support, to help our members get their proper entitlements and raise issues where you see unfair treatment. It’s your voice on the ground that can make all the difference.”

“It was my first conference and I was not sure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment” Sandie Woodmore, District Rep for South Coast Central.

If you are interested in becoming a Union Rep, please call Kerry Wagg, Rep Support Officer, 01295 710767, for more information and details of current vacancies.

THOSE IN FAVOUR OF BETTER MATERNITY PAY Conference debated two motions calling for an improvement in the provision of enhanced maternity pay for Nationwide employees and for employees taking Shared Parental Leave to have the ability to access enhanced pay.

Delegates from the Swindon Regional Council told Conference that Nationwide’s provision of 14 weeks full pay now lags behind many competitors, giving the example of Lloyds, which has recently introduced 26 weeks of full pay and IBM which offers enhanced pay over the full 52 weeks of maternity leave.

Delegates expressed disappointment at Nationwide’s decision to only offer statutory shared parental leave pay rather than support fathers and same sex partners with enhanced pay. It was noted that the Working Families organisation reported that 56% of employers are matching enhanced pay for those taking Shared Parental Leave with the provision of enhanced maternity pay.

ROS IS REP OF THE YEAR VOTING IN FAVOUR

NGSU Rep of the year is Ros Reid, a mortgage underwriter from Northampton, who says her own experiences have helped build her skills and confidence.

Ros took on the role of Rep six years ago.

“Although I was a member of the union I didn’t know what it did or what the role involved but I thought I could do with a different challenge – and I’ve never looked back. I like the interaction with staff on all levels, especially on a disciplinary level, and talking to and reassuring people as well as having regular meetings with senior managers.

“It’s worked really well because I have the view that if you can talk to people and stop something getting out of hand that’s to everyone’s benefit,” says Ros, who adds that she was extremely surprised but proud to win the award.

UNSUNG HEROES There were 57 Motions in total; 43 were passed; 12 failed and 2 were ‘remitted to the NEC’ (for the NEC to consider in more detail and decide an appropriate way forward).

And a special thanks to: Sue Millward (Group Ops – NH) “Sue played an important role in highlighting issues about disabled parking at Nationwide House.”

Tim Poil, General Secretary.

James McCrossan (Margate Branch) “His enthusiasm and passion on behalf of our members is fantastic.” Marian Dean, Assistant General Secretary (Members).

Shaun McGuigan (Member Services – NAC) “We couldn’t ask for a more passionate advocate of NGSU!” Kerry Wagg, Rep Support Officer.

REP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

ALL PHOTOS – MIKE MOIR

Kevin Mitchell (Direct Sales – Pegasus House) “Kevin has really established himself as the ‘go to’ person for members.” Tim Rose, Assistant General Secretary (Services).

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QA &

We answer your questions about working terms and conditions at Nationwide…

Are branches going to open on public holidays?

A small number of branches opened on August Bank Holiday as a pilot.

The Union agreed with the Society that branches would be resourced by volunteers, that they would be paid at the prevailing overtime rate for public holidays (double time) and would receive a day off in lieu.

We understand that the pilot had mixed success and that there is review underway. We expect that any extension of the pilot in the New Year will be on the same terms as above and again limited to just a few branches.

How long should a secondment last?

The Secondment Policy states that a secondment should be for a fixed time and normally be for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months. A secondment can be extended in exceptional circumstances where all parties agree but it would be inappropriate to keep repeatedly extending the arrangements.

We strongly recommend that a Secondment Agreement is completed before the arrangement starts. The

More details about Additional Responsibility Payments can be found in the Allowances Policy.

If you work in the branch network there is a lot of information about Additional Responsibility Payments and In Charge Payments in the Branch Network Working Arrangements Policy and Employee Guide.

All these documents can be found in the HR Policy Point or the NGSU website.

agreement should specify how long the secondment will last, confirm any changes to pay and other financial considerations such as travel costs, and the arrangements for returning to your permanent role.

If I’ve been asked to cover for my manager, do I have to do all of their duties to qualify for an additional responsibility payment?

To be eligible for a payment you must have been specifically asked to provide cover for a more senior employee, provided the cover for three consecutive working days and normally take on their full range of duties. However, there has to be some common sense applied to defining a ‘full range of duties’. Some tasks may not arise in the period you’ve been asked to cover or some may require a mandate that you don’t have. If you’ve taken responsibility for the main day-to-day duties of the person you’re covering you should still receive the appropriate payment.

here to help...

If you experience or witness harassment and bullying here are some points to remember.

ZERO TOLERANCE APPLIES TO EVERYONE The zero tolerance approach to harassment and bullying applies to all Nationwide employees in all job levels and all work situations – no matter who. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

This also includes temporary workers, contractors, suppliers or other third parties who visit the workplace.

It extends to activity outside of work – such as work social events.

What is harassment and bullying?

Harassment is unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that creates an uncomfortable environment for the person being harassed even if they were not the intended target or where the behaviour is not directed at them personally. Bullying is behaviour that makes a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened.

It can be carried out by one individual against another individual or a group or by a group against an individual.

Raising concerns early and informally can help If you can, raise the problem informally with the person responsible.

Tell them how their behaviour

If you need help or want to report a concern contact: EmployeeCare 0800 3 58 68 58 Ask HR 01793 556808 select option 6 NGSU 01295 710767 Whistleblowing Officer 01793 654165

There is more information and help in the Harassment & Bullying Policy in the HR Policy Point or Help at Work section of the NGSU Website.

is affecting you and ask them to stop. They may be unaware of how you’re feeling and will be anxious to put things right. If you both agree, mediation can help resolve issues and restore working relations. If problems can be sorted out early there’s more chance of a successful outcome and better solutions for everyone.

Ask for help – there’s lots available Don’t suffer in silence – please talk to someone about the problem.

If you can’t speak to the person involved tell a colleague or call EmployeeCare, HR or the Union.

The sooner you raise concerns the quicker matters can be resolved.

Don’t stand by – report your concerns Everyone has a responsibility to help foster the right culture at work. If you witness inappropriate behaviour you should report it to a manager or HR. Taking formal action There may be occasions when informal solutions won’t solve the problem.

You can make formal complaint using the Grievance Policy and HR will investigate your concerns.

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Decades of wealth safety Independent Financial Services (IFS) have been proud to provide financial protection advice to NGSU members for over 20 years.

H

aving recently joined the AFH Financial Group Plc — a national AIM listed financial planning led wealth management organisation — IFS advisers now operate under the AFH Wealth Management brand, and will be continuing to support NGSU members, increasing the numbers available to members to over 150.

Paul Baker, former Managing Director of IFS said: “Spanning over 20 years, the NGSU were the longest serving affiliate scheme for IFS, so we are delighted that AFH Wealth Management, as the new owners, will continue to offer this valuable service for the benefit of future members.”

Unrestricted choice AFH is an entirely independent company able to advise and recommend on the most suitable products in areas such as: • Mortgage protection • Critical illness • Income protection • Life assurance • Term assurance.

Please do not hesitate to contact AFH: T: 03301 348 899 E: NGSU@ afhgroup.com

AFH Wealth Management is a trading style of AFH Independent Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A078510/15-01.

This article is for generic information only and should not be construed as advice. Please contact us before proceeding with any course of action.

Receive 40% of any commission paid A product provider will pay an advising company commission for their work in recommending and implementing a suitable protection policy. Whilst this is always disclosed well in advance of a client taking out a policy, the full commission is often sent directly to the advising company.

Due to our unique relationship with the NGSU, whenever we set up a protection policy for a member, we are delighted to be able to pass on 40% of the commission we are paid, to you.

So you not only benefit from having the right level of financial protection, but you will also receive commission for your own policy.

Access to financial planning experts With over 150 advisers across the UK, you have access to financial advice and wealth management solutions from a location that suits you. In addition to protection solutions, we can provide unrestricted advice, and offer products and services from the entire financial market. For any other product we set up for you, we can share 10% of any commission paid.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Calling all angels Donating her wedding dress to charity has helped NGSU Rep Sharon Bickford with her grief.

A

fter her daughter had a stillborn child at 38 weeks into her pregnancy grief-stricken NGSU member Sharon Bickford turned to the internet to find support.

What she was not aware of was just how many babies are born stillborn and the distress extended families are left to cope with.

Sharon, who has worked for Nationwide for 27 years and is a customer rep based in Burton, Lincs, says her daughter Lauren’s son Tommy was still born at 38 weeks. Because the pregnancy was so progressed, Lauren had to have natural delivery, explains Sharon.

While looking for support Sharon came across the Angel Wings Facebook pages, an awareness, support and fundraising organisation for a variety of baby and child loss, miscarriage, stillborn and cot deaths.

Sharon explains that the charity offers support and counselling and has separate groups for grandparents and others affected by such deaths.

“We talk, say what we like and I do feel better,” she says of her involvement with the group.

Sharon also discovered that Angel Wings offers to make outfits for babies who have died using donated wedding dresses. An item for the child to be buried or cremated is

“By being involved I’m helping myself and I like to do things for other people,” says Sharon. made from one part of the dress and another item, such as a small cushion, is also made from the dress and returned to its owner.

Sharon decided to donate her own wedding dress, saying: “I don’t mind giving my dress if I can think it will have helped with someone else’s grief.

“I am amazed at how many still births there are and a lot of people don’t know about the charity and I want to spread the word,” she says.

Sharon, an NGSU Rep, raised over £100 at Conference this year and hopes others will support the charity.

FOREVER DRESSES IN LOVE Sharon is the coordinator for Lincolnshire for people who want to donate their wedding dresses. To find out how you can help the charity visit www.facebook. com/Foreverdressedinlove/posts/1047506048613134 or email angelwingshere4u@gmail.com

18 82 NOVEMBER 15

Film review…

SUFFRAGETTE Suffragette is the story of the early feminist movement battle to have women granted the right to vote and the extreme, sometimes violent lengths, to which they were prepared to go.

It revolves around the story of a working class woman drawn into the struggle after enduring dangerous and exploitative working conditions.

It’s a powerful drama about one of the most turbulent periods in British history and stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham-Carter and multiple Oscar-winner Meryl Streep as Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the suffrage movement.

coffee break...

THE YEAR OF THE RUNAWAYS SUNJEEV SAHOTA

From India come four young people whose lives will be bound together – Tochi, a former rickshaw driver, will say nothing about his past and Avtar has a secret that binds him to protect Randeep.

Randeep, in turn, has a visa-wife Narinder in a flat on the other side of town.

THE PAYING GUESTS SARAH WATERS

It is 1922, and in South London, a large silent house now bereft of brothers, husband and even servants is home to impoverished widow Mrs Wray and her spinster daughter, Frances, now obliged to take in lodgers.

For with the arrival of Lilian and Leonard Barber, a modern young couple of the ‘clerk class’, the routines of the house will be shaken up in unexpected ways.

WE ARE NOT OURSELVES MATTHEW THOMAS

Eileen Leary wants more. Raised in a downtrodden area of New York she dreams of a better life. When she meets Ed Leary, a brilliant young scientist, she thinks she’s found the perfect partner.

Pets’ corner RETIRING NGSU PRESIDENT GILL GROCOTT AND ROSIE THE 17 YEAR OLD AFRICAN GREY PARROT

We saw Rosie just after she had hatched.

She talks in both my voice and my husband’s and she laughs just like me!

She mimics lots of sounds, shouts ‘hello’ when the phone rings, barks and whines and shouts commands to the dogs.

Whenever I leave the house, I put the radio on for her, say goodbye and she replies ‘See you soon’ or ‘See you later duck’.

Tell us about you and your pet.

Email or write to the address opposite.

PRIZE WORDSEARCH

WIN

£25 voucher

One lucky winner will receive a £25 book or iBook token. Simply find the words which are all to do with festive drinks. Completed entries should be sent to Middleton Cheney by 8 January 2016 with your name and membership number filled in below.

I F Y R L L G O N G G E O G V R W Z B L O O D Y M A R Y O Y I WH E H Z O R K X Y N D S Y S S N O C C E S O R P K E O A H I G V M G F WB H A B S N OWB A L L F B C Y Y V A U R D H N X U J N P L M Z A N C E M I O G U I E Z A A E I R L N I S P Y K N O I S R S F L E G M K B T G E R L V G J U Z U B E E WA H A O S I A MR A E Q E Y P B M E X N Y R I R D R F T MR A G X G U L I N R F V Y A A I I D C E S N T T F J U H N T N C Y P L O L A X O B C D P M S L B U C K S F I Z Z Y

SLOE GIN EGGNOG MULLED WINE CHAMPAGNE MARGARITA PROSECCO BLOODY MARY IRISH WHISKEY

RUM PUNCH BAILEYS TIA MARIA VODKA BUCKS FIZZ SNOWBALL BEER BRANDY

Name Membership number

Please return to: NGSU, Middleton Farmhouse, 37 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2QT

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IFS advisers have been proudly supporting the NGSU for over 20 years; now they are part of the AFH Financial Group pie, your arrangements will remain in safe hands for the future.

Receive 40 °/o of any commission...

For our work in recommending and implementing any suitable protection policy for you, the product provider will pay us a commission. Due to our unique relationship with NGSU, we are delighted to be able to pass on 40% of this commission to you.

In addition to protection solutions, we can provide you with more comprehensive, unrestricted advice, and offer products and services from the entire market. For any of these services, we will share 10% of the commission. So, if you would like to discuss any financial matter, one of our advisers will be happy to assist.

Call: 03301348899 or email: ngsu@afhgroup.com Our office is available Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm

I Your home home may be be repossessed ifif you do mortgage! do not keep up repayments on your mortgage AFH Wealth Management is a trading style of AFH Independent Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.fca.org.uk/register. Financial Services Register no. 216704.

Registered in England and Wales. Company no. 04049180. Registered Office: AFH House, Buntsford Drive, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4JE. AFH Independent Financial Services Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFH Financial Group Pie (company no: 07638831 ). A0782-10/15-0l.