NGSU Rapport 79, Winter 2014

Rapport THE NATIONWIDE GROUP STAFF UNION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2014 | ISSUE 79

TIM’S BLOG SPEAK UP!

BENEFITS

MEET THE REPS

STAY SAFE AT THE CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY

AGAINST THE ODDS

WIN!

£25 iBOOK TOKEN

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE A WILL

BE INSPIRED - LIFE CHANGING STORIES

WHY YOUNG PEOPLE NEED THEIR UNION

NEWS&VIEWS: P2 | BENEFITS: P13 | HERE TO HELP: P14

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welcome…

I have been busy with union duties, including hearings, inductions and planning roadshows.

In September I attended the TUC Congress in Liverpool, along with Christine Cooper and Tim Poil our General Secretary.

For Christine and myself it was a first time experience, which I found extremely informative. Christine writes about her experience on page 9.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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CONTENTS 3 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 18

News & views From your union Just add Christmas fun Stay safe at the office party Where there’s a will…

Changes to the law could affect you and your family Tim’s blog General Secretary’s view from Middleton Cheney farmhouse Meet the reps Two reps inspired at the TUC Congress Against the odds Janette Orr survived not one but two disasters Youth profile Why young people need their union Benefits Find out what benefits your union can give you Here to help Q&As and top tips Charity first Marie Bucknell-Smith supports cancer research Coffee break Dig it, film review, pet’s corner, book reviews, wordsearch

10

Gill Grocott President

18 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

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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CHRISTMAS BOOST FROM NGSU EXTRAS Did you know you can make the most of your membership with this great package of savings and offers?

Everyone Benefits – discounts on vouchers and gift cards and offers from some of the best names on the high street Secret Sale – exclusive deals on famous brands Team Club Card – fantastic plastic, get cash back on this reloadable debit card Helping Hand – personal injury, cancer care and travel insurance from ACE insurance UKs Top Attractions – discounts on great family days out Discount Cinema tickets – up to 30% discount on most UK cinema chains.

…turn to page 6 to find out how to stay safe at your Christmas party TIM’S TWEETS Tim Poil @TimPoil

I’ve added my name to call on Lord Freud to resign. People with disabilities are not “worth less”.

Add your name tiny.cc/lfmg

CAR ACCESS FOR ALL

Visit www.ngsu. org.uk/ngsu-extras to find out how to register for all your Christmas luxuries and yearround benefits

It took an intervention by NGSU to resolve problems some members were having in accessing the disabled car parking spaces at Nationwide House in Swindon.

The most visible change is the new coat of yellow paint in the car park but, more importantly, attention has now been focused on providing appropriate access for employees who need it.

“The problems were first raised with the Society over six months ago,” explains Tim Poil, NGSU General Secretary. “It’s extremely frustrating that nobody took responsibility for supporting these employees, particularly when the Society has highlighted disability as the focus of its Diversity and Inclusion agenda this year. The HR team need to focus on making a real difference to the working arrangements for disabled employees and less time chasing external awards.”

HR and Property Services are now reviewing disabled parking arrangements at all Administration Centres.

4 79 NOV 14

RED CARD TO RACISM SRtRC is the UK’s anti-racism educational charity, working with over 50,000 young people in the UK annually.

Ged Grebby, Founder and Chief Executive, said: “Racism has changed in the last 18 years. The rise of Islamophobia and a rise in racism experienced by asylum seekers, migrants and Gypsy, Roma and traveller groups, mean that this issue is still all too present in UK society. Education is the key to challenging racism and changing attitudes.”

Find out more at www.srtrc.org/hom e SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR UNION The Society has updated its policy about how it expects employees to use social networking sites and other public forums.

The use of social media is likely to increase as Nationwide moves towards creating the ‘digital society’ and this means it's important all employees know what the guidelines for use are and stick to them.

The Communications and Privacy Policy can be found in the HR Policy Point or from the Help at Work section of the NGSU website.

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? Did you know that when staff and visitors to a building need an evacuation plan, they must be provided with an individual one through discussion with their line manager, host, or buddies?

The plan must be tailored to the needs of the individual, should give detailed information on how to help and support the less abled or disabled to assist them in the evacuation. The plan should also be regularly tested.

Specialist equipment to assist evacuation has been put in place at major administration points (e.g. evacuation chairs).

Further information is available on The Society’s Health and Safety Intranet Site.

BACK TO CLASS

TIM’S TWEETS Tim Poil @TimPoil

Proud to have been re-elected to serve on the TUC General Council for the coming year #TUC14

For a Birkbeck discount go to tinyurl.com/ kgaxnyk and for NEC discount go to tinyurl.com/ krlfljv

If you fancy taking up a new learning challenge in the New Year, your union membership gets you a saving on college costs.

Birkbeck College at the Univeristy of London is offering union members a 10 per cent discount on tuition fees to study all types of courses, including at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The National Extension College (NEC) also offers a 10% discount on the cost of its courses. NEC is a pioneering distance learning provider. Find out more at tinyurl.com/krlfljv

news&views HEALTH PERKS How much do you spend every year on the optician, dentist or physiotherapist?

And wouldn’t it be great to get some of that money back?

As part of your benefits package you can get money back up to set limits to help pay for some or all of those costs.

NGSU has teamed up with Westfield Health to offer NGSU members a health cash plan at a rate which is 17% cheaper than if you were to buy the equivalent plan direct from Westfield Health. Level 4, their most popular level of cover, is just 66p per day.

The plan is designed to cover your optical and dental needs and any new medical conditions and you can get cash back for your everyday healthcare costs including physiotherapy, chiropody and homeopathy.

‘If you ever have to spend time in hospital, the plan gives you a fixed cash payout. It also gives you access to a range of health and wellbeing services’ If you ever have to spend time in hospital, the plan gives you a fixed cash payout. It also gives you access to a range of health and wellbeing services such as the 24hr GP consultation service DoctorLine™, a 24 hour counselling and advice line, and Best Doctors® an expert second medical opinion service.

Plus, if you have children, they’re also covered for specific benefits for no extra charge, including money towards their optical and dental bills.

The health cash plan can also help you save money on everyday shopping as well as health costs, through the exclusive online shopping portal Westfield Rewards, which gives you access to deals and discounts to over 350 online/high street retailers.

Details at www.westfieldhealth.com/ advantage. Enter the online joining code NGSU or call Westfield Health’s customer services team on 0845 602 1629.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NOVEMBER Apply up to 30 November 2014 and Westfield will waive your qualifying periods (up to 6 months) – so you can claim immediately from your date of registration, with the exception of maternity/ paternity/adoption benefit, which is subject to a 10 month qualifying period. Cover at the chosen plan level will take effect from the date of registration, which will be confirmed in your Welcome Pack. Terms and conditions apply.

…call Westfield Hea customer services telth’s am on 0845 602 1629

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Just add Christmas fun!

All you need to stay safe at the office party this year.

T

he office party is an official Nationwide function so you’re expected to behave in a way that maintains the Society’s professional image and reputation.

So please have fun – you’ve worked hard all year and deserve it – but don’t do anything you’ll regret the next day.

When it comes to booze – know your limit and stick to it. Avoid gossip and rumours and treat everyone with respect.

And please be cautious when posting photos on social media – embarrassing pictures are best shared privately or not at all and posting inappropriately could cost you your job.

Please remember, not everyone celebrates the same holidays or in the same way.

And while thoughts turn to planning the office party and other celebrations, make sure you devote some time to thinking about how you’re getting home and taking care to be safe.

Here is a checklist of tips.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Get your timetable and fare information before travelling to prevent you waiting around for long periods at bus stops or stations.

When waiting for public transport after dark, try to wait in welllit areas and near emergency alarms and CCTV cameras.

These are some tips from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. For a complete check list visit www. suzylamplugh. org.uk

WALKING Plan ahead. Before you go out, think about how you are going to get home, e.g. What time does the last bus/train leave?

Avoid danger spots like quiet or badlylit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.

TAXIS AND CABS Keep the number of a licensed taxi or minicab firm with you at all times or add a suitable booking app to your phone.

When making a booking, ask for the driver and/or car details and confirm them when the cab arrives.

Also ask the driver whose name the taxi/cab is booked under.

DRIVING Put together an emergency kit for your car. This might include an extra coat, bottle water, a torch, spare change and an emergency mobile telephone charger.

Park as close to your destination as possible. If you will be returning after dark, consider what the area will be like then and try to park near street lights.

If the driver of another car forces you to stop and then gets out of his/her car, stay in your car, keep the engine running and if you need to, reverse to get away.

Where there’s a will…

Changes to the law could affect you and your family.

T

he Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014 (‘the Act’) came into force on 1st October 2014 and provides yet another reminder of the importance of making a Will. The Act has amended the rules relating to how a deceased’s estate is distributed if they should die intestate (ie. without a Will).

If the intestate dies leaving a spouse or civil partner but no children or remoter issue (grandchild; great grandchild and so on), all of the estate will pass to the spouse/civil partner absolutely. Under the terms of the Act, there will no longer be any provision made for parents or siblings under such circumstances, no matter how valuable the estate. (Previously, if an estate was valued at more than £450,000, the parents or siblings of the intestate would share some of the estate with the

Slater & Gordon offers NGSU members a discounted online Will. Please visit www.slatergordon. co.uk/wills and enter the discount code YLR294NGS at the checkout

spouse but this is no longer the case).

If the intestate dies leaving a spouse or civil partner and children then, under the terms of the Act, the spouse/civil partner will receive all of the personal chattels – all moveable property such as jewellery, furniture, car etc.; a fixed sum (currently £250,000) and one half of the balance of the estate (the Residuary Estate). The other half of the Residuary Estate will pass to the children in equal shares at eighteen.

This represents an increase in the provision for the spouse/civil partner under the Act as, previously, using a trust arrangement, all of the Residuary Estate would have passed to the children eventually, following the death of the surviving spouse/civil partner.

Importantly, the Act has not introduced any provision for unmarried partners or step-children if the deceased dies intestate. Therefore, if you are cohabiting and wish to make provision for your partner or you have step-children for whom you wish to make provision, you must make a Will.

Equally, if you are supporting a parent financially and would wish this to continue after your death, you should include provision for your parent in your Will, should they survive you.

Those who are in a second marriage or civil partnership and who wish to ensure that their estate passes to their children from the first marriage must make a Will. Otherwise all of the estate (if valued at less than £250,000), or the vast majority of it, will pass to the second spouse and they will be at liberty to pass it on to whomever they choose. A suitable Will in such circumstances will make provision for the second spouse during their lifetime but will protect the capital value to pass to the children on the death of the surviving spouse.

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NOV 14

on Farmhouse Tim’s Blog The view from Middlet

It’s that time again when Nationwide begins to focus on the launch of the annual ViewPoint survey. It may just be me but, like the build up to Christmas, it seems to get earlier every year!

ViewPoint is a great initiative but its value to Nationwide depends on employees being truly honest in their responses.

Occasionally we hear about activity that can be a barrier to this. For example, employees who have to complete the survey in the presence of their manager and, whether intended or not, this inhibits their ability to answer freely.

Some members also tell us that the intensity of activity in the lead up to the survey, such as reminders of all the good things that have happened in the year, can feel like they’re being coached on the right way to respond.

As always there’s a balance to be struck – it’s right to encourage everyone to participate but it must be in a way that means employees feel genuinely able to say what they think.

seeking permission. It’s an interesting idea and, on first impressions, one with the potential for causing organisational chaos.

The ViewPoint results are taken seriously and play a part in shaping the people agenda so please do take time to let your voice be heard but have the courage to say it as you see it.

I was intrigued by Richard Branson’s decision to scrap the holiday rules for (a limited number) of his Virgin employees. It seems that in future they will be able to take as much holiday as they like, when they like and without

The Virgin boss explains that it works on the assumption that people will only take time off when they are sure that their projects are up-todate and their absence ‘will not in anyway damage the business – or for that matter their careers!’ And of course that’s the key.

People are responsible and like to feel trusted and won’t abuse the privilege because they value their jobs. In fact, without a set holiday entitlement, they may end up taking less time off.

I think we’ll wait and see how it works in practice before we add it to our wish list of benefit enhancements.

You can follow Tim on twitter @TimPoil

Common cause Why we love being NGSU reps…

Chris Cooper member of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC)

For more information on Diversity refer to the EMAH Network intranet page and SharePoint or message the Diversity and Inclusion mailbox.

Find all the decisions of TUC Congress 2014 at tinyurl.com/ n97txac

PIC OF DAWN: PROFESSIONAL IMAGES

Chris Cooper – Branch Manager – Little Common branch I attended the TUC Congress (held in Liverpool) for the first time ever. It was really exciting and a little intimidating at the same time.

At first I thought I would not have a clue what they would be talking about as none of the speakers were from Nationwide. There was such a diverse range of companies, job roles, and professions that initially seemed so far removed from what we do at Nationwide. But I was so surprised at how quickly I could relate to the challenges others face and concerns that they shared.

No matter what you do for a living or who you work for, we all have battles to face and some have real mountains to climb. But one thing I know for sure is that they all share the same passion and drive to continue together.

Many of the other delegates rely on independent unions, who may not have any understanding of what they do. Ours on the other hand really understands the needs of all Nationwide employees. They are there to challenge Nationwide at the first opportunity the moment they feel something is not right.

Attending the TUC gave me a real understanding of what being a rep is all about and has made me even more determined to recruit and support more members.

Dawn, far left promoting Diversity Day

Dawn Gibbons – Personal Banking Manager – Wandsworth Branch As Nationwide’s first youngest black female branch manager Dawn Gibbons was a natural choice to promote and celebrate diversity in the organisation Dawn has been an active NGSU member and Rep over many years.

“In 2003 I was asked by Marian Dean at NGSU to become involved in providing Nationwide with feedback and ideas for the Diversity Agenda.

I submitted the idea of celebrating diversity, which was embraced in Swindon and NAC in 2005. I am extremely proud that my vision for the whole organisation to celebrate has become a reality,” she says.

Dawn has worked for Nationwide for over 20 years, starting as a Customer Advisor. Within three months of starting her manager spotted her potential and suggested she study for the Chartered Building Society Institute exams.

Dawn completed these in half the expected time and was recognised by Nationwide with an award of £400.

She was offered various secondment and development opportunities and promoted to BM in 1991 at the Balham branch.

She studied a Postgraduate Certificate in Management supported by her Area Manager and mentor.

“In my career I have been fortunate to have met and have been managed by outstanding men, who wanted to help me succeed and didn’t see my race or my sex as a barrier,” she says.

In the ‘90s Dawn became a Senior Financial Consultant (Financial Planning Manager) when there were only a tiny percentage of women in the role, and now works part time as a Personal Banking Manager.

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Against the odds Janette Orr survived not one but two disasters.

S

urviving one great disaster would be life-changing for most of us but for Nationwide’s Janette Orr there was worse to come with a second that almost cost her daughter her life.

Janette was on a train into Paddington in 1999 when she was involved in the Ladbroke Grove train crash which killed 31 people and injured 520.

Five years after surviving the crash she decided to take her family away for a holiday to thank them for supporting her when they were involved in the Tsunami in Thailand. Her daughter Felicity, who also works for Nationwide, was almost swept away.

For people who meet Janette, she is cheerful and upbeat – she even manages to laugh when she tells you her job is as a Risk Partner in Governance Risk and Controls in Group Retail.

Janette was working for Railtrack and on her way to work on a train to Paddington when she was involved in one of the worst accidents the country has experienced – she was aboard the First Great Western train that was directly hit by a train coming from Paddington.

‘It does put life into perspective so when people say they have had a bad day at work I know what that’s like’ Janette was in the rear half of the train and survived the shocking tragedy.

“I just remember the train coming to a halt rapidly and things falling and people’s faces pushed into the seats in front. I didn’t know what had gone on. When I looked out of the window I saw people had crawled or been thrown out of the train and as I looked up I saw a massive fire roaring through the train,” she recalls.

Janette helped fellow passengers, handing out tissues to those bleeding, and getting people out of the train.

It was only then she realised the full extent of the crash. “It was just mayhem. I could not believe it. I didn’t realise how bad it was or that two trains had been in a head-on collision… at the time shock numbs any pain and I actually believed I was still going to go into work!”

Instead Janette suffered long lasting post traumatic stress and became bound up with the Paddington Survivors Group, fighting to ensure such an event could not happen again as well as trying to win compensation for families caught up in the crash.

During this time she became friendly with Pam Warren, who became known as ‘the woman behind the mask’ because of the treatment she needed for her horrific injuries.

Pam has now gone on to write a book about her experiences and Janette features on many occasions (see box).

It was after five years of litigation, trying to understand how and why the accident happened, flashbacks, inability to sleep, PTSD and a punishing series of court hearings that Janette decided she needed to say a big thanks to her family. So to celebrate her daughter’s 21st birthday the family decided to go to Thailand for Christmas.

Janette was in the hotel reception with her husband and their daughter was at the pool when the Tsunami struck.

Felicity was hit by a giant wave and suffered injuries from falling debris, but amazingly survived by holding onto a tree and then allowing a second wave to pull her into shore. “There was water over her head and she could

Janette, pictured with her daughter Felicity, has thrown herself into charity work since her close calls with death, helping out at nursing homes at Christmas as well as supporting fund raising and fun day events.

Janette also supports Pam Warren with a range of charity events.

not breathe. There was debris and chairs covering her… she thought she was going to die. My husband found her, with cuts and blood everywhere.

She was really lucky,” says Janette.

Felicity also works at Nationwide in controls testing. “It’s led to a heightened awareness and changed our lives, always worrying about safety and constantly assessing whether something is right for us,” says Janette.

“And I do feel I have more to prove as a survivor. It’s a bit of a nightmare but it does put life into perspective so when people say they have had a bad day at work I know what that’s like. I do always need to try and be happy-go-lucky but it’s not always easy. I have been to hell and back but don’t think I’m any different or better than anyone else, which is a good thing, I’m just a survivor.”

FROM BEHIND THE MASK From Behind The Mask by Pam Warren is the story of her life, turned on its head when she sustained horrific injuries in the Paddington rail crash. Pam underwent scores of operations to rebuild her burnt body, and had to wear a plastic mask over her face.

She became the public face of the disaster and the UK’s leading spokesperson for improving rail safety. This is her story of determination and courage.

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Youth profile Why young people need their union.

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t the ripe old age of 24 Charlotte Luther knows lots about being a union member – she joined on her first day at work!

Charlotte, a mortgage consultant for Herts & Essex, was just 19 when she signed up and has been a rep for some two years.

“I’m not afraid to ‘stand up’ for what is right,” she says. “All too often I find people treated unfairly and believe this generally is down to two factors – they don’t know their rights so they just do what their managers tell them to even if they don’t like or agree with it and, secondly, managers don’t know employees’ rights so they expect employees just to do what they tell them to!

“I love working for NBS and generally believe they treat their staff really well but I do think the union has a huge part to play in ensuring this continues and there are no incidences of unfair treatment.”

THE BIG DEBATE Young trade unionists like Josh talk about their lives, their work and how and why they came to be involved in a union in this new TUC publication.

Download it at: tinyurl.com/ oczbp4s

FORUM TUC YOUNG WORKERS its first ever fringe

rs Forum held The TUC Young Worke lled The year. The fringe was ca at TUC Congress this and sts tivi ac y we need young Next Generation – wh how we can find them. ung l was Chair of TUC Yo Speaking on the pane d ibe McCaffrey, who descr Workers Forum, Fern the d an rum ung Workers Fo the work of the TUC Yo and es tur uc str rs’ young worke importance of having and es itte mm co ion un ted on young people represen boards. lively nded and there was a The fringe was well-atte y for wa the ved pa s ha session. It question and answer . ure n at Congress in the fut a young workers sessio

THE BIG TUC YOUTH DEBATE: Jobs, Homes & Voice - was an event organised by the TUC Young Workers Forum in November.

The event addressed issues of a decent job, access to quality housing and a voice and representation at work, and beyond, which are things that young people are entitled to expect rather than just hope for.

Charlotte says she gets most annoyed when people who are not in the union tell her they benefit from the pay rise anyway so why should they pay for the union. “This makes my blood boil! The Union's work is so much more than negotiating the staff pay rise!”

Fellow young member Josh Golding joined the union as a rep because it offered an opportunity to help his colleagues and provided a new challenge for him personally, he says.

Josh, who works in the Sheffield Customer Contact Centre, adds: “I think the union is a great idea for any employee, as the union represents all aspects of your working life, from any small queries to any big employment issues. And the fact I save my membership back in discounts each month isn’t the worst thing in the world either!”

benefits FIRST PRIZE DRAW RESULTS WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 122323 £11,393 Lelsey Gerrish WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 127083 £11,340 Clifton Turner WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 087852 £11,344 Mary O’Donnell WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2014 Prize Chance Sum Winner 1st 128085 £11,410 Bahadir Cicek

Branch/Department Kilmarnock Branch/Department Norwich (St Stephens St) Branch/Department Londonderry

Branch/Dept Hammersmith

TO ENTER THE DRAW OR INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, PLEASE CALL 01295 710767 For details of all winners see our website.

Lesley wins over

£11,000

Lesley Gerrish, pictured left, scooped over £11,000 and made it a double win this year for draw winners from Ayrshire.

“I was speechless when I found out how much I had won. Our family has had a few health scares this year and this was just what was needed to cheer us all up,” says Lesley, who explained: “I have been in the draw for many years and increased my chances by purchasing more numbers at a BM conference a couple of years ago. I have had cause to be supported by the Union in the past and this is my way of supporting them in return.“ On the day of her big win, Lesley was at a Customer 1st Workshop at Glasgow Area Office. “When I phoned my Branch, I was told that the Staff Union had been looking for me.

Initially, I thought ‘Oh No’ (thinking the worst of course) but my colleague said it’s good news! My details were confirmed over the telephone and I was speechless when I found out how much I had won.”

Lesley now plans a holiday. She has also given both daughters some money and her husband is currently picking a new set of golf clubs.

Also pictured is Susan Stienlet, one of Lesley's team members in Kilmarnock, who won £2,000 in the September draw and who has just returned from a Euro-Disney holiday with her family.

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QA &

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

I work part-time in a branch and have been told I have to change my hours to meet business needs – can I be forced to change? Your manager should consult with you about any proposed change to your working pattern and follow the process set out in the Working Arrangements – Managers Guide. This process requires your manager to listen to any concerns you may have about their proposal and to be open to reviewing it based on your response. For example, you may have commitments outside of work that would make it difficult for you to work the proposed hours. You should be given reasonable time to consider the proposal and a reasonable notice period if the change is to go ahead. If your concerns haven’t been listened to, and the new hours cause a problem, you can raise a grievance.

I’m worried about a colleague who I believe is suffering from domestic violence – is there anything that can be done to support her during this difficult time? Nationwide recognises that domestic violence is an issue that can impact on work and

You can find all of the main HR Policies on the Union Website. www.ngsu.org.uk/ hr-policies

has developed a policy and guide to help individuals and their manager identify the range of support that is available. This can include taking time off, for example, to move to a safe house or attend court, access to a welfare funding and counselling from the Employee Care service. Managers are also encouraged to think about how their team member is coping with the situation and how this might affect their performance at work and to ensure appropriate support is given. The guide has lots of useful information about external agencies who can help people suffering from domestic violence.

My manager wants to refer me to the Occupational Health service but I’m getting all the help I need from my doctor – do I have to agree? You don’t have to agree to be referred in the early stages of any sickness absence but it is a requirement to enter the Prolonged Sickness Benefit scheme or be granted disability leave.

There are advantages of an early referral to the OH service. They can help your manager understand more about your condition and what support they should be giving you, for example, about a phased return to work or suitable adjustments. It is helpful for your manager to be fully informed about your condition and how this impacts on your ability to work and can mean you get appropriate support more quickly.

here to help... time off or agree some unpaid leave.

If you’re having cosmetic surgery as part of a prescribed medical treatment the normal sickness absence arrangements will apply.

Members often contact us for advice about taking time off to attend medical appointments. Here’s a quick reminder of the policy.

REASONABLE PAID TIME OFF IS ALLOWED You should try to organise hospital, doctor and dentist appointments outside of working hours but if that’s not possible you are allowed a reasonable period of paid leave to attend. You should discuss this with your manager and agree the most convenient time. You don’t have to make the time up but you may be asked to show an appointment card to confirm the arrangements.

SHOULD TOIL BE USED TO COVER APPOINTMENTS? No – there’s no requirement to use up TOIL to attend medical appointments. This is covered in the Manager’s Guide to the Branch Network Working Arrangements Guide (section 4.4 TOIL Do’s and Don’ts).

IS COSMETIC SURGERY COVERED? If you’ve elected to have cosmetic surgery for personal reasons you’ll need to use annual leave to book the

The Society’s Disabilities and Reasonable Adjustments – Manager’s Mini Guide provides some very useful information about the support that is available for employees with disabilities. You can find this on the intranet or in the Help at Work/HR Policies section of the Union website.

DISABILITY LEAVE If you have a disability that requires regular time off to attend hospital or doctor appointments you may be eligible for Disability Leave. To qualify you must have a disability that meets the definition in the Equality Act 2010 and have given consent to be referred to Nationwide’s Occupational Health provider. The leave is intended to help you manage your disability or cover periods while reasonable adjustments are made to your workplace.

TIME OFF TO ATTEND ANTENATAL APPOINTMENTS There is a legal entitlement for pregnant workers to take paid time off work to attend antenatal appointments. You should give your manager as much notice as possible.

From 1 October 2014, partners are legally entitled to unpaid leave to attend up to two appointments.

more help…

You can read more about time off to attend medical appointments in the Time Off for Other Reasons Policy on the intranet or the Union website.

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Charity first

Marie Bucknell-Smith has shelved a planned card business to support cancer research.

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fter 14 years with Nationwide Marie left in 2011 from her job as a Hawksworth supervisor and warehouse/admin member.

Her plan was to take time to think about setting up her own business.

“I decided I wanted to do graphic design cards and the words on them and started doing that with the intention of starting a business and putting together a range of cards,” she says.

But in 2012 she moved from Swindon to Melksham in Wiltshire. “I’d always been involved in Cancer Research and part of my job role had been organising Macmillan packs and coffee mornings.”

So when Marie was asked if she

could help set up a Cancer Research support group in her new village she decided to give it a go.

“I had no idea if it would work as I didn’t know anyone but I put the cards on hold while we gave it our best shot,” says Marie, who, along with husband, Rob, gave an interview to the local paper about starting the Melksham Cancer Research Funding Group and slowly started to create interest.

What the couple hadn’t expected was the huge amount of support and interest they would generate - just six month after starting in 2013 they had raised £6,000 and that has now snowballed to £30,000.

“It’s a full time job. I couldn’t pick up the cards - they are still sitting there – it never happened from day one!” says Marie.

She now finds herself working in

her office every day, making phone calls and emailing various groups, businesses and organisations asking for support as well as arranging a monthly series of events.

Marie, who is an Associate Member of NGSU, wants to share her experience of moving on to reassure other members who maybe experiencing change, for instance leaving after redundancy, that there is life outside Nationwide.

“I do feel very strongly that without the fact that I had worked at Nationwide I wouldn’t have a l lot of the skills and confidence I need.

Otherwise I don’t think I would have been able to fundraise, make speeches, presentations and all the people contact,” she explains.

Marie’s personal reasons for getting involved with the particular charity have been the loss of nine family members to cancer.

And while her new group was reaching dizzying fundraising heights last year her mum was diagnosed with the disease and died on Christmas Day. “It was such a difficult time – on the one hand trying to save lives with fundraising and at the same time looking after my mum,” says Marie.

But the work continued because Marie knew her mum was very supportive and proud of her fundraising and encouraged her work.

So she’d be extra proud of the group’s continuing efforts with Marie helping organise everything from quiz and curry nights to an autumn party.

Marie even bid the highest price for tickets they had been given to meet Peter Andre, which was a highlight of her year.

Buy Marie’s book Once The Fog Has Lifted under her pen name of MD Letts at tinyurl.com/ nzgj635 A donation from the book proceeds is going to Cancer Research UK.

‘Without the fact that I had worked at Nationwide I wouldn’t have a lot of the skills and confidence I need’ Her work also won her an award as a community hero through her local paper.

Now Marie has written a book about her experiences of starting the group; the local people she met who helped; and the community who has backed her.

“It’s about the highs and lows and about my mum and being touched by cancer too.”

All money from sale of the book will go to the charity.

“When I left Nationwide it was like being on holiday then I realised it was real and I was not going back in. That does jolt you but when you are faced with this situation you have the chance to do things you would probably have never been able to do when working.”

For anyone facing the prospect of leaving work and facing an uncertain future Marie says: “Take it as an opportunity to do things you want to do and explore new things – you never know what is waiting round the corner.”

GET INVOLVED… If you want to roll up your sleeves and get involved as a volunteer check out the Do it website which allows you to input your postcode to find a range of opportunities near you. www.do-it.org.uk

18 79 NOV 14

DIG IT…

with Kath

In December my job will be redundant as the migration of the Cheshire Building Society to Nationwide is complete. It is a sad time for many of us, but other colleagues have shown that there is a future and new challenges will come out of our current uncertainty.

Having worked at the Cheshire for nearly 20 years (I know I don’t look that old…. or maybe I do!), I will miss my colleagues but I am looking forward to starting my own gardening business....

A lot of people think there is little to do in the garden during the Winter but here are a few tasks you could be getting on with.

Plant out bulbs in your flower borders, under trees, in your lawn or in pots for a lovely show next spring. Bulb packets usually advise on depth of planting. Put quite a few, reasonably close together for a really good show.

Don’t forget to cover tender plants with fleece or, better still, bring them inside.

Gather up leaves, especially those on your lawn. Put them in dustbin bags and leave them to rot for a year to make beautiful leaf mould, which can be used as a mulch.

If the weather is dry, continue to mow your grass on a higher setting than in summer. Aerate the lawn to improve air flow to the roots. Use a garden fork or spiked shoes. If you have a large lawn you could hire a solid or hollow tining machine.

Make sure you cut back dead foliage from your pond plants and remove any leaves that fall in. Dead, rotting leaves in the water can cause a build-up of nutrients, which will encourage algal growth and an unhealthy pond.

Visit Kath's website for her new gardening business at www.kathmooregardening.com

goodbye from Kath

Film review…

PRIDE

120 minutes, Cert 15

There are some films that make you feel good not only because they are fun and uplifting but also because they chime with everything you believe is right about the world – Pride is one of them.

Based on a true story, it depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to

help families affected by the UK miners’ strike in 1984, at the outset of what would become the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign.

The National Union of Mineworkers was reluctant to accept the group’s support due to worries about being openly associated with a gay group. Instead the activists took their donations to a small mining village in Wales — resulting in an alliance unlike any other between the two communities.

coffee break...

LOVE, NINA: DESPATCHES FROM FAMILY LIFE NINA STIBBE

This is the laugh-out-loud story of the trials and tribulations of a very particular family, following the real life story of Nina Stibbe, a 20-year-old from Leicester, who moved to London to work as a nanny and describes her life in a collection of glorious letters.

WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES KAREN JOY FOWLER

A brilliant and very readable addition to the Booker Prize shortlist. A story with a very unusual twist that focuses on one family and what it is that makes us human.

THE BUCKET – ALLAN AHLBERG

The enthralling childhood story one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors, adopted as a baby and raised in the Black Country in conditions which today we might describe as ‘deprived’.

Pet’s corner

CAROLINE WRIGHT PBM IN THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & NORTH BUCKS AREA

When I first met my partner Sarah through Facebook it was our dogs that brought us together. We had four Weimaraners – Shadow (who has now sadly died), Pheobe, Bloo and Jake, and they are like our children. Two were rescued, one from the Dogs Trust and another from Weim Rescue and the other two we separately raised together from pups. Needless to say we have an action-packed lifestyle and I come to work for a rest!

Tell us about you and your pet.

Email or write to the address opposite.

PRIZE WORDSEARCH

WIN

£25 voucher

One lucky winner will receive £25 book or ibook token. Simply find the words which are all to do with fireworks.

Completed entries should be sent to Middleton Cheney by 12 December 2014 with your name and membership number filled in below.

G R U R V F O U N T A I N S G R E

F O O I B O N F I R E Q Y R Z H J

G M T E D R M R R I D G O K O T E

U N P OW A N C A N A D A L L M I T F M G S H F Q U P E F Z X L R F O T A I NM E Y N T G AWE T C K KWO B C K HWR B C E R F T S EWR U B L H L S MO K E D F I R E

BONFIRE SPARKLERS ROMAN CANDLES MATCHES NOVEMBER ROCKET SMOKE GUY FAWKES

D D D C J V A K O H K U B K L S W

E L J Y E T M L G X E L U H W E O

R E Y M C Q A S P A R K L E R S R

U S B H Z T H L S P I N N E R S K

K E E Q E G U Y F A W K E S N B S

R S X B U R A G J F S A F E T Y O

DISPLAY HOT CHOCOLATE FIREWORKS FOUNTAINS CATHERINE WHEEL SAFETY GUNPOWDER SPINNERS

Name Membership number

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

Get yourself

a ‘windfall’ of money!

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Earn 50% Commission using our EXECUTION ONLY* Service: For members who have completed their own research and already know which policy they want; the company, terms and premium, then call the IFS Call Centre NOW on 01453 797555 to arrange a policy. On an EXECUTION ONLY* basis, you will receive 50% of the initial commission made available. *IFS cannot give any advice under this option.

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www.theifsgroup.com/ngsu or call: 01453 797555 IFS will advise you if this is appropriate. Independent Financial Services (UK) Ltd is an appointed representative of IFS Aegis Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Rebates are available on most products provided by most life insurance and investment companies. There are a small number of products and companies that do not qualify -