Secretary's Corner
December 2009
It is with great sadness that I have to report the departure of Essex & Herts Divisional Secretary, Frank Ward who left the Branch and the Trust for pastures new at the end of last month.
Those of you who knew Frank through his work with this and the former Essex ambulance branch’s will no doubt be surprised, even shocked by this unexpected news, but it is fair to say that this was not a decision made lightly. Frank had become increasingly frustrated and disenchanted with the direction the ambulance service has taken – more so than ever since the ambulance trust mergers took place in 2006.
Frank fought many battles over the years including stopping the mass closure of ambulance stations across Essex, local campaigns, the ambulance dispute and the minefield that was Agenda for Change. He also fought and protected members individually at grievance, disciplinary and sickness hearings, maintaining the employment and fair treatment of those members on many occasions.
Having strived to retain and enhance the rights of members and staff alike, it would appear that one too many brick walls has been placed in the way and, after 20 years with the ambulance service he finally decided that enough was enough and it was time to move on whilst still in good health. Frank will be starting his new job this month and although he has assured us that he will retain his Unison membership – it will be as a member – not an activist!
So I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the branch and its members, to say a huge and heartfelt “Thank you” to Frank for everything he has done over the years, that he will be sorely missed as a representative and personal friend and we wish him all the very best in his new job and for the future.
As regards covering the Divisional Secretary vacancy created by Frank’s departure, the branch committee needed to agree a temporary plan of action to cover the Essex and Herts divisions for the interim period between now and the AGM in February 2010, at which time formal elections for all committee positions are undertaken.
Therefore, when the committee met last month, interim arrangements were discussed and branch officers were invited to submit offers of interest in undertaking this temporary role. The committee recognised the need to balance experience and knowledge against local working knowledge of agreements, practices, policies and guidelines.
After a great deal of consideration it was decided that responsibility for the Essex division would be undertaken jointly by the current Essex County Lead Rep, John Davey (Burnham) and local activist/Labour Link Officer, John Lee (Waltham Abbey). However, it was also agreed that support measures in the form of Beds & Cambs Divisional Secretary Jackie Robinson and myself would be available should they require any assistance. Support and advice on the Trusts policies and T&Cs will be provided by Divisional Secretary for Norfolk & Suffolk Barry Jarvis.
I will also be picking up responsibility for ESSA payroll as well as the Branch seat at National Ambulance Sector.
In respect to covering Hertfordshire, it was felt that the sensible thing would be for Jackie Robinson to take back responsibility for that area as it is where she is operationally based and as such, has a great deal of local knowledge. However, these additions would inevitably mean an increased workload and therefore her Cambridgeshire responsibilities will be covered by the current Cambs County lead, Tim Killick until February 2010 when the AGM will be held.
As already stated, these changes are interim measures only and formal appointment to union posts can only be made following the recognised branch election process at the Annual General Meeting which will be held in February 2010.
I’m sure we can count on members support with these interim arrangements and that the “2 Johns” will be afforded time and patience whilst they settle into their new areas of responsibility.
As this is the last newsletter of 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and that despite the ever increasing demands of the job that we do, whatever time you manage to spend with family and friends will be enjoyable..
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