Over the past few months, SMT, the Employee Consultative Committee (ECC) representatives and the Organisational Development Steering Group (ODSG) have been looking at how we can improve employee voice and engagement across the group.
The ECC is one of the channels available for colleague voice through two-way exchange of information, ideas and views, and we have had some positive discussions – which have included good feedback from colleagues, via representatives, on how the ECC can be utilised as a strong channel of communication and drive a consistent two-way exchange of information and feedback.
The changes that we are making aim to enhance colleague voice, provide clear access to SMT on colleague matters, and promote our commitment to our colleague groups and the positive impact they have at GC.
So, what's changed?
As previously communicated by email, as of 1st April, we've implemented a new structure, which looks like this:
- We've merged the ODSG with the ECC, so we have one representative group, but still retaining representation for managers within the new ECC structure. This takes account that there may be some things we use each group for differently e.g. managers for initial feedback on manager processes etc.
- The number of ECCs have increased from five to six ECCs across the group as follows:
- BSBF
- Centre for Assessment
- Corporate Services
- Education and Skills
- Employment
- Marketing Manchester and MIDAS
- We've retained the structure of having business unit representatives and a lead for each of the above ECCs.
- Lead representatives have direct access to SMT on a structured and regular basis throughout the year. Leads will meet on an annual basis with Group SLT and Mark Hughes during our delivery planning cycle, to discuss issues and opportunities which will help inform and shape the delivery plan for the forthcoming year. There will also be annual meetings held with Mark to review the delivery plan ahead of this being presented to and agreed by the board.
- Lead representatives will meet with Vicky McDonald (Director of HR and OD) on a quarterly basis to discuss common themes arising across group, and they will also have a regular agenda item within their business unit SMT meetings to discuss the more local matters raised from colleagues, with the business unit SLT members.
- Group wide matters will be discussed in greater detail at the Corporate Services SMT, which will then be presented to Group SMT for discussion. Vicky will also bring matters from SMT to the leads for wider information/consultation.
- The leads will also meet on an annual basis with the Group CFO to discuss the group pay award and benefits.
To reflect these changes, we have updated the Terms of Reference (TORs). Within the TORs you can find the aims and objectives of the ECC, governance, details of the training and facility time to carry out the ECC duties, as well as an overview of the ECC (colleague and manager) and the lead representation duties and responsibilities.
Elections
We have worked with the lead representatives and MDs to look at the best arrangements for ECC representation within each business unit and where there are gaps, due to changes in structures or where previous ECC representatives have left GC, we will be launching elections.
If you are employed in an area that currently does not have ECC representation, you will have already received an email detailing the election process. You can nominate one of your fellow colleagues, or put yourself forward for the role. In advance of these elections, please have a look at the representative role profile and the TORs.
We recognise that to carry out ECC duties effectively, this does require time and therefore the following time will be allocated for ECC reps to undertake their role:
- Lead representatives – one day per month
- Business unit representatives – one day per quarter
Please note, even if we are not electing for your team/area, if you do want to express an interest in being part of the ECC, please make your lead representative aware.
Next steps
As well as carrying out elections where we have gaps in representation, your representatives and SMT have agreed upon the following actions:
Training - Once we have a full cohort of representatives across GC, we will be providing training. More detail of the training can be found in the TORs.
Our Working way – we are developing a page on Our Working Way, where you will be able to locate your ECC and lead representative, as well as other resources including the TORs, role profiles, minutes from previous meetings etc.
Induction - we will be updating the induction process and the Coffee with SMT Induction, so colleagues are aware of their ECCs and the role they play within GC from the start of their employment.
Meet your ECC lead – your lead will also hold lunch time sessions which will allow you to meet your lead, ask questions / additional opportunity to raise agenda items etc. Please keep your eye out for these online sessions.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to raise these initially to your lead rep (as listed below)
- Matt Barton – Education and Skills
- Dee Beckett – Corporate Services and Marketing Manchester (Marketing Manchester and MIDAS became a separate ECC from 1st April, however until we appoint a new lead for this area, please raise any questions to Dee)
- Jennifer Riley - CFA
- Rachel Hughes – GC Employment
- Abbie Snowdon – BSBF (please note Abbie has been acting temporarily in the lead role during discussion over the changes to the ECC, we will appoint a permanent lead for this area as soon as we have appointed all business unit reps).