Report from the Partnership Committee following its meeting held on 30 January 2002

Main Discussion Points

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting
It was confirmed that Ms Lucy Fallon-Byrne (National Centre for Partnership and Performance) will give a presentation to both the Partnership and HR Policy Committees on Thursday, 7^th February at 15:30.

Correspondence
It was noted that the Registrar formally replied to the Joint Secretaries of the Partnership Committee, on the suggestion from the Partnership Committee, that non-academic staff members should have representation on all committees. The Registrar to raise at the Council of Deans and refer back to the Joint Secretaries as appropriate.

It was noted that the Buildings Officer formally replied to the Partnership Committee regarding the issue of car parking in UCD. It was decided that the Committee will await the results of the Parking/Commuting Survey in order to get a more complete picture of issues surrounding car parking in UCD. Subsequent discussion may generate possible recommendations to the Buildings Office.

It was noted that the Head of Personnel, in a memo dated 17^th December 2001, communicated a proposal from the President and the Registrar, suggesting that UCD should apply for the Equality Authority Equality Review and Action Plan Scheme. It was recommended that the Chairs of the Equal Opportunities Committee and the Partnership Committee give consideration to formulating an application.

Skillsnet Network Training
It was noted that a Committee representative is currently attending a 5 Module Skillsnet Partnership Facilitation Course. Course notes can be accessed on request.

Election of Chair for the Partnership Committee
Professor Gerry Doyle was nominated for the position of Chair. Professor Doyle agreed to be instated as Chair for a one year term. It was agreed that Professor Doyle's successor will be a Union nominee.

Communication of Partnership within UCD
It was noted that the Public Affairs Office will facilitate the publication of articles in UCD News for the Committee. It was agreed that a timely article concerning payment of the 4% under PPF should be submitted to the UCD News.

It was agreed that external groups will be invited to give presentations to the Committee on the 'communication of partnership' in particular organisations.   Contacts to be sourced in Dublin Corporation and the ESB. It was suggested that Beaumont Hospital could also be considered as a possible source of information.

It was noted that a template has been developed for the Partnership Committee Website. It was agreed that the draft website will be presented to the Committee at the next meeting.

It was suggested that a logo should be developed for the Committee.

It was agreed that Communication, as a general concept in UCD, should be included as a standing item on the partnership agenda, to be discussed further at future meetings of the Committee.

It was mentioned that there are greater Health and Safety issues arising out of the car parking issue in UCD. It was noted that a Car Parking Survey does not meet our duty of care as an Employer under the Health and Safety Act. It was agreed that the Health and Safety Sub-Committee of the Partnership Committee should explore this area further.

Invitation to Grounds Committee
It was agreed that the University Architect be invited to give a 'birdseye' view presentation on campus developments.

It was agreed that a representative from the Buildings Office be invited to give a presentation on developments in the Grounds area.

It was suggested that both these presentations be published on the Partnership Commitee Website.

AOB
It was noted that all plumbers, previous members of the AEEU, now come under the membership of the TEEU.

It was agreed that Declan Duke (Facilitator,IPC) will compile an exit report and circulate to the Committee.

It was agreed that the Committee review the status of previous recommendations. 

Declan Duke was formally thanked by the Group for his contribution to the Partnership Committee.