Reports

Report from the Partnership Committee following its meeting held on 24 October 2002

Main Discussion Points

Minutes of the last meeting
Correction in relation to Pay Review Committee. This should have read Peer Review Committee. There was general agreement that there should be wider representation on this Committee. It was agreed that the more groups that contact QA in relation to this the better.

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting
Skillsnet
 There was a wind down in May and June. It’s anticipated that the network will be together again in December. Still awaiting confirmation.

Honorary Degree
Chairperson met with the Registrar regarding the Honorary Degree. Receipt of this award depends on length of service – 50 years. Questions are arising as to whether receipt of this award depend on excellence and contribution, and longevity.

Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures
It was mentioned that chapter 18 of the statute which looks at areas of staff discipline and dismissal is finally agreed. At the moment there is no agreed disciplinary procedure that applies to all staff. The majority of the Group felt that the Partnership Committee was not the appropriate forum to discuss the disciplinary procedure and that they would not be qualified to take part in such a debate. It was agreed that it is a matter for the Trade Unions and the Personnel Department to agree. 

Correspondence
BM to report back regarding administrative award (probably next February).

GD to contact QA Office

AOB
Promotion process in place for administrative staff, where employess can be awarded for excellence over and above the norm by applying for a personal promotion through the Central Promotions Committee. Previously one had to apply for a re-grading or a vacant post.

The Pension’s Trust meeting was held in May. MSF and SIPTU have subsequently written requesting more details.

Clamping and car parking space was discussed.  The following points were raised:

  1. There is a lack of car parking space for employees and students but if a person is parked illegally, they will be clamped.

  2. There is also a problem with people parking dangerously, e.g. in front of gas cylinders or emergency exits.

  3. There was a suggestion that people should try the car parks further away.

  4. Suggestions such as having car stickers for employees of UCD and a paid visitors car park were also discussed. If someone has parked without a sticker and is not parked in the private car park, they should then be clamped.  

  5. It was recommended that the Committee write to the Buildings Office to try and get some of these suggestions enforced.

Personal security after hours was highlighted as an area of concern. It was suggested that Michael Rafter (College Safety Officer) be involved in this discussion at the next meeting.

The Committee were reminded  that the chair will rotate in January. Also non-union members are being sought through advertisement in the UCD news and the Bulletin.