Report from the Partnership Committee following its meeting held on 27 March 2003

Main Discussion Points

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting
Equality Audit
Concern was expressed over the fact that a non-union representative has replaced a union representative on the Equality Audit Steering Committee and that the balance of the committee may be distorted.  The Committee were reminded that there was a general concensus at the last meeting, where both union members and non-unions members were in attendance.

The Chair has yet to inform the Steering Committee of Bronwyn Molony’s nomination but will do so prior to the next meeting.  GH did inform the Audit Team of the Partnership Committee suggestions.  However, the surveys had already been distributed as they were sent out on the afternoon of the Partnership Committee meeting.

Change Management
There was a brief discussion about the concept of Change Management.  One point was raised which suggested that having an individual in charge of change should help to take change issues out of the Industrial Relations forum.  The opinion was expressed that in other organisations where Change Management has been used, it has enjoyed a high success rate.  It was suggested that an approach could be made to the Vice President of Faculty Planning and Development in order to establish whether this issue has been discussed.

Pensioners
The Chair contacted the Personnel Department regarding the Pensioners Package.  Personnel are preparing the pack at the moment and should have it ready in the near future.

Communications
The Committee agreed to defer this discussion until the Vice President of Faculty Planning and Development could attend.  Any suggestions members have with regard to improving communications within UCD will be discussed at the next meeting.

Skillnets Partnership Network Update
Maureen Brogan, Skillnets Partnership Network Project Manager gave a  presentation on recent developments within the Network.  A general discussion ensued thereafter.