Introduction
Set out below is information covering existing central communication forums in support of the ERSP objectives. See regional networks for information covering Cabinet Office activities in the regions.
Council of Civil Service Unions (CCSU) meetings with Sir Gus O’Donnell and ministers
CCSU meet with Gus and ministers periodically to discuss issues around efficiency, pay and pensions.
Permanent Secretaries Employee Relations sub group (PSER)
The Permanent Secretary Sub-Group on Employee Relations has been established to support and advise the steering group and Permanent Secretaries’ Management Group (PSMG) on employee relations in the Civil Service. Its terms of reference are to:
- oversee and advise on the need and scope for a collective approach by departments and agencies and appropriate Civil Service frameworks, to address employee relations issues, including relations with the Civil Service trades unions, in both the short and longer term
- identify how to develop and promote to staff the ‘employment deal’ in the Civil Service in ways which better reflect its value and encourage employee commitment
- advise on the handling of major issues with industrial and employee relations implications within the business needs and legal framework in which the Civil Service operates
The sub-group will consider how best to engage with the steering group and PSMG, and to specify the information it needs to support its work.
Cabinet Office/CCSU steering group
CCSU representatives meet regularly, both formally and informally, with officials in the Cabinet Office to develop protocols and practice in support of the Efficiency and Relocation Support Programme.
Human Resource Directors Group
A monthly Forum has been set up with Human Resource colleagues within main Departments (approximately 75% of the Civil Service is represented by this group) to assist in the development of ERSP policy and share good practice. Small departments, agencies and NDPBs may attend as necessary.
Human Resource Directors Redeployment Group
This group meets regularly to look at how best to encourage affected staff to avail themselves of redeployment opportunities within OGDs.
Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on Efficiency and Relocation Support
An Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee was established in January 2005 ‘to drive forward the Efficiency and Relocation Support Programme for civil servants affected by workforce reductions’.