Joint Statement – Agreed National Guidelines for the Deployment of PDA Outdoor Actuals in Parcelforce
Attached for the information of Branches, Parcelforce Representatives and members is a Joint Statement with Parcelforce covering the Agreed Guidelines for the deployment of PDA Outdoor Actuals in Parcelforce.
Parcelforce have been migrating onto Royal Mail IT systems as part of the Building the Future Program which commenced in 2025. As a result of this activity Parcelforce have lost access to previously bespoke PFW systems, which now includes the Parcelforce Route Analytics (PRA) information system.
PRA had been agreed in Parcelforce in March 2021 as one of the Technology Flightpath initiatives emanating from the Pathway to Change National agreement. Effectively this technology gave similar visibility and was built on the same platform as PDA Outdoor Actuals which is currently used within Royal Mail Delivery.
Given the removal of PRA, discussions have been ongoing with Parcelforce, on the potential use of the PDA Outdoor Actuals system, which through the continued integration of technology Parcelforce now have access to. Like PRA the PDA data provides geospatial information to enable a visual debrief to take place once a route has been completed. This data aids the business in ensuring the quality of route structures, whilst also supporting compliance. It is also envisaged in the long term this data will also support generic analysis for the Industrial Engineers for route improvement activity.
The Joint Statement includes the normal safeguards surrounding access and use of data. These include:
“In this spirit both parties agree that the whole approach to this activity should be a positive experience for the individual and an opportunity to identify development areas. Full support will be provided through positive coaching and encouragement to improve.
The technology is intended primarily as a coaching and feedback tool and will not be used to track or monitor individual performance in real time. It is recognised that the technology may increase levels of individual visibility, and it is agreed that it is not being deployed as a disciplinary tool or to enhance the ability of managers to take disciplinary action.
The deployment of this new technology upgrade will be in line with the established principles defined in the 2011 “The Use of Intermec CN3 Scanners” agreement and the RM PDA Outdoor Actuals agreements.”
Alongside these safeguards the department has ensured joint training will take place on the new process, these sessions will be agreed and shared locally.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org or jmansell@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 178/26.
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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