The Mental Capacity Act – Your rights / your loved ones rights and professional responsibilities

The Mental Capacity Act – Your rights / your loved ones
rights and professional responsibilities

Free informal webinars for anyone caring for a person aged 16 or over
who cannot make some decisions for themselves

About the webinars
These are free online sessions for family carers or anyone caring for a person aged 16 or
over who cannot make some decisions for themselves (either now or potentially in the
future). If you are supporting someone who is soon to turn 16 you are also welcome to
attend. The sessions will explain the Mental Capacity Act in clear, practical terms with a
focus on what the law means in everyday situations and how it affects you and the
person you care for.
The webinars are repeated throughout the year, so you can attend at a time that suits
you.
You will learn about

  • What mental capacity is and how it is assessed
  • How best interests decisions are made
  • Using the Mental Capacity Act in day-to-day caring situations
  • What you should expect from professionals
  • How to challenge poor practice
  • Legal options such as: Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputies, Advance Decisions
    and Appointeeship
  • what is meant by the legal term deprivation of liberty and what it means for you
    and your loved one.
  • Dates and times and joining link
    *Click ‘here’ on the date that works for you to access the session.
  • Friday, July 24th, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Wednesday, August 12th, 13.00 to 14.30, click here to join
  • Tuesday, September 15th, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Friday, October 16th, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Wednesday, November 4th, 13.00 to 14.30, click here to join
  • Tuesday, December 1st, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Thursday, January 14th, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Friday, February 12th, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Monday, March 8th, 13.00 to 14.30, click here to join
  • Thursday, April 22nd, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join
  • Wednesday, May 19th, 13.30 to 15.00, click here to join
  • Tuesday, June 1st, 10.00 to 11.30, click here to join

CWU NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026 TUC Conference , Labour Party Conference, Labour Party Women’s Conference

CWU NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026

  • TUC CONGRESS 13th -16th September 2026, Brighton
  • LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 27th – 30th September 2026, Liverpool
  • LABOUR PARTY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 26thSeptember 2026, Liverpool

Further to LTB 127/26 dated 29th April 2026 at the close of nominations the following have been received:

TUC 

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)Rob WotherspoonBristol & District Amal*Elected

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Tina HolmesLeicestershire*Elected (Woman)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershireBALLOT REQUIREDMark BrownColchester & DistrictJohn CarsonGlasgow & District Amal Steve CrokeSouth Midlands Postal Keith HamiltonSouth Central Postal Darren JonesLeicestershire Sajid ShaikhBirmingham District Amal Tony SneddonScotland No 5 Lee Starr-ElliottBristol & District Amal Usman VarudiLeicestershire Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal 

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Graham ColkSouth Wales, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East,  Scotland No 1, Tyne & Wear Clerical, *Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & least 1 delegate must be BAME)Stephen PhillipsEssex & Central Counties *ElectedJean SharrocksNorth East, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire *ElectedLouise ShortTyne & Wear Clerical, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East,  Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire, *ElectedTrish VollansWest Yorkshire, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders,      Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, *Elected

LABOUR PARTY

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)No Nominations Received

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershire*Elected (BAME)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & CumbriaBALLOT REQUIREDHuw DaviesLondon Phoenix Hugh GaffneyGlasgow & District Amal Darren JonesLeicestershire David MullaneyBristol & District Amal Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal 

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Sara MiahNorth Anglia, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North East, Scotland No 1 

South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical*Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Joyce StevensonScotland No 1, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North Anglia, North East, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire*Elected

 (Woman)Craig AndersonScotland No 1, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders,  Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North Anglia, North East, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire BALLOT

REQUIREDPeter FrancisCapital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North Anglia, North East, Mersey, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire  Brian KennyMersey, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North Anglia, North East, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire  Stephen PhillipsEssex & Central Counties  

The ballot timetable is as follows:

Despatch ballot papers:             29th May 2026

Ballot closes:                             12th June 2026 (14:00)

Branches will see the dispatch of ballot papers will now take place a week later than originally notified, this is due to workload issues and has been agreed by the Emergency Committee.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed by email to lparrett@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 155/26 – CWU NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026

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ROYAL MAIL: BONUS PAYMENTS 2025/26 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES, FINANCE, HR & LEGAL SERVICES AND LA1s IN LOGISTICS

ROYAL MAIL: BONUS PAYMENTS 2025/26 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES, FINANCE, HR & LEGAL SERVICES AND LA1s IN LOGISTICS

Branches are reminded that the arrangements for the bonus schemes for our members working in Customer Services, Finance, HR/Legal Services and LA1s Logistics are based on Royal Mail’s overall business performance.

I am pleased to report the bonus for 2025/26 will be paid at the maximum for the respective Business Units.  The total amounts payable are as follows:Business UnitBonus Payment 2025/26HR/Legal Services£1,500Customer Services£2,000Finance£2,000LA1s Logistics£650

All of these payments (pro-rata for part-timers) will be made with May salaries to those who have been in post since 1st January 2026 and who are still employed at the payment date. 

These bonus payments have arisen from agreements the union has reached on behalf of the members concerned.  Therefore, Branches and Representatives with members in these Business Units are encouraged to reinvigorate recruitment activities by focusing on this positive news which should aid recruitment amongst Admin grades.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB154/26 – Royal Mail – Bonus Payments 2025-26

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Dementia Action Week 18th – 24thMay

Dementia Action Week 18th – 24thMay

Dementia Action Week 2026 will take place from Monday 18th May to Sunday 24th May, focusing on raising awareness, supporting those affected, and promoting a dementia-friendly society.

Overview

Dementia Action Week is an annual campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations across the UK to take action in support of people living with dementia. The week aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and foster understanding, helping those affected to live well and feel supported. Each year, a theme highlights key issues such as diagnosis, care, and support services.

Key Campaigns and Themes

In 2026, Dementia Action Week is closely linked with the Forget Me Not Appeal, which encourages people to wear a Forget Me Not badge as a symbol of hope, unity, and action against dementia. The campaign emphasises the importance of early diagnosis, access to support, and community involvement. Participants are encouraged to share personal stories behind their badges to raise awareness and inspire collective action.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to participate in Dementia Action Week:

Host an event: Organise coffee mornings, information sessions, or fundraisers in your local area.

Become a Dementia Friend: Join the Alzheimer’s Society program to learn how to support people living with dementia.

Share information: Use social media to spread awareness and encourage others to take part.

Advocate for change: Support campaigns for better diagnosis, care services, and dementia research funding.

For more information, support and ways to get involved, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website at: Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society

Importance

With nearly 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, and many more affected through family and friends, raising awareness and taking action is critical. Early diagnosis and support can significantly improve quality of life, while community understanding reduces isolation and stigma. By participating, individuals and communities contribute to building a dementia-friendly society where everyone affected is recognised and supported.

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org

LTB 153/26 – Dementia Action Week 18-24 May

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NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 19th – 21st JUNEQUORN GRANGE HOTEL 

NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 19th – 21st JUNEQUORN GRANGE HOTEL 

No: 151/26

18th May 2026

TO: ALL BRANCHES

Dear Colleague,

NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 19th – 21stJUNE QUORN GRANGE HOTEL 

The purpose of this LTB is to invite and encourage Branches to send delegates to this year’s National Young Workers Education Event which will take place over the weekend of Friday, 19th June through to Sunday, 21st June in Quorn.

The venue for the event during the day will be held at GFTU Quorn Grange Hotel, Quorn. Hotel accommodation has been arranged at the same venue and in nearby hotels.

Event Format 

As with the approach taken over the past couple of years, this event now combines our Branch Young Worker Officer Forum alongside our National Education Event into a Young Workers Education weekend. An outline agenda is attached and a full agenda will be issued nearer the date.

Arrival & Registration 

We are asking participants to arrive in Quorn on Friday, 19th June in time for their appropriate panel, see outline agenda, however they are welcome to attend all panels if they wish to hear what is going on in other parts of the Union.  Registration for the main event will take place on Saturday morning and the event will conclude at 1.30pm on Sunday, 21st June.

The arrangements for the cost of delegates will be in line with the process that has been used for many years and is reflective of current pricing. The cost for Branches to send a delegate will be £320 and will include two nights’ accommodation and all meals.

For more information and to secure a place for the weekend Branches should complete this form: CWU YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT FORM 19th – 21st JUNE 2026: APPLICATION TO ATTEND – Fill in form as soon as possible so that we can assess the numbers of those attending for meals, etc.

Branches must make payment for their delegate(s) attendance by bank transfer to the General Fund Account No: 33019822 Sort Code 60-83-01 with ref “YWNEE”. 

Any queries regarding this event should be addressed to the Young Workers Coordinator, Kerry Fleck, kfleck@cwu.org or 07704 306418.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                               

General Secretary                                                  

LTB 151/26 – NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EVENT 19TH – 21ST JUNE QUORN GRANGE HOTEL

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CWU CONFERENCE 2026 – DECISIONS AND CARD VOTES 

CWU CONFERENCE 2026 – DECISIONS AND CARD VOTES 

Please find attached copies of the decisions taken during CWU Conference 2026 and the results of the Card Votes that were taken.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Jo Thair, Central Services Department on telephone number 020 8971 7487, or email address conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 150/26

01. General Conference – Sunday 10.05.26

02. General Conference – Monday 11.05.26

03. TFS Conference – Tuesday 12.05.26

04. Postal Conference – Tuesday 12.05.26

05. TFS Conference – Wednesday 13.05.26

06. Postal Conference – Wednesday 13.05.26

07. TFS Conference – Thursday 14.05.26

08. Postal Conference – Thursday 14.05.26

01a. General Conference 2026 – Card Vote 1 – Motion 16 Version 2

01. Postal – Card Vote 1 – Motion 25

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Royal Mail: Pensions – Guide for CWU Reps and Collective Plan Presentation at Postal Conference

Royal Mail: Pensions – Guide for CWU Reps and Collective Plan Presentation at Postal Conference

At our Postal Conference, senior members of the Collective Plan Executive Team presented on the Collective Plan, including the importance of signing up to the Member Self Service Portal which enables members to:

  • Check their personal details and contact information are correct
  • Tell the Executive Team who they’d like their money to go to in the event of death
  • Choose how they would like the Executive Team to keep in touch with them
  • View what they’ve got in the Collective Plan so far and what they might get at age 67.

An explanation was also given on the first annual valuation and the headline results, and how the adjustments work to both the Income for Life and the Lump Sum.  The slide presentation is attached to this LTB for ease of reference.

A good and extensive Q&A session took place following the presentation, and on behalf of our delegates, we would like to pass our thanks on to the Collective Plan Executive Team for their time and the important update.

Launch of the CWU Pensions Guide

Delegates at conference were provided with a printed copy of the new Pensions Guide for CWU Reps.  This guide covers all of the various Royal Mail pension schemes, including the Collective Plan, and is intended to be used as a reference document for Branches and Reps to refer to when members come to them with questions on their pensions.  The guide is also available electronically, by scanning the QR code below:

If you have any queries in relation to this LTB, please contact Samantha Nicholas – snicholas@cwu.org or Heidi Maughan – hmaughan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Martin Walsh    

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                                            

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 148/26 – Royal Mail Pensions Guide for CWU Reps and Collective Plan Presentation at Postal Conference0

Attachment: CWU SLIDES MAY 2026 FINAL (Powerpoint download)

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USO DEPLOYMENT AGREEMENT – PART TIME EMPLOYEE SCOPING EXERCISE

USO DEPLOYMENT AGREEMENT – PART TIME EMPLOYEE SCOPING EXERCISE

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches, Representatives and members that as agreed within the USO deployment agreement there is the opportunity for c.6,000 part time employees to increase their contracted hours up to full time. This will mean that it provides an ongoing opportunity for part time employees to increase their contracted hours going forwards.

A USO Delivery Scoping Exercise will open today and the attached joint communication has been issued to confirm that the process has been launched on the People App via Robin for delivery employees to express their interest in the following options:

  1. Increasing part-time (PT) contracted hours where available at your current office.
  2. Increasing part-time (PT) contracted hours and voluntarily moving to another office where there is a vacancy.
  3. Moving to another office on a voluntary basis where there is a vacancy.

The USO Delivery Scoping Exercise will be open until Friday 29th May. Taking part simply means expressing an interest in one or more options to support the wider planning for USO deployment. Likewise, it is not a binding commitment for colleagues or Royal Mail, it is to understand employees’ preferences.

In addition, the business have confirmed that additional information will be shared on PDA messages, TV screens and via Work Time Listening Learning (WTLL) brief.

As such the above communications will ensure all PT employees have the ability to participate in the scoping exercise and we would ask that all Postal Branches ensure the USO Delivery Scoping Exercise is brought to the attention of all members in Delivery Offices.

Any enquiries relating to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, email address: pharacz@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh                                                                                      Tony Bouch
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                             Assistant Secretary

LTB 147.26 USO Delivery Scoping Exercise

LTB 147.26 Att 1 Joint Communication – National Scoping Exercise in Delivery

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Sun Safety RMG Communication Issued 11th May

Sun Safety RMG Communication Issued 11th May

This week, Royal Mail Group have issued a SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) Huddle covering Sun Safety as we approach the summer months and as members on delivery and those who work outdoors for Royal Mail and Parcelforce face sunny and hotter weather.

The SHE Huddle (FY26 021) on Sun Safety, attached, highlights the following key messages:

  1. Cover Up – Wear long, loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin. Your uniform is made from a special fabric to protect against ultraviolet radiation.
  2. Protect your head – Don’t forget your head, face, ears and neck. Wear the wide brim hat that’s part of your uniform – it’s specially treated to protect against the sun. Remember to use sunglasses with UV protection.
  3. Take breaks in the shade – Come out of the sun when you have the chance, especially during the most powerful ultraviolet periods.
  4. Use sun cream – SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor) or higher on any exposed skin; apply it half an hour before going outside, put plenty on and reapply it frequently.
  5. Be skin safe – Report mole changes (size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding) or any other concerns about your skin to your doctor as soon as possible – don’t put it off, early treatment is important.

The RMG Huddle also covers information issued by Cancer Research UK that 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable. This statistic highlights the importance of sun safety and the potential for early detection and treatment to significantly improve outcomes for melanoma patients. Cancer Research UK further highlights the benefit of individual awareness and the importance of regular ‘skin self-examinations’.

Importantly, the Huddle also confirms that: ‘If you have a medical condition that can be exacerbated by heat, please make your manager aware’. This is a key message, and CWU members are reminded of the following advice:

  • Any individual who may be at increased risk in extreme heat due to age, underlying health conditions or taking certain medications should speak to their manager to discuss whether any duty adjustments are required in the event of a MET Office ‘Yellow Warning’ (and/or higher MET Office warnings).
  • For individuals covered under the Equality Act and with a known disability, a required duty adjustment needs to be undertaken in line with and recorded on the Disability Risk Assessment Form.
  • Colleagues who are new or expectant mothers also face an increased risk when working in extreme heat and should equally approach their manager. There is a separate Risk Assessment for these individuals.
  • These duty adjustments need to be made with the individual’s agreement and recorded on the Health Passport or relevant Risk Assessment.
  • The use of the Health Passport should supplement and accompany the need to also undertake the relevant Risk Assessment. The use of the Health Passport does not replace the direct need to also undertake a ‘Person Specific’ Risk Assessment (disability, young person, new or expectant mother).
  • For members who require these measures, it is vitally important that they also seek CWU support and assistance.

Area Safety Reps (ASRs) and Workplace Safety Reps Actions: 

Area and Workplace Safety Representatives are reminded to:

  • Work with Operational Managers and SHE Team Management to raise awareness about Sun Safety amongst all members who work outdoors across Royal Mail Group.
  • Ensure that the RMG Severe Weather Guidance is followed and that SWMAs (Severe Weather Managers Assessments) are carried out as necessary and against MET Office warnings on heat. It is strongly recommended that pre-planning activity should start now, with all managers/PiCs (Person in Charge) familiarising themselves with the full Severe Weather Guidance and SWMA process in order to ensure that they are prepared for high summer temperatures.
  • Ensure that individuals who may be at increased risk in extreme heat due to age, underlying health conditions, who take certain medications, and new or expectant mothers are aware that new or further duty adjustments may be needed to support them in the event of a MET Office ‘Yellow Warning’ (and/or higher warnings) for heat. These duty adjustments need to be made with the individual’s agreement and recorded on the Health Passport and relevant Risk Assessment Form.

To further assist in promoting the Sun Safety message, also attached are the following:

  • RMG/CWU Poster – 5 workers a day get skin cancer
  • RMG/CWU Stay Safe in the Sun z-card leaflet
  • CWU Heat Illness Guide
  • CWU Sun Smart Poster

Further communications covering Sun Safety will be issued in due course, but where Branches and Safety Reps require any additional information on the above, or for any other enquiries in relation to this LTB, these should be referred to the DGS(P) Department at hford@cwu.org or acorbett@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 146-26 – Sun Safety RMG Communication Issued 11th May

RMG_CWU Poster 5 workers a day get skin cancer

SHE Huddle FY26 021 Sun Safety

RMG_CWU-Stay-Safe-in-the-Sun-z-card-leaflet-1

CWU Heat Illness Guide – v2 2025

CWU Sun Smart Poster – v2 2025

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