Kidwelly SPDO

Source: Branch solidarity 

Branch Youth Officers’ Forum, 21 June 2016, Newcastle Upon Tyne 
Dear Colleagues, 
This is to advise current and potential Branch Youth Officers that the next Branch Youth Officers’ Forum will be taking place on Tuesday, 21 June 2016 (please note change of date due to circumstances beyond our control) at the Newcastle City Library (Berwick Room 1, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX). The day will begin at 11am and should conclude no later than 4pm. Lunch will be provided. 
An agenda for the day will be issued nearer the time, but in the meantime branches are asked to encourage their Branch Youth Officer to attend – it is an important event whereby Youth Officers can network with their counterparts across the country to share and impart information and knowledge of the role. A copy of the report from the last forum is attached for the information of branches and Youth Officers. 
Branches are asked to come back to my office to confirm a place for their Youth Officer by Friday, 3 June 2016 if at all possible please. Branches will need to meet the expenses of their attendees. 
Any queries on this LTB should be directed to my office at CWU headquarters. 
Yours Sincerely,
 
Simon Sapper

National Officer

Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 241/16 – Branch Youth Officers’ Forum, 21 June 2016, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Branch Youth Officers Forum Report June 2015

Hashtag for Annual Conference – #CWU16

Dear Colleagues,
This is just a short note to inform branches that the hashtag for this year’s Annual Conference will be #CWU16
Please use this # on all of your social media postings during the build up to and during the week of Conference. This will help all representatives and branches to engage in the event.
You can connect with the National Union Twitter accounts by following @CWUNews and @DaveWardGS
Kind regards
 
Chris Webb

Head of Communications, Engagement and Media
 

CWU Conference 2016
Please find attached the following:
General Conference SOC Report Supplementary No.2

Telecom and Financial Services SOC Report Supplementary No.1 (TFS Decision Document)

Telecom and Financial Services SOC Report Supplementary No.2

Postal Group Conference SOR No.3 

Branches are reminded that credentials and voting cards and any further Standing Orders Reports will be available to pick up from the registration desk in the Windsor Hall Foyer in the Bournemouth International Centre from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm on Saturday 23rd April 2016.
Branches are also reminded that speakers cards need to be completed and returned prior to conference to enable the information to be input onto the system.
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Chris Tapper or sent to ctapper@cwu.org
Yours sincerely
 
 
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 235/16 – CWU Conference 2016
· TFS SOR REPORT 1
· TFSE SOR No.2 2016
· SOR No.2 2016
· SOR NO 3 2016

BRANCH ELECTION RESULTS 2016-18

Letter Section Chair

At the close of the Branch Ballot for the Letter Section Chair the result was as follows:

Ballot papers dispatched 1796

Ballot papers received 420

Azafad, Mohamed 51

Arif, Sim 121

Pywell, Damon 248

Spoilt 0

Therefore Damon Pywell is duly elected and will take up post immediately.

Ballot count conducted by Mark Biggs, Sub Area Delivery Rep. Amanda Hill, Branch Secretary and Richard Line, Area Safety Rep acted as scrutineers.

Any queries in relation to this matter should be addressed to Branch Secretary.

Amanda Hill Richard Line Mark Biggs

Branch Secretary Area H&S Rep Sub Area H&S Rep

PROPOSED CLOSURES OF DELIVERY OFFICES 

Dear Colleagues,

 

The following policy motion was carried at the CWU Policy Forum held in London 22nd/23rd March 2016:

 

That this Policy Forum recognises the link between office DO closures and Royal Mails strategy for the future of deliveries; including OMP. Therefore it is agreed that in line with recommendation 3 that no cooperation be given to the current spate of DO mergers/Closures until such time as an agreement is reached on the future of deliveries and any subsequent new pipeline/work plan except where there is an accepted Health and Safety issue and or local agreement when there are benefits to the members affected i.e. new offices.

 

This needs to be read in conjunction with recommendation 3 which states the following:

 

Recommendation 3: That no agreement is given to OMP/Single Wave until a new pipeline/workplan is agreed which embraces the spirit and intent of the above report and ensures that the delivery of letters and packets together can commence from e.g. 7am and which ensures that all deliveries are performed properly in line with our Agreements e.g. start times, equipment, tools and meal breaks.

 

In essence this means that unless there is an H&S issue and a move needs to take place for that reason(s) or there are benefits for our members such as a new and improved office and working environment then co-operation should be withdrawn and Royal Mail informed of the policy. It should be noted however that it was made clear during the debate that this policy does not apply to SPDO’s.

 

Any enquiries should be addressed to outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference 230.03.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 
Bob Gibson

CWU Assistant Secretary – Outdoor

National Joint Statement – Blue Pouch for Collections on Delivery Deployment 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Further to LTB 39/16 and the trial of the Blue Pouch in 11 Delivery Offices to enable consideration of the practicality of the pouch and to assist in deciding whether the Blue Pouch should be extended for full National deployment.

 

The Key considerations of the trial were as follows:

1. The introduction of a Blue pouch for collectors to consolidate all collection mail collected whilst on delivery.

2. All equipment required to perform collections on delivery to be consolidated into the pouch. (keys, Route card, Route header)

3. To provide visibility in the unit that all Collections on delivery post boxes are covered on a daily basis.

 

As a result of the original trial it was agreed to expand the trial to Units still to deploy COLOD revisions (circa 100 units). 74 of those Units have now deployed COLOD revisions and the period 11 results show:

 

80%​ have beaten the Access loss target, have improved or have 0% loss

7%​ have not deployed the process as agreed​

9%​ have not yet been visited to demonstrate compliance to the process​

4%​ have loss in other areas such as 1c in 2c​

 

There has been positive feedback from frontline staff and local CWU representatives regarding the use of blue pouches for Collection on delivery.

 

Consequently we have agreed with Royal Mail, endorsed by the Postal Executive on the 5th April 2016 that the Blue Pouch can be rolled out nationally in line with the attached Joint Statement which means that the ‘Blue Pouch’ will become a standard piece of equipment that can now be used in all units still to deploy COLOD revisions. In addition to this and as part of Business As Usual (BAU) the Blue Pouch can also be deployed via regional management teams on a unit priority basis, which will be agreed locally.

 

In line with the trial all OPG’s will receive the necessary training required to adopt the use of blue pouches.

 

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 532      

Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org                                      

 

Yours sincerely

            

Bob Gibson

CWU Assistant Secretary  

National Joint Statement

Blue Pouch for Collections on Delivery

 

Introduction

 

In 2014 both Royal Mail & CWU agreed to deploy Collections on Delivery. This was intended to move collections from circa 45,000 low volume (less than 50 items) post boxes onto delivery routes. There have already been circa 812 Collection on Delivery revisions deployed.

 

Analysis revealed that quality of service performance for items posted into post boxes had reduced and this led to a trial of the Blue Pouch in a number of locations to see whether it helped improve/maintain quality of service and strengthen the overall process of Collections on Delivery.

 

Outcomes/Review

 

In the trial 67% of units achieved 0% loss in Period 10 and the remaining 33% showed significant improvement.

 

As a result of the initial trial it was agreed to expand the trial to Units still to deploy COLOD revisions (circa 100 units). 74 of those Units have now deployed COLOD revisions and the period 11 results show:

 

80%​ have beaten the Access loss target, have improved or have 0% loss

7%​ have not deployed the process as agreed​

9%​ have not yet been visited to demonstrate compliance to the process​

4%​ have loss in other areas such as 1c in 2c​

 

There has been positive feedback from frontline staff and local CWU representatives on the use of pouches for Collection on delivery.

 

Next steps

 

All the remaining units still to deploy COLOD revisions will include the blue pouch process and this will be facilitated by the lead planners in conjunction with CWU representatives.

 

In addition to this as part of Business As Usual (BAU) the Blue Pouch will be a standard piece of equipment to support the Collections on Delivery process. This will be deployed via regional management teams on a unit priority basis, which will be agreed locally.

 

In line with the current process all OPG’s will receive the necessary training required to adopt the use of blue pouches.

 

The training will take the form of a WTLL session, which will be taken by the Manager and the Workplace Coach. Materials to support the WTLL will be:

 

• Standard Operating Procedure / Job element sheet

• OPG Checklist

• A Blue Pouch (or similar) for all delivery routes with collection post boxes.

• Video​

 

 

 

  S Skitt

Signed Signed

Sue Skitt ​​​​​Bob Gibson

Royal Mail ​ ​CWU

 

Date: 5th April 2016

BP_COLOD CWU_RM National Joint Statement

Sunday 24th April 1245-1400 Tregonwell Hall (Main) – Refreshments provided
The purpose of this LTB is to inform all Branches that the Communications Department will be holding a fringe meeting at Annual Conference. The fringe will give Branches the opportunity to receive a presentation on the future strategy of the union’s communications as well as the chance to contribute to the debate.
Subject matters to be discussed will include the CWU website, publications, social media, engagement, LTBs, press, videos, campaigns and Branch communications.
Further publication of this event will be available on the first morning of Conference. I look forward to seeing as many Branches as possible on the day. 
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be directed to Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org
Kind Regards
 

Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media

Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 226/16 – Communications Department Fringe at Annual Conference

CWU SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY MAJOR NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION
1PM SATURDAY – 16TH APRIL‎ – LONDON
The CWU and TUC affiliated unions are fully supporting the People’s Assembly’s major national demonstration for Health, Homes, Jobs & Education in London on Saturday 16th April. 
Alongside the Trade Union Bill, on each of these four issues working people are under ‎attack from the Government and it is important that the labour movement makes clear the strength of opposition to the austerity agenda. This is also an opportunity to express solidarity with junior doctors and steel-workers who will be taking part. 
I would urge all CWU Branches to make this a priority commitment and ensure their attendance at the demonstration and publicise it among CWU members as widely as possible.
The CWU has been at the forefront in calling for a new deal for workers in the UK and maximising our attendance at this demonstration is another step towards achieving this objective.
The demonstration will assemble on Gower Street at 1pm and march to Trafalgar Square. The CWU will have a bloc on the march (bloc 6) which we would ask branches to join. 
We would also encourage branches to affiliate to the People’s Assembly – the form for doing so is attached to this letter. Further information is available at http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/hhje and the flyer for Saturday’s demonstration is attached to this LTB. 
 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward
General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 219-16 PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY MAJOR NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION

Attachment 1: National Demo Poster

Attachment 2: The Peoples Assembly 2016 Affiliation Form

Attachment 3: Payment Details

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is again supporting the annual initiative and working with the organisers, Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer and the Bowel Cancer UK charity organisation.
Bowel Cancer Statistics
42,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Bowel Cancer each year.
16,000 people die from Bowel Cancer in the UK each year.
57% of adult Bowel Cancer patients diagnosed are predicted to survive ten or more years.
54% of Bowel Cancer cases each year in the UK are linked to major lifestyle and other risk factors.
Early diagnosis is the key to survival!
Bowel Cancer UK
Bowel Cancer UK has, for 26 years, been campaigning to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by Bowel Cancer. Bowel Cancer UK is determined to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by Bowel Cancer. Their headquarters are in London, England. They also currently have offices in Scotland and Northern Ireland. They are a charity with a registered charity number in England & Wales (1071038) and Scotland
(SC040914). As a charitable organisation, Bowel Cancer UK is almost completely dependent on voluntary donations. The Charity does a number of things:-
Provide Bowel Cancer information

Undertake Health Promotion

Run Campaigns & develop Policy

Fundraising

Explain and promote why their work is so importantEarly diagnosis of Bowel Cancer and UK Survival Rates   

Bowel Cancer UK saves lives by raising awareness, campaigning for best treatment and care and providing practical support and advice.

Bowel Cancer survival rates in the UK lag behind the rest of Europe, mainly because people are unaware of the symptoms of Bowel Cancer or are uncomfortable talking about them, so are diagnosed late. Each year, thousands die unnecessarily.

Survival rates in the UK are amongst the lowest in Europe, with 15% more patients being diagnosed at a later stage of the disease compared with most other European countries. This is why Bowel Cancer UK’s work – to encourage people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and to act on their concerns so that they have the best chance of survival – is so important.

Early diagnosis of Bowel Cancer in the UK is a problem because people either find it uncomfortable to discuss the symptoms of the disease or simply do not know what they are.

Every year Bowel Cancer UK takes their messages to half a million people in all four countries of the UK. Last April’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month was the most successful ever. The charity distributed over 123,000 pieces of information. And they know that with more resources they could reach even more people.
Here are some suggestions of how you could get involved in Bowel Cancer Awareness Month:
Order Bowel Cancer UK’s free awareness materials: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/ and display them in the workplaces. Distribute copies to members.

Arrange a Bowel Cancer awareness stand or talk in your Branch Offices or at Branch or Regional Health and Safety Forum Meetings.

Contact Bowel Cancer UK’s Health Promotion team for details on 020 7940 1760 or Email: healthpromotion@bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Make sure Colleagues, family and friends know about the symptoms of Bowel Cancer.

Follow Bowel Cancer UK on Facebook and twitter and tweet, retweet and Facebook our messages.

If you know anyone who has been closely affected by Bowel Cancer, share your story with Bowel Cancer UK. Contact press@bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Make a difference and become part of a campaign supporters’ network.

If you need some ideas or tips on how to organise your own fundraising event, call Bowel Cancer UK on 020 7940 1769.

Resources and Campaign Packs
Bowel Cancer UK can provide you with information and merchandise such as T-shirts and balloons to help awareness raising and fundraising a huge success. Call 020 7940 1760 or email events@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Leaflet Orders for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Get ready for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April. Bowel Cancer UK is offering a pack of leaflets and posters to help you raise awareness of Bowel Cancer in your organisation, branch or region. The pack consists of:
20 Simple Steps to Good Bowel Health booklets;

10 Male/female – the Facts leaflets;

25 Pocket sized Information – the Facts Z-cards; 

3 selections of posters;

2 balloons;

1 fundraising collection box.
If you need a larger quantity of materials or have any special requirements please email gail.curry@bowelcanceruk.org.uk or call 020 7940 1776 with your request. It costs around £11 to make and send a pack – Its Free to order but Bowel Cancer UK would appreciate a donation if you are ordering a number of packs from them. Due to the large volume of orders they experience at this time, it will take a few days for your pack to arrive. You can also download and print materials. Pdf copies are also attached.
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel Cancer is also referred to as colorectal, colon or rectal cancer. Nearly all Bowel Cancers develop in the large bowel – two-thirds of these are in the colon and one-third in the rectum. Most Bowel Cancers develop from polyps which are usually non-cancerous and, once detected, can be removed easily if caught early enough. The bowel is divided into the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (colon and rectum). Cancer of the small bowel is rare with only just over 700 people diagnosed in the UK each year. On the Bowel Cancer UK website, “Bowel Cancer” refers to cancer of the large bowel and not small Bowel Cancer.
The bowel is divided into four sections:
ascending

transverse

descending

sigmoid

The bowel is part of our digestive system. Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel. After the small bowel takes nutrients into the body, any undigested food passes through the large bowel, where water is removed from the waste matter. This waste matter is held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (also known as poo, stools or faeces). Cancer occurs when cells in your bowel multiply out of control. These cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Regular Bowel Cancer screening has been shown to reduce deaths from Bowel Cancer. Some people with Bowel Cancer have the disease, or are at risk of it developing before any symptoms appear. The screening programme is designed to find those people and treat them more effectively. All men and women aged 60-74 are invited to carry out an FOB (faecal occult blood) test at home. They’re sent the home test kit every two years through the post, until they reach the age of 74. 
The test is not compulsory but Bowel Cancer UK does strongly advise that everyone who is invited takes part. The earlier Bowel Cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Who is eligible for screening? People aged:
60-74 in England

60-74 in Wales

60-74 in Northern Ireland

50-74 in ScotlandIf you are registered with a GP and eligible for Bowel Cancer screening, you will receive a letter and a leaflet explaining the home testing kit prior to receiving the kit itself. These will be sent to where you live. If you are over the screening age you may be able to opt-in and request a kit, depending on where you live in the UK. More information can be found from your relevant national Bowel Screening Programme by calling one of the freephone numbers listed below. What does the Bowel Cancer screening test do? The home testing kit tests for faecal occult blood (hidden blood in poo). It does not diagnose Bowel Cancer. If the home testing kit detects blood, you will be invited for a consultation with a specialist screening practitioner in your area. During this meeting, your test results and what happens next will be discussed.Find out more: How to take the Bowel Cancer Screening Test – See Attached Fact Sheet.

Screening in the Nations
If you receive the screening kit, use it and return it.
England The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England began in July 2006 and is currently screening everyone between the ages of 60 and 74, every two years. For further information, please contact the England Bowel Cancer screening on freephone helpline on 0800 707 6060, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. In some areas of England, screening has also rolled out to people up to 75 years old. To find out which areas, call the freephone helpline. Find out more about the NHS Cancer Screening Programme at:- http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/
Scotland Scottish Bowel Screening began in June 2007 and includes everyone between the ages of 50-74, every two years. For further information, please contact the Scottish bowel screening freephone helpline on 0800 0121 833, Monday-Friday 8am -5pm. To find out more about the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, go to:- http://www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk/
Wales Bowel Screening Wales began in October 2008 and has rolled out nationally to 60-74 year olds every two years. For further information call the Welsh bowel screening freephone helpline on 0800 294 3370, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. You can also find out more about the Welsh Bowel Screening Programme at:- http://www.bowelscreening.wales.nhs.uk/
Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening to everyone between the ages of 60-74, every two years. For further information call the Northern Ireland freephone helpline on 0800 015 2514, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Find out more about the Northern Ireland Bowel Screening Programme at: http://www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/1995.htm
Concerned?
Anyone concerned about symptoms of Bowel Cancer should visit their GP without delay.

Anyone over the screening age can find out about requesting a test kit by calling the relevant helpline number above.

Risk factors
Although the exact cause of Bowel Cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk.
Gender and age
Bowel Cancer affects both men and women. In the UK, around 95% of cases occur in people over the age of 50
Family history
People with a first degree relative (such as mother, father, brother, sister, child) under 45 or with two or more first degree relatives with Bowel Cancer may be considered for further testing.
Diet and lifestyle
An inactive lifestyle and a poor diet that is low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase the risk of Bowel Cancer. A high intake of red and processed meat, smoking and excess alcohol may increase the risk.
Other conditions
People with diabetes, a history of Crohn’s disease in the large bowel, or ulcerative colitis, or who have had previous polyps removed, may also be at an increased risk.
Minimising The Risk – Diet & Exercise
Taking some simple steps to improve your diet and taking regular exercise can help reduce your risk of Bowel Cancer. So it is important to:
consider what you are eating

eat plenty of fibre

eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day

avoid processed meats and have no more than 500g of red meat per week

keep active with regular exercise

keep hydrated and avoid drinks containing caffeine

know your alcohol limits and don’t smoke

know the symptoms of Bowel Cancer and act on them if you have any concerns

take part in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in your area when you are invited. This involves completing a simple test which can help identify whether further investigation is necessary

See attached CWU/Bowel Cancer UK ‘Diet & Exercise ‘Fact Sheet’.
 
Further Information and Contact Details:
Bowel Cancer UK Head Office

Willcox House

140-148 Borough High Street

London SE1 1LB

Tel: 020 7940 1760 

Fax: 020 7940 1761 

Email: admin@bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Website: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ 
Bowel Cancer UK in Scotland

20 Queen Street

Edinburgh EH2 1JX

Tel: 0131 225 5333 

Fax: 0131 225 2206 

Email: scotadmin@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Bowel Cancer UK in Northern Ireland

Contact Bernadette McGarry

Tel: 07798 523668

Email: bernadette.mcgarry@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Individual support
If you know someone requiring individual support and wishing to speak to a nurse, they can contact the Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00 between 9am – 8pm Monday – Friday, or Cancer Research UK on 0808 800 4040 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Attachments
Bowel Cancer – Understanding Bowel Cancer Factsheet

Bowel Cancer – Spotlight on Men

Bowel Cancer – Symptoms & Risk Factors Factsheet

Bowel Cancer – Screening Factsheet.

Bowel Cancer – Diagnosing, Factsheet

Bowel Cancer – Genetic Conditions & Risk Factors Factsheet

Bowel Cancer – Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Bowel Cancer Risks Factsheet

Bowel Cancer – Keeping a Bowel Cancer symptoms diary

Bowel Cancer – Talking to your doctor about symptoms Factsheet.

                                        Let’s beat cancer sooner
The CWU Thanks Bowel Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support for working with us in producing this LTB, Advice and Information.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download · Attachment 1 – LTB225/16 Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – April 2016
· Attachment 2 – Bowel Cancer – understanding_bowel_cancer_factsheet
· Attachment 3 – Bowel Cancer – Spotlight On Men – Bowel Cancer UK
· Attachment 5 – Bowel Cancer – Screening Factsheet.
· Attachment 10 – Bowel Cancer – Talking to your doctor about symptoms Factsheet.
· Attachment 6 – Bowel Cancer – Diagnosing, Factsheet
· Attachment 8- Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Bowel Cancer Risk Factsheet
· Bowel Attachment 7 – Cancer – Genetic Conditions & Risk Factors Factsheet
· Attachment 9-Bowel Cancer – Keeping a Bowel Cancer symptoms diary
· Attachment 4 – Symptoms & Risk Factors Factsheet