OFSTED? Instead

Say No to Privatisation

2008-09-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

UNISON and PCS have condemned plans to privatise the work of our members in OFSTED.

The privatisation plans come at the same time as a long-running dispute with Ofsted, involving 1,000 members of UNISON and PCS, over the imposition of a divisive new pay structure and below-inflation pay settlement. Some members of staff have been asked to take a three-year pay freeze.

“Early years inspectors working for Ofsted are charged with ensuring that every child gets the best start in life,” said UNISON senior national officer Jon Richards.

“This is a vital job, and parents deserve the reassurance of knowing that inspections are done by an independent, reliable and publicly accountable body of staff. This will be severely compromised if inspections are carried out by a private, profit-driven company.

“As an organisation, Ofsted is already understaffed, yet these proposals seek to cut staff,” he added. “UNISON is also concerned that the workers being lined up for sale are those that are taking equal pay claims out against the employer.”

Message to UNISON members

2008-07-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

I am sending this message “bcc” to UNISON members in the Lambeth branch of UNISON employed by OFSTED. I am writing about two matters.

UNISON Convenor

As you will know, our Convenor, Roulla Xyrizos, is leaving OFSTED – she will be sorely missed! We need to elect a replacement to act as Convenor for OFSTED members in the Lambeth branch. Our OFSTED Convenor also represents the Greater London Region of UNISON on the OFSTED National Forum.

UNISON has an agreement with OFSTED to give effect to the legal right for such a trade union representative to have reasonable paid time off work to carry out their trade union duties, for which full training is available. If you would like to discuss the nature of the role please contact myself, Roulla, or our Regional officer, Stuart Barber, to whom I am copying this message.

If you would like to make a nomination – or to volunteer – to take on this role please email me at j.rogers@unison.co.uk before noon on Monday 14 July 2008. In the event that there is more than one nomination the branch will organise a postal ballot of members and I will write to you about the timetable for that ballot at the time.

Consultation on the industrial action

You should have received a consultation document in the post from UNISON HQ. This asks you about your opinions concerning the future direction of the industrial action being taken in opposition to the appalling pay offer made to the trade unions by OFSTED. I would like to encourage you to respond to this consultation document.

I have asked Roulla for her opinions based upon her years of experience in dealing with OFSTED as an employer and she advises as follows;

“I would encourage a series of one day strikes again, and continue with working to rule, and continue with not using cars. In summary: continue with the current industrial action i.e. don't use cars, work to contracted hours, and series of one day strikes. However, this time, if we have one day strikes, I would expect UNISON to alert TV media so that they can film it on the day!... …I also think that as mgt turn the screws with their aggressive response, we encourage members to report this to UNISON so that we can publish this on the national unison website and on our own ofstedinstead blog - and alert the media. I would also encourage members to read the house of commons submission (unedited version).”

I would support Roulla’s view that a strong response to OFSTED as an employer is absolutely necessary.

Roulla's farewell message to members

2008-06-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

25 June 2008

Dear Members and Friends,

Today is my last working day at Ofsted. So here I am preparing myself for a few good byes to you, my members and my friends.

This letter is long, slushy, and mushy and full of love – and I make no apologies for it either - so here goes!!!!!!!!!

I want to start by thanking you so very much for the wonderful send off that you gave me yesterday. I want to thank you…..
· ….for the wonderful email messages of love and support you sent me. Thank you my friends.
· ….for the cards, drinks, presents…., and beautiful flowers that you gave me yesterday. Thank you my friends
· ……for the beautiful sunflowers delivered to my door this morning. Thank you my friends

I also want to thank you for the cheque that was presented to me yesterday. It was for a truly phenomenal amount – and I am still overwhelmed by your love, your kindness and your generosity. I thank you from the bottom of my heart – and want you to know that words cannot adequately express how I feel at this moment in time – or how I felt yesterday when I was presented with this last night. Thank you all so much.

Thanks to my CCI members, my CSCI members, my Area Manager members, my ITM members, my admin staff members – thanks to all my ex Ofsted employee members who have always kept in touch and who also contributed to my present – my thanks and love to you all!

Mary Holt – where are you girl! I want to thank you so very much for organising the above, for organising the collection and for the wonderful ‘thank you’ album that you have created with your own hands. I will be forever indebted to you. You are a wonderful person who has had to put up with a lot from this organisation, and I want you to remain strong! Members – please all rally round Mary – she is a lovely person as I am sure you all know – is my friend, and will always be my friend – you haven’t seen the last of me matey!

Ofsted UNISON Forum – there are those of you who I have not seen eye to eye with, and I make no apologies for issuing formal complaints against you – as you need to remember that you are accountable to your members – you must and always should be open, transparent and democratic – and I hope that the investigation outcome brings radical reforms to how some of you operate. To my true friends and highly respected friends in the Forum (Valerie, Lynda, Barbara, Carol and Mike) thank you for you unswerving support, love and loyalty. Members are truly lucky to have you fighting their corner. Keep strong. I love you all.

My ex local authority friends (both present and ex Ofsted employees) words are not necessary – you all know exactly how I feel about you all. You are family now. When a Greek says you are family – you better believe it girls!!!!!!

To Lambeth UNISON – Thanks to Jon, Nick, Andrew, Jackie and Juliet for last night. Thanks to all at Lambeth for their wonderful present – it is truly beautiful. Thanks so much to Jon and Nick for their wonderful speeches yesterday. I want you to know how much I have valued working with you. I want all members to know that Lambeth UNISON will always have my vote in whatever they do. Lambeth UNISON are democratic, transparent and revolutionary – and I love them all!! Seriously though, I cannot emphasise what a privilege it has been working with these wonderful and truly gifted people. I will always be an honorary member of Lambeth – will come to all your parties – and am looking forward to 1st August party!! Chaps – for pities sake – don’t let Jon sing again!!!!!!

Stuart Barber – the best ever flipping UNISON Regional Officer we have ever had. You have the measure of Ofsted! You are not afraid to challenge! You are not afraid to say it how it is! My members are very lucky to have you as their regional officer and you know how dearly they all love you. As for me, all I can say is that it has been an honour Sir. See you at the BBQ!

My beloved husband and my kids – I want to thank my husband who has had a lot to put up with over the years. He has listened to my gripes about this organisation. He has worried alongside me for our members. He has advised me, supported me and loved me throughout. I couldn’t have done it without him. He has been a senior union rep for yonks now and I owe so much to him. Love you babe! To my sons – I love you all and thank you for always worrying about my health and sanity working for this organisation, and for your support. My members all know how much I love you all and how much my family mean to me.

My members - It was 6 years ago that I decided to become a union representative....and what a roller coaster ride it has been! I was so chuffed to be given the chance to represent members who give their all for an organisation that has such a harsh, draconian regime.

I believe it is very important for people to know what you think of them, and to understand that they have had an impact in your life and will be remembered for things. I want you all to know that the vast majority of my members are people I admire and respect greatly; many of whom have become very good friends over the years that we have worked together.

Someone once said that it's always too easy for people to make up funny stories about what's happened on nights out or jokes that have been played, but the persons worth is more than that and more than what they have done, the impressions they have left people with and on people. That is why I want to tell you how much I have appreciated some of the things that make the job of a union rep so special – not just the business side of things, but the fun and laughter we have shared.

Even though I am leaving, I will be watching your progress with interest and I shall never ever forget you. I am certain you will all go on to achieve far better things than I did. If my legacy to you was time spent building this membership up, your legacy to me is one of comradeship, faith in teamwork and an abiding passion for justice!

Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye?

I now raise my glass to you all and say farewell.

…… How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

Roulla Xyrizos
your UNISON Rep (and proud of it!!!!!)

roullaxyrizos2004@yahoo.co.uk keep in touch!

LAMBETH UNISON MEMBERS MEETING!!!!!

2008-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Lambeth UNISON Ofsted London members meeting, which will now be held on Tuesday 24th June 2008 at University of London Union (ULU).

This is an extremely important meeting and members should make every effort to attend.

Because of this, and to ensure that we have seating for everyone, I am asking members to RSVP me via my Ofsted email address in order to confirm their attendance. This is very important.

This meeting includes Social Care members and Mike Stapley – our Social Care UNISON rep will also be present.

I know that some of you will be in central London attending the EYFS training, and I am hoping that you will attend our meeting once the training has finished. Don’t worry about being late, as we can delay the start of the meeting until 5.30 to enable you all to attend.

Details as follows:
ULU (University of London Union)
Malet Street, (off Tottenham Court Road)
London, WC1E 7XA
Date: Tuesday 24th June 2008
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Room: 3D

We look forward to seeing you there!

MEMBERS MEETING POSTPONED

2008-05-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Members meeting of 27 May 08 has been postponed due to half term week. We will be re-organising another meeting just before the next one day strike action is due.

In the meantime, please continue to work to rule and not to undertake any overtime for this week and next week.

UNISON will issue further information in due course

OFSTED London UNISON members meeting - a reminder

2008-05-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Please note that we will also be holding a members meeting on Tuesday 27th May 2008 at our usual venue, ULU.
Details as follows: University of London Union, Malet Street, (off Tottenham Court Road), London, WC1E 7XA
Date: Tuesday 27th May 2008
Time: 5pm – 8pm

On the OFSTED picket line...

2008-05-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

First in a long line of photos

2008-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a long line of photos of todays strike action by UNISON members and PCS.

This photo shows Roulla Xyrizos Lambeth UNISON Convenor for Ofsted outside Ofsted head office in Holborn, with fellow colleagues.

Nice one!

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/news_centre/index.cfm/id/CEDA90B5-21A4-4957-A52A98089BEE8958

Well done UNISON members!

2008-05-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

Industrial action by members in Ofsted

This is message to say a big thanks to everyone for making today’s action such a success – the strike has been really well-supported with a good presence at the pickets and good attendance at the rallies.

Some photos from the day are due to be appearing on the UNISON website in due course.

This also to remind you that from Monday we will be entering a wave of action short of strike in the form of “work your contracted hours only” and overtime ban. Attached for your information is the guidance that was mailed to all members earlier this week - Ofsted web-page for members to download at http://www.unison.org.uk/localgov/ofsted.asp <http://www.unison.org.uk/localgov/ofsted.asp>

Best wishes to you all - and well done - an excellent day was had by all!

We shall not be defeated - Ofsted! We mean business!!!!!!!

Roulla Xyrizos, Stuart Barber, Jon Rogers and all at Lambeth UNISON

Message from UNISON

2008-05-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ofsted workers strike over pay

(16/05/08) One thousand Ofsted workers have walked out today in a dispute over pay, halting inspections of childcare services across England.They are protesting against the imposition of a divisive new pay structure, which will mean cuts for many workers, and a below-inflation pay offer – pushed through by Ofsted despite being overwhelmingly rejected by members of UNISON and PCS.

"This small but significant group of staff works hard to protect the safety of some of the most vulnerable children in our society," said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis, describing the treatment meted out by Ofsted as "appalling"."They are piling on the work but forcing three-year pay freezes onto some staff." This when inflation is running at more than 4% and even the government's preferred measure jumped to 3% this week."

Our members are demanding a fair deal to cope with the spiralling costs of essentials such as fuel, food and housing," he said. "This strike sends a clear message to Ofsted that we are prepared to take action in our fight for fair pay. What we need now are some serious proposals to avert further action."Today's strike will see rallies held in Manchester and London, and picket lines at offices in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol.

A wave of action short of strike will follow. Members will work their contracted hours only from Monday until the end of the month, along with a ban on overtime.Earlier this week UNISON and PCS warned that extending the dispute would affect planned Ofsted reforms.Calling for a swift resolution, national officer Helga Pile said staff were already under intense pressure."This will only increase as the employers demand large-scale changes in social care and early years inspections," she said, asking: "How will these reforms be possible when staff are disappointed and angry and morale is at an all-time low?"The Treasury and Ofsted employers must realise that a top class inspection service cannot be run on an insufficient budget," she added."If they want to ensure the safety of every baby in nursery, every child in care and each teenager in boarding school then they need to fund the inspections system properly."

FRIDAY 16TH MAY - WHY UNISON MEMBERS IN OFSTED ARE ON STRIKE TODAY

2008-05-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

UNISON members in Ofsted undertake highly demanding jobs – responsible for inspecting childcare, early education and children’s social care, and ensuring that standards are adhered to and millions of young children are cared for safely and properly.

We are taking action today, alongside our colleagues in the PCS union, because Ofsted has imposed a pay award which leaves most of our members facing a pay freeze or below inflation uplift for three years.

Rising cost of living
A third of UNISON members are having their salaries frozen for two years – for a quarter the pay freeze is due to last three years! At a time when the cost of living – gas, food, fuel, petrol – has been going through the roof.

Even where our members have been given a rise, for half of them it amounts to 2% or less at a time when the real cost of living is rising at 4%.

Winners and losers approach bad for morale
All public sector employers have recently been subject to Government restrictions in what they can pay. But in Ofsted a bad situation has been made worse by the decision to give some staff – in more senior grades – increases significantly above inflation. With a limited pot of money to spend that has led to real hardship for the rest. This has been divisive and bad for morale.

The most recent survey of Ofsted staff showed that stress and workplace bullying had risen. It is time management at Ofsted recognised the demanding work ALL their staff perform.
Campaigning for a fair pay increase for all staff

The decision to take part in this action has not been taken lightly and comes after months of efforts by UNISON and PCS to negotiate an acceptable resolution to the dispute. We are calling on Ofsted to release funds it has set aside elsewhere and to secure additional monies from the Treasury so that all its hardworking staff can have a fair pay rise. Our hard-working members deserve no less.

DON'T FORGET TO EMAIL STUART CONFIRMING THAT YOU ARE 'OUT' ON STRIKE TODAY: s.barber@unison.co.uk

FRIDAY 16TH MAY

2008-05-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY 16TH MAY
WHY UNISON MEMBERS IN OFSTED ARE ON STRIKE TODAY
UNISON members in Ofsted undertake highly demanding jobs – responsible for inspecting childcare, early education and children’s social care, and ensuring that standards are adhered to and millions of young children are cared for safely and properly.
We are taking action today, alongside our colleagues in the PCS union, because Ofsted has imposed a pay award which leaves most of our members facing a pay freeze or below inflation uplift for three years.
Rising cost of living
A third of UNISON members are having their salaries frozen for two years – for a quarter the pay freeze is due to last three years! At a time when the cost of living – gas, food, fuel, petrol – has been going through the roof.
Even where our members have been given a rise, for half of them it amounts to 2% or less at a time when the real cost of living is rising at 4%.
Winners and losers approach bad for morale
All public sector employers have recently been subject to Government restrictions in what they can pay. But in Ofsted a bad situation has been made worse by the decision to give some staff – in more senior grades – increases significantly above inflation. With a limited pot of money to spend that has led to real hardship for the rest. This has been divisive and bad for morale.
The most recent survey of Ofsted staff showed that stress and workplace bullying had risen. It is time management at Ofsted recognised the demanding work ALL their staff perform.
Campaigning for a fair pay increase for all staff
The decision to take part in this action has not been taken lightly and comes after months of efforts by UNISON and PCS to negotiate an acceptable resolution to the dispute. We are calling on Ofsted to release funds it has set aside elsewhere and to secure additional monies from the Treasury so that all its hardworking staff can have a fair pay rise. Our hard-working members deserve no less.

My update on Ofsted’s update on the pay dispute!!

2008-05-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

I read management’s announcement on the Ofsted Intranet today "Update on pay dispute" and surprise, surprise – Ofsted are "disappointed" that UNISON and PCS are intending to hold a one day strike followed by an overtime ban!

What is so surprising about it Ofsted? Surely you must have known this was coming!

Ofsted say that they have "tried hard" to avoid the strike action and are "pleased" the FDA accepted the pay offer, and that it is "disappointing" that the trade union side could not reach a "collective agreement" over pay priorities.

Well, after reading the "update" and trying not to laugh my socks off, I have now calmed down …………somewhat!

I wonder how "hard" Ofsted have "tried" to avoid strike action, when it was Ofsted who freely chose to give some staff – in more senior grades – increases that are significantly above inflation! Whilst other staff, in less senior grades are having their salaries frozen for two years. No wonder FDA accepted the pay offer – why are you surprised Ofsted?

I also ask why are Ofsted "disappointed" that the trade union side could not reach a "collective agreement" over pay priorities. Ofsted, do you really think that your workforce are going to actually buy this statement! Ummm…let’s see….I will try and make it clearer to you Ofsted….just in case you don’t understand…..here goes:

A Fairy Story about valuing your workforce
Once upon a time, there was an organisation that belonged to the public sector. Public sector employers had been the subject of Government restrictions in what they could pay to their employees. So, this was no fault of Ofsted, they did not have a say in how much money they were given from the Treasury. (The treasury gives money to Ofsted, and Ofsted uses that to pay wages to its employees).

Ofsted were very disappointed that they could not secure more funding from the Treasury, but Ofsted’s workforce had faith in their organisation, and were absolutely sure that Ofsted would work with what they were given and would ensure that the monies were distributed wisely, equitably and fairly between its workforce.

However, this was not to be. A wicked spell was placed over the organisation, and instead of distributing its money fairly and equitably, the organisation decided to give senior grades higher increases – above the rate of inflation. Those senior grades were obviously very happy, but the other grades were not, because they were given significantly less, had their pay frozen, or where employees were given a rise - for half of them, - it amounted to 2% less at a time when the read cost of living was rising at 4%!

So the three trade unions in Ofsted got together and …FDA accepted the pay offer, as the majority of monies were given to senior grades who are represented by FDA…and UNISON and PCS (who represent the ground force – front line staff) rejected the pay offer as their members were the losers in the pay offer…………….. and Ofsted stated that they were "disappointed" that the trade unions could not reach a collective agreement!

And they all lived happily ever after……………………NOT!!!!!!!!!

Joking aside folks, Ofsted are now worried that the strike will damage its reputation and the services it provides. Please do not insult your workforce any further Ofsted – you have damaged your own reputation within this organisation. Your staff cannot trust you. Your staff work hard for you – giving everything they’ve got. They put up with extraordinarily high levels of stress, and extremely high levels of bullying, that have seriously affected people’s health.

The least……the very least that you could do Ofsted, is to ensure that you distribute monies fairly and equitably to your staff. You have chosen not to do that – so please do not try and lay a guilt trip on your loyal staff by making subtle hints about worrying about your reputation.

You have damaged your reputation all by yourselves Ofsted– you needed absolutely no help from your workforce!

See you all on Friday 16th – let our actions speak louder than Ofsted’s words!!!

This has been written by Roulla Xyrizos in my capacity as UNISON lay representative and Health and Safety Representative for London Ofsted UNISON members.

Members to email Stuart on Strike Day

2008-05-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Members,

Please contact Stuart Barber (UNISON Regional Officer) on Strike Day (Friday 16th May) to inform him of what you are doing. Just send either an email or a text message to Stuart with your name and the words 'IN' or 'OUT.' This is so that we can keep a tally of how many members are 'out' on strike day - i.e. observing the call to strike for the day.

You can contact Stuart as follows:

email: s.barber@unison.co.uk

see you on the day!

Strike Day Friday May 16th

2008-05-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Roulla will be at Ofsted HQ Holborn from 07.45am and will be waiting for members. Please try and arrive as early as you can - and before 09.30 if possible.

This is your chance to have your say and to express your dissatisfaction about this ludricious divisive pay offer which favours Band A's over and above those who are on the front line day in and day out!!!!!

SEE YOU ON THE DAY!

My concerns about the Ofsted UNISON National Forum

2008-05-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

Ofsted UNISON National Forum
My opinion…….

As London members are aware, I have for a number of years expressed my concerns regarding how our Unison National Forum in Ofsted operates.

For a number of years, I and various other forum members (both past and present) have expressed deep and serious concerns regarding the set up and the actual operation of this forum. Concerns include lack of transparency, lack of democracy, ineffectual and weak representation of our members issues, not to mention failure to respond and act appropriately and/or swiftly to various detrimental decisions imposed on us by management (for example the Coaching Drive fiasco in October 2006) to name but a few!

My concerns about the Forum remain, and in fact have increased. Various other members within the forum share my concerns, and we continue to raise them with UNISON National Office. I am not at all convinced that members’ interests have been fully and appropriately represented nationally, and as a result, I believe that this has had a detrimental effect on our members.

That said, I am stressing to you all, that we in London are extremely lucky in belonging to Lambeth UNISON (Jon Rogers and Nick Venedi being our branch secretaries) and in having Stuart Barber as our Regional Officer. London UNISON has always represented members’ interests in a transparent and democratic manner, and Lambeth UNISON is amongst the most respected Local Government UNISON branches in the country, and has a reputation for stringently defending and representing their members and acting without fear or favour. Once again, I say that I am proud to belong to this branch.

I have the opposite opinion however of the Forum. In my opinion, we should be allowed to operate as a fully functioning Branch, instead of a Forum. If we operate as a branch, then members:
- Have a say in electing branch officers
- Have a say in electing specific positions within the Branch
- Have a say in electing reps who demonstrate good leadership skills and are not afraid to challenge management on a number of issues that have been imposed to the detriment of our members.
- Have a say in electing reps who are not afraid to enforce legislation in order to safeguard members working conditions and environment.
- will be secure in the knowledge that their branch has a constitution, and is democratic and transparent and open instead of the present situation where (in my opinion) it operates dysfunctionally, undemocratically and operates as a token gesture – relying instead on the decisions of a minority instead of a majority.
- Social Care members can not only access their own union representative, but can access Mike Stapley, Social Care Inspector, who has an absolute understanding and knowledge of their issues…..instead of being told that Mike’s position on the Forum will be deleted as of September 2008, despite the wishes of the majority of the Forum Reps and Social Care members!!!

I have lost count of the number of times that the Forum has taken a democratic vote on a specific issue, which has not been followed through. For example:
·1 Why has Mike Stapley (a Social Care Inspector who should be representing the interests of our Social Care brothers and sisters) been told that he cannot remain on the Forum after September – despite the majority of Forum reps wanting him to remain?
·2 Why has the National Health and Safety Rep (me) been prohibited from contacting all members nationally despite a majority vote?
·3 Why is there no constitution despite a majority vote to do this?
·4 Why, way back (years ago in fact) was London UNISON not invited to attend the meetings with management regarding London Allowance, despite my numerous formal requests to certain members of the Forum to do so! Instead it was left to certain Forum individuals (non London) to act and negotiate on our behalf - DESPITE my numerous requests to include our Lambeth Branch!
·5Why do I feel uncomfortable that some aspects of the Forum remind me of Ofsted Management!
·6Why do I feel confused regarding what/who is the Forum and what/who is Management!
·7Why are the concerns of the majority of the Forum reps completely ignored and not acted upon?
·9 Why are democratic votes of the forum being ignored?

By having our own Ofsted UNISON Branch, we can ensure that we are self governing and transparent, as opposed to, what is (in my opinion) the present completely unacceptable situation, whereby the Forum appears to be a law unto itself, makes its own decisions, is not transparent and is not democratic. We have lost some excellent Forum Reps because of this, and I believe that we will continue to lose reps until and unless those at National UNISON actually stop ignoring our complaints and do something about it.
I feel very strongly about this situation, as I do not believe, and have not believed for some time now, that the Forum is effective – due to it’s (in my opinion) dictatorial. Autocratic and beaurocratic approach.

Easy isn’t it folks…..represent our members to the fullest, work with the employer but do not be afraid to challenge the employer. After all, that’s why unions came into effect.

Posted by Roulla Xyrizos

Advice re UNISON Strike action - London Members

2008-05-10T04:33:00.000-07:00

Members should by now have received personal letters from National UNISON regarding our Strike Action on Friday 16th May. The letter informs members that we are proceeding with industrial action and:

Instructing al UNISON members in Ofsted not to work on Friday 16 May
Instructing all UNISON members to work to their contracted hours only, including a ban on overtime, from 19th May to 30th May inclusive.

UNISON is working alongside our colleagues in the PCS union who are also instructing their members to take the same action.

Strike day 16th May

UNISON expects all members to observe the strike call. Ofsted management is being advised of the action in accordance with the legal timetable required.

The strike will run from 00.01 hours on Friday 16th May to 19.30 on Friday 16th May.

Homebased members should not do any work including logging on to or using any Ofsted equipment during Friday 16th May
Office based members should not attend work, or log-on to or use Ofsted systems remotely during Friday 16th May.

Support the strike

It is vital that all members support the call to action against Ofsted. Continuing to work on the day will undermine the actions of your fellow UNISON members and would go against the democratic decision of your union.

UNISON has given notice to Ofsted management that all members have been instructed to take part in strike action, so you do not need to notify management that your are taking part. If management contact you and ask you what your intentions are - please contact your local Rep Roulla Xyrizos for further advice.

Any attempt by management to coerce or intimidate you into breaking the strike should be reported to either Roulla Xyrizos or Lambeth UNISON immediately.

Activities on the day

All members are encouraged to attend our national rally on Friday May 16th to meet with your colleagues and to give the maximum publicity to the dispute. With such a large home-based workforce, management will attempt to play down the numbers participating - and we need the rallies to be well-attended so we can show the impact of the strike.

Join the picket line at Ofsted HQ in Holborn. Roulla will be there from 07.45am, followed by Lambeth UNISON officials and Stuart Barber and Mike Stapley Social Care Inspector and UNISON rep.

Whatever you do - make sure you come out and get involved - this is your chance to stand up with your colleagues and be counted!

See you on the day!

Arrangements for Friday 16th May 08 Strike Action!

2008-05-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

Members: I will be outside Ofsted head office Holborn from 08.00am on Friday strike day! I look forward to seeing you there! Mike Stapley - our Social Care UNISON Representative will also be travelling down for the day, and looks forward to meeting you and to meeting our Social Care Inspectors. So please come and find me and Mike upon your arrival!

Jon Rogers (Lambeth UNISON Branch Secretary) , Stuart Barber (our UNISON Regional Officer) and other reps from Lambeth UNISON will all be present and we will be supplied with banners etc to carry.

It should be a great day! Just stick close to me and Mike and together, united, we will march on!

You may want to bring a drink/flask/refreshments for use on the picket line.

House of Commons Select Committee - OFSTED Scrutinised at last!

2008-05-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families re Ofsted Management

The Children, Schools and Families Committee will be taking formal oral evidence from Ofsted on Wednesday 14 May 2008, from 9.30 a.m. in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House. The Committee welcomes written submissions regarding the work of Ofsted, which should arrive by 5pm on Thursday 1 May 2008. These submissions assist the Committee in preparing for the meeting with the Chief Inspector, and may be published alongside the transcript of the meeting. The session will be the Committee's second meeting with Christine Gilbert since the Committee was formed on 8 November 2007.

London UNISON is currently in the process of submitting documentary evidence to the Select Committee, dealing with management styles that our members have been experiencing, over the last 18 months. Whilst we are unable to publish the full submission at this early stage, we can highlight some of the issues that we have dealt with. These include:

· result of London UNISON's confidential survey
· suspension of members of staff, without warning, for 'cutting and pasting'
· unecessary monies being spent from the public purse, as the result of the many hearings held
· bullying and harassment of staff within the Southern Division - which continues - despite the bland assurances and promises given in the past on this topic to the previous Select Committee hearings.
· the number of cases that end up at the Employment Tribunals as a result of the abject failure of the Ofsted internal management structures to resolve what were initially internal grievances.
· When such cases are lodged, Ofsted fund this fully from the public purse.
· On at least 4 separate occasions within the last 18 months, formal grievances have been lodged by Ofsted staff within the Southern Division, relating to the serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. This includes Ofsted advising UNISON that their internal computer security system could not identify the individuals who had breached the Act by putting information on the shared drive. Notwithstanding the intervention of the Information Commissioners Office and following the assurances being provided by Ofsted, further complaints have been lodged since November 2007.
· Ofsted's 'gung ho' attitude when taking steps to suspend individuals on the flimsiest of evidence .
· Highlighting issues raised in the BBC's Whistleblower programme

The Llink to the Select Committee Website is here: http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/csf/csfpn020408.cfm
Watch this space for further developments................................

message from Roulla

2008-05-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Please refer to this blog on a regular and daily basis for up to date details regarding our strike and rally action due next Friday 16th May 08. We will be picketing outside Ofsted head office in Holborn and will then either be attending a rally at Congress House, or I will be informing members of an alternative location for us all to meet up. Keep logging in to this blog members!

All out on 16 May!

2008-05-07T03:38:00.001-07:00

OFSTED is facing nationwide strike action by members of both UNISON and PCS on Friday 16 May. The strike action is in protest at the impact of the public sector pay freeze on OFSTED members, reported previously on this blog.

UNISON members working for OFSTED should not work for the employer on Friday 16 May but should instead support the picket line at Alexandra House and attend the strike meeting at Congress House.

Further details will be posted here on this blog so check back regularly.

Welcome Back Roulla!

2008-04-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

Greater London UNISON representative on the OFSTED national forum, Roulla Xyrizos, is back at work, her suspension having been lifted by the employer.

This is great news as it means that Roulla can get back to advising and assisting OFSTED employees - and will be part of the discussion about the result of the current strike ballot.

Watch this space!

OFSTED strike ballot closes next week!

2008-04-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder to our Lambeth UNISON Ofsted members that the ballot for strike action closes on 30 April 2008.

Please make sure that you vote.

If any member has not received a ballot paper please call Colette Whitehead in the Local Government Section at UNISON Headquarters on 020 7551 1691 quoting your membership number to request a duplicate.

As you are aware, after a 94% vote to reject the 2007-10 pay offer members are angry that Ofsted is imposing below-inflation rises and, for many, a three-year pay freeze. PCS members have also rejected the pay offer. The offer amounts to a pay cut in real terms for most members. Not just for 2007 which is long overdue, but for 2008 and 2009 as well. In the first year of the offer there is a guaranteed offer of just 2% non-consolidated. In years two and three this ‘guarantee’ drops to just 1%. Meanwhile RPI inflation, the amount you need to stand still, is running at over 4%.Ofsted has chosen to push through a new pay system which is unfair and unacceptable.

Strike ballot goes ahead with full national backing

2008-04-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

At this week’s meeting of UNISON’s National Executive Council(NEC) the NEC agreed to a request from General Secretary Dave Prentis to send a message of support to our members at OFSTED in the current pay dispute.

UNISON and PCS are pressing ahead with strike ballots while making it clear to OFSTED that the trade unions are available to meet to negotiate at any time to try to resolve the dispute.

Keep up to date here and at the official national site.

a personal message to OFSTED UNISON members in Greater London

2008-04-05T01:12:00.001-07:00

I would like to sincerely and from the bottom of my heart thank all those UNISON members who have been in touch with me to wish me well. I am so very sorry that I cannot reply to any of your emails, telephone calls and cards, due to instructions from Ofsted.

However, I want you all to know that your wishes uplift me every single day. Thank you again. It has been, still is, and always will be my privilege to be your union representative.

I also want to thank UNISON officials Stuart Barber, Jon Rogers, Nick Venedi and the Lambeth UNISON group for their support and assistance.

Roulla

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