Wednesday 9 July 2014

Latest From Napo 35

This is the latest email from Napo HQ sent to all members early this morning:-

Dear All,

NAPO WORKING FOR ALL OF OUR MEMBERS

This week sees an important meeting of Napo’s NEC (National Executive Committee). On the agenda are some huge issues that are directly impacting on our members within Probation and the FCS, here is a selection.

The TR Campaign - Napo secures great publicity

The ongoing campaign against Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) and the intention to ‘sell off’ Probation, is now intensifying as we enter into a critical three-month period after which the Secretary of State intends to announce the names of the preferred bidders for the 21 Community Rehabilitation Company contract packages.

Napo has been leading the way in the campaign of resistance to this political and ideological folly, and while we are working with our sister unions Unison and GMB on joint campaigning initiatives to persuade politicians to support our call to halt the share sale, and get growing support from Parliamentarians, we continue to develop our contacts with the media. This has seen us involved in some excellent recent coverage (The Times, Independent and Independent on Sunday as well as ‘Insider Times’ - the national newspaper for the prisoners and detainees- along with scores of weekly regional ‘mentions’).

Here is a link to yesterday’s piece in the Independent, which gives an illustration of the work we are putting in to get the threats to our member’s jobs and profession to the forefront of public attention.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/probation-reform-train-crash-poses-a-risk-to-public-safety-9587241.html

Why are we not in the press every day?

We share member’s frustration at the refusal of the media and TV to regularly pick up on the clear public interest stories around probation privatisation (as well as those of interest to the work of the Family Courts). This has to be seen in the context of the wider difficulty of competing with the myriad of stories that are around and which get coverage as the programme producer’s new priority, very often at the last minute. This means that a particular piece of work or lead that Napo has spent considerable time on falls by the wayside. It is especially difficult to secure what is known as prime time coverage in evening and morning slots simply because rarely a day goes by without two or three major political or international events dominating those slots and setting the scene for the rest of the day’s coverage.

Nevertheless, just because you may not have seen or heard it, does not mean that nothing is happening, and it is a fact that Napo’s coverage across press, radio and TV over the last 12 to 15 months including prime time coverage surpasses just about any that has been achieved by other unions, but we intend to keep up the pressure. All records of Napo’s media involvement appear on the Napo website along with all our campaign briefings which let you know what we are doing. Please take the opportunity to click in from time to time and keep up to date, and remember that your local Napo Officers can also be of assistance here.

Judicial Review

The NEC will be hearing from our legal advisers Slater and Gordon, who have been acting for us since last year in our efforts to fully exhaust our options to seek an injunction against the Secretary of State’s TR agenda. It is evident that some misinformation has been put around about Napo’s efforts in this regard, so here is a summary of the facts.

The Officers and I have been working under the direction of the NEC to test out three strands of possible challenges to Graylings plans. These have entailed the gathering of masses of evidence and the whole process has been necessarily complex.

Firstly, we explored (between last autumn and the spring), whether the Secretary of State could split the service under the powers that he was claiming he had as a result of the Offender Management Act 2007. Answer: following a second opinion from our Counsel, was that sadly he could. After that we looked at a second possible route, which was that in moving to split the service had Grayling adequately consulted with staff?

The eventual response contained enough for us to reach a conclusion (again after advice from leading Counsel) that there was insufficient mileage in us approaching a judge to seek JR and risking the substantial costs that it would have taken to get to Court, and those we would have to pay if we had lost..

This was disappointing but not entirely unexpected given the lies that have been peddled by Ministers and the MoJ in general about TR. This leaves us looking at the third option, which is that now the split has occurred, we are arguing that the current operational state of chaos means that there must be a new test (Test Gate 4) applied with effect from 1st June through to the period immediately before it is decided to award CRC contracts to bidders. We have asked to see all the results of the previous ‘fit for purpose’ tests that we have been told have given TR a clean bill of health (‘Testgates’ 1,2 and 3) and despite Napo submitting Freedom of Information requests, this has been refused. We are now arguing that it is unsafe to proceed to a share sale unless this test is opened to public and parliamentary scrutiny and that it would not represent value for money to the taxpayer.

The possibility of incurring substantial costs in the event of a JR application is still a factor, but is one of a number of considerations that will need to be taken into account in terms of whether we should proceed or not.

Meanwhile, we await a reply to our third ‘Pre-Action Protocol’ letter from the Treasury Solicitor, and news of what this new ‘Testgate 4’ will entail, we will keep you informed about what the NEC decides we ought to do following this.

New stop the sell off e-petition launched by Probation Unions

A new government e-petition was launched last week calling for a halt of the CRC share sale due to a lack of infrastructure and the risk to public safety.

Please encourage your work colleagues, friends and families to sign up to the new online e-petition using the following link:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/66795


IN THE FAMILY COURT SECTION

(Editor's note - The Family Court Section has been omitted)

Napo subscription problems

The last week or so has been a nightmare for Napo’s membership section as they try to cope with the database changes arising from the probation staff split.

Unfortunately, and through no fault of Napo, we have discovered that there are a high number of individual problems relating to errors for union and other deductions made by Noms for NPS staff. Anne and Tay are working flat out to try and rectify the issues but we ask that you bear with the membership team as they work their way through your enquiries. If you haven’t done so already, please check your pay slip for accuracy and report any issues to Shared Services and cc: membership@napo.org.uk.

Finally

Our members in Probation and the Family Court Service face huge challenges of different complexity, and we wanted to reinforce the message that Napo as a trade union and professional association is committed to promoting and protecting the interests of all of our members irrespective of your employer or grade. In the FCS there has been a vacancy for the position of National - Vice Chair for some time now. This is an important position that ensures that the FCS has a direct input into the union’s strategic and operational activities and that FCS members’ have a voice in Napo’s leadership structure. Is there someone out there who is interested? If so please contact Dean Rogers at Napo HQ: drogers@napo.org.uk

Napo remains the union of choice within Probation and the FCS and is taking a firm and principled stand on the key vocational and professional issues that affect you at work. Your continued support for Napo in these difficult times is massively appreciated.

Ian Lawrence - General Secretary

Napo Officer Group (Yvonne Pattison, Chris Winters, Keith Stokeld, Megan Elliott)

9th July 2014


As an aside, my re-publishing Pat Waterman's annual report to members of Napo Greater London Branch seems to have touched some raw nerves, judging by some of the comments:- 

I heard that the guy who standing against Pat thinks that his experience as an SPO will help him to make friends with senior managers and herald in a new era of peace and harmonious cooperation - what planet is he on? They are apparently not that opposed to TR and think that appeasement is course most likely to succeed - more like caving in and selling us down the line. I and many other members of Napo want a strong leader with principles who senior managers respect and listen to precisely because they reflect the views of those at the front line even if this makes them a bit uncomfortable and wakes them up to reality. 

I will be voting for straight talking Pat without any hesitation.

*****
We need Pat to help restore credibility, reputation of NAPO & to have a proper fight. Enough of the previous wishy washy fighting which sold us out.

*****
If Pat had been National Chair then there wouldn't have been any nonsense. Every NAPO member in London worth their salt should be at the Napo Greater London Branch AGM on Friday at 2pm showing their support. Anyone can find an excuse not to go and leave matters to others but that's the kind of attitude that helps Grayling an makes him think no one will oppose him. Be there and let's have the biggest meeting ever as you can bet Graylings spies will be telling him how many people were there.

*****
I think Hull is a friend of Tom 'CRC ACO hopeful' Rendon. Just make sure Rendon doesn't catch the branch cold again like he did when he got elected by getting a load of cronies to turn up who then disappeared from future NAPO meetings!

*****
That's exactly whats going on! The "rendonistas" are enraged by PW telling her members the truth about his ill-fated career move.

Whatever, the members of Napo GLB will have a clear choice at their AGM on July 18th:-  

Robert Hull
Proposer: Liz Dixon
Seconder: Kevin Hall

I am currently an SPO with over 10 years experience as a branch, regional and national officer in the Communication Workers Union. A priority for me is maximising membership and organisation. We need better attendance at meetings, and stronger support for any industrial action the Union takes. To build an effective relationship with Employers you have to be understood and respected. Criticism of them should be coherent and not personal. Members need to feel the Union is inclusive; too often meetings are a hostile environment lacking in reasoned debate. We need an agenda we can all feel a part of.

Pat Waterman
Proposer: Patricia Johnson
Seconder: David Masterson

Main grade probation officer/ member of NAPO for over thirty years.
Founder member of National Equal Opportunities Committee and Women in NAPO.
TUC courses: Representation/Negotiation, Press & PR, Equalities, Redundancy and H&S. Diploma in Employment Law.
Accredited H&S Representative/Job Evaluator
Experienced TU representative in individual ER cases and collective consultations.
Coordinator of Branch Representation Panel
Member of National Negotiating Committee
Branch ARO/ERO 2010/11
Branch Vice-Chair 2011/12
Branch Chair 2012/2014

I have the experience and knowledge to provide this branch with the leadership it needs in these difficult times and to ensure that the interests of ALL members are properly represented.

36 comments:

  1. Napo should be on strike tomorrow and it's reasons for not calling a strike in solidarity with other unions are pathetic. It is also disingenuous of Napo to cite the claptrap about negotiations on the pay offer as putting them in another orbit to the rest of public service workers. Napo members have lost thousands in recent years through pay freezes and the strike is about saying the imbalances need redressing.

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  2. That Napo are not in dispute CURRENTLY about pay has been explained in several messages from Chivalry Road in last month or so, if members wanted it otherwise, it was open to them to pursue it via the NEC or a branch motion.

    I raised the issue in questions years ago, but for reasons I have never understood the public sector unions collaboration over the last forty years has generally been pathetic - I am sorry for my share of the responsibility.

    I gather, that at least Some Greater London Branch members are planning to be involved in public demonstrations on Friday, as can others though, obviously it is difficult making a media impact if one works in a place where there are no public events and/or it is not feasible to take leave to go elsewhere to join a public event.

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    1. The strike is not just about pay - that is the Napo spin on it

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  3. I personally will support pat waterman. But I think it's unfair (as seems the way of some who write here) to pillory those who don't agree. I know many London colleagues who felt torn by napo attacks on the outgoing Chief who was a respected figure by many of us in London. This is not about the outgoing chair etc and not everything is good versus bad. We all have brains in our heads and should respect opposing points of view. A union is after all a democracy. I however applaud Pat's stamina and effort. She came to speak at my office to us and her fighting spirit inspired me as that of someone who is a natural leader.

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    1. Like you I will be voting for Pat as I have seen her in action as a rep first hand when I had a spot of bother and she is formidable all round - being both experienced and sharp but also possessing a strong sense of what is the right thing to do. We need strong leaders who can see through the fog of PR and rubbish and fewer opportunists hoping for a quick root to the top and never mind who you trample on. It is certainly good to listen to opposing points of view and make your own mind up and thats why its good to air some views on here and actually hear from the candidates. I'm sure Pat like most leaders with sense welcomes constructive criticism and its refreshing to see different views at meetings. Some people dont like debate.

      Pat is no shrinking violet but neither is the former Chief of LPT who could have done at least as much as some other chiefs to stand up and be counted. I was dissapointed with her lack of fight after initially saying at a meeting I was at she would stand shoulder to shoulder with the unions well she didnt did she. Pat is still here standing shoulder to shoulder (or she would if she could but I'm taller than her!!) with all of us. Going round the offices and working hard to pick us up and not giving up or getting downtrodden when we all feel like crap.
      Heather Munro's leadership style was eccentric and peculiar in my humble opinion as she chose not to be private but open up her wealthy middle class lifestyle for all to see in an attempt to say to staff 'look at how transparent my life is I have no agenda. I'm just like you.' Well we all earn £160k and can dictate the terms of our generous early retirement package after effectively taking a back seat for a number of months before enjoying an all expenses paid lavish leaving do - can't we? Now you can probably see that those who might have trade union principles who are also at the time struggling to help their members who are stressed and despaerate and saying how crap their day to day existence was becoming and how worried they were about their own futures taking issue with the crocodile tears of the departing Chief. Many fell for it but to Pats credit she said to Heather Munro straight that she wasn't falling for it and called her bluff. At the end of the day we all somehow think she was nice? How strange. Maybe Mr Grayling thought that too.

      It is particularly interesting to me that Mr Hull is talking about better attendance at meetings (I would like to see more as well because its important to participate) and yet I have rarely seen him at Branch meetings (maybe twice if anyone has been counting please correct me) and I have attended most meetings for more years than I can remember. As an SPO he could give himself permission to go so no excuse rellly and he could have rung round his mates and encouraged them and maybe he did so its down to individual responsibility really. He clearly has some experiences in the CWU (we gave them some money at Pats suggestion when they were on strike) but where has he been? (according to him he was an active trade unionist????) especially in the last 18 months? Quite frankly I've never heard much from him other than at the last couple of meetings and I struggled a bit to understand his points. I would give his bid for branch chair or another branch post a lot more consideration if he had got stuck in to the fight against TR. I am not even sure from his statement if he actually opposes TR? I dont know can someone please tell me ? This is the kind of thing that us members want to know. I don't think anyone is in any doubt where Pat stands and thats good enough for me.

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  4. I dont care much for the outgoing chief and if we'd seen more than just hand-wringing, I might be more sympathetic. Sure PW can come across as fiery at times but what's the alternative? PS - I've been around long enough to have seen meetings with genuinely hostile atmosphere- it's how it used to be before Pat, when the claque would demean you if you were "off-message". I'd rather not go back to those days.

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    1. The alternative to Waterman is Hull who wants to be 'understood and respected by the employer '. What planet does he live on? We don't have an understanding government. We have ideologues who would love to deal with the likes of Hull who want to be understood and respected.

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    2. Too right Pats got a bit of fire. Thats what we need right?
      Yeah you are so right about those meeting before Pat was the Chair I was afraid to say anything and got told to keep quiet. Cliques are bad news. A proper debate and getting everyones views out in the open is best. "Understood and respected" do me a favour.
      People do have short memories. I like the way Pat Chairs meetings and dont want to go back to that stage managed stuff. A lot gets done and everyone has their say.

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    3. That man has caused NAPO members misery at the behest of management! He should not be allowed anywhere near the AGM let alone standing for election! The only plausible vote is for Pat!!!!

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  5. I've just been told that Chris Pearson from Essex branch was elected as interim NAPO Chair at today's NEC meeting.
    Deb

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    1. I wonder if this means he isn't standing for Chair in October? I wonder as otherwise isn't there an unfair advantage over other candidates some of whom potentially could not stand as interim Chair if were not NEC reps?

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    2. Yes I've heard that too - Chris Pearson elected Napo Chair following challenge at NEC..

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    3. Don't know anything about this Chris but hope he gets more concise a n d frequent info out to members:it feels as if too often we are left in vacuum about what National Napo are doing.

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    4. I'm sure Chris will keep things on course until October. He is well regarded as a safe pair of hands. Some of the communications from Napo HQ are a bit lengthy and they could do with a good editor with a red pen.

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  6. Pat, Pat, Pat and more Pat!

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    1. One Pat is more than enough for Greater London Branch.

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  7. Pat all the way we need a proper probation officer to represent us

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    1. Pat Waterman has dedicated herself body and soul to Napo members in London whatever grade and whoever they work for. She also has a very skilled and dedicated team who together take care of business. Whatever problems may have befallen Napo elsewhere Pat has always run a tight ship and never let up fighting TR and those supporting it. Good luck Pat

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    2. hm!!! I actually had a problem last year and contacted the Union, no one came back to me so I thought, it was only myself mentioning the situation in the office a month or so later, that the Union Rep based there actually stated oh yes, I was told about it. In other words, she was told to obviously deal with myself, but couldnt be bothered, her comment, you're not alone - no meeting or discussion. So to be honest, at this time when all is going crazy, any other personal or work related issues unrelated to the TR seems non existent. Currently off sick at the moment, for stress. Pointless talking to anyone at the moment, so what do I do - open another bottle

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    3. Very sorry to hear that and I hope things improve for you soon. Stay in touch and thanks for commenting.

      Jim

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    4. I am sorry about that as well and can identify - up to a point with Anon at 05.51.

      When I first got in difficulty with how I was being managed in respect of a disability (which I did not properly recognise - and the employer disregarded - I had a series of 'breakdowns and was being monitored about my health - it is too long ago to remember the precise details) I was personally active in the Napo branch but stupidly fired of a grievance procedure complaint - I think about the way my agreed reassignment was - or more accurately was not being managed). Somehow, the then Branch Chair a very skilled negotiator got to find out and came along to one of the review meetings - still an inappropriate transfer went ahead and I found myself in a job that did not fit - I was not employed as a computer operator or typist and yet there was nobody at my new office to do the computer operating - and typing that I had never been trained to do but was somehow expected to get on with on top of the professional task (My previous job had been a 5 year prison secondment - where I did not even have a computer in my office but shared access to one between a team of about 6 and what typing was needed was done via the 'pool' in the prison's admin department)

      Within two weeks in the new placement (I had been a po 27 years - I realised I was not able to do the job that I was required to do (I believed through no fault of mine)

      Then I decided after a three week leave period that was then due I would simply not return to work. I told my SPO - so that arrangements could be made about what work I did before my leave and went off on holiday with some time critical work undone - I agreed to reconsider the position when my leave period was ended - did so - decided I had been transferred to a job I was not able to do - so phoned to say I was not coming to work - I then phoned Union - fortunately my branch had officials with full facility time and I got an immediate response - go to GP - which I did described what happened and was diagnosed as having work related stress - the next year or so was problematic but I did have the union negotiating - even then the officials were very busy and I felt guilty I had never been a negotiator as Napo is greatly under resourced in members willing and able to do that vital work. Napo were not with me every step of the way but did eventually negotiate medical assessments which regrettably ultimately left me with a choice of accepting an offer of early retirement or fighting the employer that I was not fairly reassigned - with the possibility of dismissal at the end of what was likely to be a long 'battle'. Discretion to protect what I had been offered - pension paid 7 years before I would otherwise have qualified for it and a ten year uplift in the amount paid because of my length of service, or possible dismissal if I did not get re-engagement with the 'reasonable adjustments' to which I believed I needed (someone to type and work the computer as I had experienced in my previous years as a PO in three different Services.)

      All our stories are different - as a friend told me - I would not have wanted to work in The Service - in the way it was restructured even before TR - so I can imagine that what is now happening is an absolute nightmare - and some very dedicated probation workers (Like I was) probably feel diminished by the process, as if all their past skilful work has been disregarded - that was how I felt but then I recalled some of my successes - which surprisingly continued for me whilst I was off sick - for months on end awaiting a resolution -

      TO BE CONTINUED - (sorry I am not good at précis)


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    5. CONTINUED: -

      - Sadly colleagues did not keep track of one of my lifer clients (despite me having made it clear what appointment he had) and he was out of contact for several months but (apparently - I was not told the whole story) came to police attention and thus to the then Probation Minister - with the CPO being summoned to provide an explanation in person - A DCPO investigated - I anticipated condemnation - my formal casework record was not up to date - though there were plenty of notes (no typist) - what actually happened was the opposite a genuine commendation for the way I had been working with a VERY challenging client - who was recalled (the client was one who unusually & the only similar I ever worked with had attracted national media attention over several years).

      I am not sure if me explaining this is helpful to anyone, but the point is - I was in no fit state to represent myself properly - my wife did not fully understand the job situation - or my disability [she still doesn't - & I am still learning about it!] - fortunately once I had initiated proper contact with the union - I did get the protection that I needed and especially a sense that I did not have to deal with the whole situation alone but had access to a body of knowledge who understood the law as it applied to my situation, even if they were short of time.

      I stress please email Napo nationally if you cannot make contact with your branch officials.

      One thing - my contract meant I was normally only on full pay for 6 months whilst off sick. I did not want to be sick for a single day - but had to accept the diagnosis of my GP - work related stress, confirmed by an independent occupational physician, commissioned by my employer - consequently the union negotiated that full pay continued until the whole issue was resolved - in my case about ten and a half months, before my medical retirement actually commenced.

      I am pretty sure that Anon at 05.51 is not the only one in the situation she or he is experiencing right now. The Governement are largely or maybe totally responsible and it is very wrong that so many who have worked hard are in such a situation as described. Having done a demanding job over many years, once stress takes hold, it can be difficult to overcome - if the stress is caused by treatment at work - the employer has a continuing responsibility. It is equally difficult for Trades Unions to represent large numbers of people in such situations simultaneously, as it must be for employers who are in the midst of a major reorganisation (as was my employer still in 2002/3 after the restructuring of 2001) - but we are where we are and folk who are unable to work are entitled to require they get just what they would be due if such turmoil was not continuing.

      In truth after I left probation - I was almost immediately cut off from it and internet apart that is largely how it has remained - but sudden like changes can be difficult to adjust to, for anyone I always thought my experience and training should mean I should have the skills to manage things satisfactorily, but I needed to get definite individual support and that maybe necessary for others as well and not as I originally felt - a sign of me being a flawed weak person - my professional achievements alone prove the opposite!

      - - - - - - - - -

      Jim - it maybe that Anon at 05.51 does not revisit and so never reads your words of encouragement or mine - might you have some way of alerting them that their posting has received a response - thank you. ASH.

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  8. London calling?
    Just a gentle reminder that there is life outside of London...just saying.....although I understand it is bigger and better than anywhere else ( even the NAPO branch apparently)...

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    1. Apparently on Friday 18th from 13:00 1,300 odd Napo members will be traveling from the near and far reaches of London (so great they called it Greater London) for the gathering. There will be feasting, speeches, and a battle to the finish, followed by much quaffing, more feasting then off into the night on the long journey back home. This could be the Napo gathering to end all gatherings. There can be only one. :-)

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  9. London Branch firmly on the map because there is a great team behind the scenes who are respected and appropriately credited for great service to members and our unions objectives.

    The big profile Pat has built is to her credit. Achieved on behalf of our members interests, getting the message out there.

    High profile roles like London Chair will generate mixed views. Whatever position you take Pat as current Chair is making her presence felt and members feelings known to those who should be listening and moderating their TR fiasco. Pat earns her respect and is well deserving.

    Pat has the capacity and tenacity to fight on our behalf. She understands the levels of engagement she needs to adopt and to ensure notoriety.

    Pat and the London team behind the scenes continue to do great work. At this time. Whatever your opinion, there is no better placed person for the role which Pat has chosen. London profile is positive for what is required in battle now and beyond.

    Pat W's credible CV says all it needs to for full members support. London team spirit good for us all.

    Dino

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    1. You are certainly right about teamwork Dino. Everything NAPO Greater London Branch seem to do is well planned and when they say they will do something they do it. There are some very decent and honourable Branch Chairs and others involved in Napo who like Pat really do care and put the needs of their members first and it is because of them I have ignored the goings on with the last GS and the last National Chair (big mistake) and focused on the activities of those who plug away day in day out doing what is right for us and being there when we need them. So thanks to Pat and all those other dedicated Napo people

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    2. Dino .. I agree.. Although I've never met pat . I've heard her interview with the taxi driver and seen posts about what she says and does. If I was in London I'd be voting for her ..need more chairs like her.
      Jill Narin

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  10. Robert Hull is an odious tool of managment that has caused misery as attack dog for senior management team. The arrogance of the man to stand for election is incredible. If members want GLB Napo to roll over on a regular basis vote fot the sychophant that is Rob Hull. If you want to fight tooth and nail to the bitter end Pat is the only option. She is exactly what is required in difficult times!

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    1. Poor Rob Hull, he only wants to be understood and respected by his employer. He wants to represent the workers. Sure, he rarely attends branch meetings, but he is an activist. What's your real agenda Rob? I don't trust where you are coming from.

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  11. Rob hull and emu

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  12. An SPO should not be dismissed for running for Chair of London Branch. What does that say about members who have career progression in mind? Active SPO’s members make the best managers. We are all in this Omnishambles together.

    ‘Anonymous 09/07 20:28’ I trust in Rob Hull’s integrity and ability to act on behalf of the members of London Branch if he were to be elected as the Chair. I know Rob Hull. I’m a Probation Officer in HMP managed by Rob Hull for over 12 months, if he lacked integrity I would tell you.

    ‘Anonymous 10/07’ (morning and afternoon), It’s easy to find someone upset or personally aggrieved who turns into a person’s biggest critic. I presume he has upset some people in the course of undertaking his role as an SPO and you may be one of them. If I ask all your probationers about you as a Probation (or) Service Officer (as I assume you may be). I bet that I can find a satisfied probationer eager to tell me you’re the Officer that changed their life and your biggest critic. Your remarks sound like you have a personal axe to grind.

    If it were as simple as huffing and puffing and blowing the Omnishambles away: I’d vote Pat Waterman every time. Unfortunately its not: I think Pat has a genuine desire to fight the TR agenda for her members but Rob Hull should not be dismissed in such a manner. He is a legitimate challenger to the post of Chair of London Branch. Democracy and accountability are healthy and welcomed features of an election, I’m glad this is an election and we have no rubber stamped candidates.

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  13. Comment 20;52 you are right there is no reason a senior cannot be Chair but as PO's are the bulk of the union I believe it best if we have a PO or PSO as Chair.

    I would hate to see a strong woman like Pat Watman be replaced by a man like Rod Hull (no disrespect) but he has no Napo credentials, he has not served on the NEC, he has never been to a branch meeting until 2014, never seen him at an AGM. I have worked in probation double digit years and equally been in Napo as long. I did not realise who he was until his motion (possible first and only motion he has ever placed) at the last branch meeting.

    If Liz Dixon stood I would vote for her she works hard for the union Rod has not. I fear he lacks experience and the skills for this role. Pat with her faults is the only thing that has been consistent in these continually changing and uncertain times. We have seen a good Chief leave, service split into two and constant information change. This would be a bad time to change Chair in my view.

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  14. Comment 20:52 10th July 2014 you acuse a PSO of attacking Rob Hull, why? I have been managed by Rob he was okay as a manager , but I saw colleagues who fell behind on targets or with personal circumstances be pushed through formal procedures and the end result was not pretty. My view of Rob is he is career hungry and like Tom Rendon is likely to use our union and professional association to progress his career

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  15. Who is Rob Hull? Where does he work? What are his politics? Sorry but I have no idea who he is. Will there be a chance to ask him questions at branch meeting?

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  16. Pat has facility time Robert does not so not fair to compare

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