Saturday 25 July 2015

Leadership

Can't we just sack this Ian lawrence or better yet, just cancel your membership. Like anything, if you don't like the service, then stop paying. Would you go back to a restaurant every month to buy food you don't like? No, so why pay subs as it's clear NAPO doesn't work for you. Napo, like Sodexo, serves for the interests of the few. 70k a year. I bet he is laughing his ass to the bank every month. I'd love to know what expense claims he is making for all of these meetings with Sodexo chiefs. Freedom of information request anyone?

*****
Ian Lawrence is again as most of the time bloody wrong. You should tell every member to hold tight don't apply for any Sodexo offer. Make them make us redundant and you set the funds free to take each or all cases to court. You apologise for ex CPOs what a daft thing to do. They do not pay your salary so you don't feel sorry for the enemy. They are the lick spittle group getting paid handsomely. When is you 5 years up? Anyone could better than your attempts to play a bit too fast and loose.

NEC, read this and get a grip on the free hand of this top table outfit they know nothing demonstrated by the way this is managed. Anyone who works in this field should not be writing out how they did or didn't negotiate properly. What did he expect? They are not going to roll over and play tickle my tummy. Ian Lawrence learn to swim or get back to the shallow end.

*****
Ian Lawrence has proved he cannot tread water, let alone swim, completely out of his depth from start to finish.

*****
All this anti Ian Lawrence stuff again and again - always from anonymous people - seems to me most are trolls - the volume of negativity which is pretty meaningless and I suspect is aimed at further lowering the morale of folk who are under attack and feeling vulnerable.

It makes no sense - surely probation and social work folk know better than to keep on rubbishing people who they want to achieve better things - that is totally un probation and un social worker like - why would they lose all professional sense when they write (anonymously) in social media?

*****
You will know as well as anyone out here in anonymous-land that we need a scapegoat. IL is paid at least £70k a year, his pitch was that he was a union man. Many members clearly don't feel they've had a fair representation from this self-proclaimed professional. Numerous mistakes, errors of judgement, poor performance have been highlighted. A recent appearance of his at a meeting with senior CRC managers was described to me as "cringe worthy" & "benign". His blogs have been self serving & smug whilst members see their careers disappearing at a rate of knots.

People are ANGRY. IL is the Napo figurehead. It ain't rocket science.

You were lucky, you received effective representation from a particularly well informed & proactive rep. You have praised R before on here, & rightly so. I had piss poor representation from a local rep who was in pocket of management & received no support from IL or national union when it was brought to their attention. I previously withdrew my subs when a colleague was maliciously accused of behaviour which was totally unfounded & for which they were suspended & then found innocent but... the malicious accuser received an ex gratia payment of mortgage-clearing proportions.

Todgergate didn't help Napo's credibility.

I'm no fan of mindless abuse but I understand the vitriol aimed at Napo HQ & at IL. Some of it is mine. He's paid & paid well to do a job. This is an independent blogsite, not napo-land. Jim looks after his blog, is particularly liberal & has a keen eye for the troll.

I'm about to lose my job in a CRC. You have made many helpful contributions which I have variously enjoyed & appreciated, but your career ain't on the line this time. Napo & IL have a lot to answer for, and they have a duty to provide those answers.


*****
In discussing the performance of Napo and issues of accountability, it's inevitable that mention is made of the general secretary. I agree he should not be personally abused or scapegoated for the failure of the unions in probation to stop TR or secure an impregnable framework agreement. The unions, with the odd exception in some sectors, are weak across the economy. This reflects the success of neo-liberalism, not the uselessness of trade unions.

Replacing IL would not revive the fortunes of Napo and to think otherwise is a triumph of hope over experience. It is arguable whether the union leadership could have done more to raise the consciousness of its members to the dangers of TR and the necessity of solidarity in opposition to the threats posed. But, unfortunately, the solidarity, as demonstrated in turnout in ballots and support on the ground for industrial action, was not there.

Intuitively it was tempting to think that a workforce within a politicised justice system, would have been politically savvy and smart enough to see solidarity as being in their self-interest. But it would seem that the workforce was atomised and unable to collectively see what was in front of its nose. It is impossible for any trade union leader to lead when so few are prepared to follow. If you believe in 'The Great Man Theory', then IL should go, but if you take the view that it's the wider social trends and conditions that enable leaders to make an impact, then no leader without supporting structures can achieve anything. The failure of Napo is a shared failure.

*****
He is a public figure, the self proclaimed tough leader who says a lot about 'not on my watch'. Sadly it's all happened on his watch and his alone. It is his responsibility and at his pay grade to ensure the best advice and hardest risk warnings are properly orchestrated and warned to all NAPO members. Clear instruction to deliver action when required and why they needed to do it, no question. He did not and it fell apart. He did do a lot of fudging and JR shuffle lost and misled members on who won. Did not tell us the costs but AGM will out and the list goes on. Publish his success record against the negatives on this blog and there may be a debate. At this time however, he is a membership losing GS. It would be cheaper to see him go and stem the membership resignations as he puts the union at risk by staying. It is his ego that will keep him banging in the rhetoric, but in reality he must realise if the AGM start up and get angry and rightly so, the buck stops at his door.

I speak to many people who are of the opinion that he should not be in role now, if he is able to survive. Lets hope not for the good of NAPO members who are left. It is time to recognise we need a new direction or we are finished. He has said as much in his submissions to the NEC about selling Napo into a co-union merger. He did not go to members for permission on that either. Instead he flannels it through the non listening NEC in that 'what you want me to do' auto suggestion con the audience mode he uses. He says that is accountable. Wise up members.

*****
Yea I get the feeling Jim and his disciples are anti Napo. Maybe they missed out on a shot at the big time and now use this forum to vent at what is wrong instead of suggesting what is right. On the flip side though, Jim et al are somewhat correct in wanting to hold Napo to account as they have let some members down badly. Not all, but some.


--oo00oo--

I've said it numerous times before and say it yet again - I'm not anti Napo, but I can't abide bullshit and bollocks. In the five years this blog has been running, there have been some regular themes in the 1438 published posts. If I key in the word 'dysfunctional' - not operating normally or properly' - I find it cropping-up in 39 posts, all about Napo. Take this for example from 2014:-

Yes a very good point and just another illustration sadly of the utter dysfunctionality of Napo at the top. A very unwise move politically in the middle of this struggle to add to all the other very unwise moves by other people at the top in Napo.

BUT we are where we are as they say and bad as it is we have to try and get the good ship Napo, holed and rudderless as it is, patched up and back steaming full ahead in the right direction. This can happen by the membership making their voices clear in a variety of ways, including this blog.

Things have improved - the information flow, for example by direct emails to members has vastly improved. After much prevarication, things are at last moving on Judicial Review, although it may be too late.

There's no doubt the Chair has made some unwise decisions, but while he remains Chair I think he must be supported and encouraged to make the right decisions, especially in getting a grip on the activities of the paid staff at Chivalry Road, exercise some firm leadership and make the most of Grayling's current difficulties. There's plenty of time for recriminations further down the line, starting at the AGM I suppose.

It's a bloody mess - but it's been a mess at the top in Napo for so many years it's almost like situation normal. The breakout of free speech just might improve things. Observant readers may have noticed that I've made mention of a dysfunctionality of leadership at the top of Napo several times. To put it bluntly, I think there are considerable tensions between Chair and General Secretary that require resolving. The AGM is a few months off yet, but it's absolutely vital we get firm leadership now and an action plan that can maximise on Grayling's current difficulties and especially with bidders getting cold feet for TR. 


What might an emergency 'Action Plan' consist of? 
  • Retain Harry Fletcher's services until October at least 
  • Employ an ethical PR company to assist Tania Bassett 
  • Recruit one or two front-line practitioners for media appearances 
  • Broaden the Campaign Committee membership 
  • Encourage as much dialogue as possible on new media platforms 
  • Keep the membership fully informed and engaged

--oo00oo--

As far as I'm aware, nothing happened. 

The blog continues to be both read avidly by Napo HQ, but at one of the same time studiously ignored publicly. Quite idiotic, but I've given up being bothered because the membership read it anyway. 

Unhappiness with the 'top table' is a very regular theme and here is a roundup of comments regarding Napo from May this year. I decided not to publish them at the time because the PO in me is always hoping for change, but it hasn't. In fact things are getting much worse with, I'm told, 70 members a month leaving. I would never advocate such a move because it's far more important to stay and have a voice both in elections and at the AGM. So, somewhat belatedly, as the AGM approaches once more and with elections ongoing, here's what was concerning readers just before the general election:-     

Ian Lawrence is a f*cking snake. "If some losses are unavoidable". As ever it's capitulation all the way while expecting us to be dumb enough to swallow the same old empty bullshit posturing. Why haven't we sacked him? F*ck you Lawrence.

*****
I think NAPO are keen to wind the union up and doing everything in there power to cock things up.

*****
I hold the full members of Napo responsible for not using their constitution to control the way their officers and employees work.

Napo centrally, still do not understand or use social media advantageously, by commentating on some developments as they happen and so to gain greater active support. That is the way the child sex abuse campaigners are working and folk like those at the Howard League led by Frances Crook, some former MPs as well. Even Russell Webster works like that, although as he continues, like the London CRC to block me on Twitter I wonder what his real motives are and in whose employ he is in.

*****
You're wrong. 3 brave NEC reps tried to hold the errant joint chairs to account but were suspended. They were blotted out of events colluded with by the rest of their weak NEC colleagues. They had drama and as it in yet the NEC allowed the worst. No chance of getting membership in control.

*****
Opposition is inevitable - but ultimately the totality of the membership 'owns' Napo. As for suspensions/dismissals I think there is a right of appeal ultimately to a general meeting - BUT - folk need to first have a sense of being responsible for the union(s) rather than as the Thatcher generation, may feel - customers - it is unlikely to change overnight but can happen.

*****
Thank you. We really need those who have tried to stand up to Napo HQ in the past to get together and let us know what has been going on. Members are going to find it difficult to stand up to the General Secretary and others if we don't know what we're up against. Personally, I have heard and experienced enough to know I don't trust Napo HQ but we need to build up a picture of where it is going wrong so we can decide what action is to be taken.

*****
Indeed, but I have zero faith in members being able to use existing structures and procedures. The problems are endemic and structural and despite everything that has gone on over the last few years, there has not been the slightest sign that a bit of soul-searching and internal re-organisation is necessary. Given this, I can see no alternative but a campaign to unseat the General Secretary.

*****
I'm with you. Members will need evidence of how things have been mishandled. Anyone willing to speak out will give us a starting point.

***** 
I am sick of those criticising Ian Lawrence. It's not him who's weak. It's us.

*****
He is responsible for everything since his election he gets paid a lot more than you and I. At his level he won't take responsibility for anything. He has the skill of repeating himself all over the place with nothing new. It is a shame he inherited much more of a basket of problems than he could deal with. Ledger issues and 2 shop display model only joint chairs. One who fell off the perch with a publicised Court appearance although cleared had to go just in time. The other turned out to be a disguised collapsible prop neither with adequate experience or knowledge for the tasks in hand. The prop resigns amidst a number of his own scandals, blames everyone else but does not tell us the truth or the extent of the issues underlying his resignation. He had applied for ACE CRC mind, so with that judgement, workers were already defeated. Sadly they are to blame, we only had to vote for them and seal this fate. They need to be sorry, Napo members made the wrong choices.

*****
Ian Lawrence was democratically elected to represent the people but the people (some) turn on him at every opportunity.#fickle

*****
Not everyone who voted in the General Secretary election voted for IL, and just because he is in post does not mean we should uncritically accept how he is functioning in role. Just as we hold politicians to account, (also democratically elected) so we are within our rights as NAPO members to hold IL to account. It is not a question of being 'fickle'. 

*****
I agree with above and the election percentage turn out was appalling. Hardly a majority of members for proper mandate. What do you expect us all to do stand and applaud what is happening to us? This is being done off the back of Mr Lawrence's agreement. No sign of never retreat nor surrender. There has been huge unprecedented disturbance with a chair resigning citing differences and still we have no real understanding of why. Not all of us are so accepting.

*****
Yesterday someone mentioned that 3 NEC Reps holding the joint chairs to account were suspended. How can members find out more about this?

*****
By asking your Branch NEC rep! Some reps were suspended temporarily for sharing confidential NEC correspondence regarding Napo staff to people who were not NEC reps and some who were not Napo members (probably in error when sending emails on to large number of people). NEC reps have as part of their role, responsibility on behalf of members to act as employers of Napo HQ staff which means they are privy to confidential info on occasion.

*****
Ask the 3 that were suspended the truth not more of this subterfuge. They reasonably wanted to share with NEC reps a QA position of the chairs on Ledgergate payoff. The chairs in fear of their obvious failures, responded by suspensions. Don't believe anything but those victimised by their union.

--oo00oo--

These fractious discussions about the Napo leadership have a tendency to end up with blaming the membership in one way or the other:- 

If Napo have been on holiday for years...so have the majority of its members. If Napo is weak that reflects its weak-willed members, the majority of whom never bothered to express their will through ballots. A union like the RMT regularly gets turnouts of 60-70%, Napo barely manages 40% and in electing its GS did not even manage 20%.

It may have been a different TR storyline if there had been some resounding support for the union through the ballot box. No surprise that Napo was perceived to have a weak mandate by the MoJ and the CRCs who are out to smash collective bargaining and spurn collective agreements.

Interesting to see the breakdown of the Sodexo workforce cuts; the re-badging of roles – Authorised Officers completes the divorce from any professional identity. The big cuts to programme facilitators, who just a few years ago, were in the vanguard of reducing offending, are becoming 'also rans'. Probation during the New Labour years was a massive job creation programme in itself as numbers swelled, role boundaries blurred and managerialism marginalised professionalism and new money flowed into union coffers.

Post split I do not know how exactly how many members Napo has in each sector but dealing with the CRCs across the country is going to stretch resources. I do not see a future for the unions in the CRCs as real players. I don't think it will be long before we start to hear of staff councils and other ploys designed to end any semblance of national collective bargaining. Before the ink has dried, Sodexo have shown their indifference to the flagship collective agreement, such is their determination to manage without hindrance from the unions – who they know are weak and thus, in the absence of collective protections, they will knock individual workers into whatever shape takes their fancy.

Will Napo have the resources to maintain a presence in the CRCs or would it be strategically wiser for a smaller Napo to focus on its NPS members?

*****
Sound but sad analysis. As a former local rep I, along with my union colleagues at the time, tried to warn and prepare people collectively and individually for what we saw coming. Anyone reading about EVR at the time could see it was earmarked for a select few and no one else. Staff were up against a silent union and employer conspiracy with neither side wanting a staff exodus ahead of schedule. A schedule in the interests of future CRC owners. What did us local reps do? Took our own advice and planned our exit strategies and left to do other things. I did not want to leave the job I had done for decades but better to leave on your own terms and in your own time. What Grayling and NOMS have done to the Probation Service is an act of sheer ideological vandalism.

******
What does ideological vandalism mean Jim? Idiotic terminology from the above is laughable. Surely TR is more than ideological at this stage?

******
It means significant job losses for experienced, long serving & committed staff who have spent many years busting their bits in order to help ameliorate the damage & consequences of bullies, liars & cheats - and the service they work for has been handed on a gilt edged plate to bullies, liars & cheats. That's the ideological vandalism.


--oo00oo--

In the end though, isn't it about leadership? 

Leadership has been described as "a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". 

Stop Press

And so it goes on. We need a debate:-

I don't think the anti-Lawrence trolls have any credible argument here. The vitriol reserved for him is denied Ben Priestley and the GMB/SCOOP guys who were all present at the same negotiations. Anyone who has read up on SODALLOFYOU knows they have a well established anti-union ethos. Local Chairs, who were consulted throughout, were asked what the mood on the ground was. The negotiators are informed by that and not by the anonymous ranting that goes on here.

If you are negotiating with someone who ignores agreements, pushes the boundaries of legal process and is willing to disenfranchise it's entire workforce, you have a problem that all the table thumping in the world cannot address. IL is not perfect but he most certainly is NOT the problem here.

76 comments:

  1. From Facebook - off topic, but important news concerning what's going on elewhere:-

    RRP (Ingeus, CRI and St Giles Trust) took over SWM (Staffordshire West Midmlands) CRC, along with DLNR (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland) CRC earlier in the year to lots of fanfare and numerous staff launches in various locations.

    At their first SWM managers event in February, they gave a 'firm' commitment that there were no plans to merge the two CRCs. Despite the expected TOM, staffing and buildings announcements expected on 1 July, there has been nothing to date.

    One of the early decisions by RRP was that most admin and case administrator functions would be taken out of offices and relocated to Contact Service Centres (CSC) and they were looking to identify how many sites would be required given the size of SWM CRC, which stretches from Coventry in the south of the patch, through Birmingham, West Bromwich, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and all the way through Staffordshire to the Cheshire border.

    On Thursday, they announced that Corporate Services for both SWM and DLNR would be based in Birmingham and that the SCR, now 'Customer' Services would be based in a single location for both CRCs in Derby.

    This announcement came to managers via email in SWM with SPOs instructed to brief the admin staff in their own offices before the general email was sent to all staff 2 hours later. It also appears that neither Napo nor Unison were given advance notice of this announcement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be pleased to have a hyper-link to that Facebook post

      Delete
    2. that's awful and no doubt many people are now facing redundancy

      Delete
  2. Since starting in the UK in 2002, Ingeus UK has grown from a team of three people to become a leading provider of people-centred services, such as employability programmes, skills training and health-related support, which help people to reach their full potential.
    From a network of more than 80 offices and over 1,600 employees, Ingeus supports people through:
    (1) Employability programmes such as the government’s Work Programme, helping long-term unemployed people to find lasting jobs. Since 2002 we have helped over 215,000 people back to work. We also work with UK businesses, from small enterprises to large multinationals to help them attract and retain staff.
    (2) Skills and training, including traineeships, apprenticeships and pre-employment training. We have supported over 37,000 learners to achieve qualifications.
    (3) Health-related services delivered by our team of in-house health professionals.
    Ingeus’s teams are dedicated to designing the right support for each individual to help them progress into work and in life. We work alongside over 100 partner organisations from the public, private and third sectors that share our commitment to delivering excellence with integrity.
    The Ingeus group of companies has operations in ten countries around the world and in 2014 became part of Arizona-based human services provider Providence Service Corporation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thérèse Rein
      ThereseRein.jpg
      Born 17 July 1958 (age 57)
      Adelaide, South Australia
      Alma mater Australian National University
      Occupation Social entrepreneur, Rehabilitation counsellor
      Known for Spouse of the 26th Prime Minister of Australia
      Political party Australian Labor Party
      Religion Anglican
      Spouse(s) Kevin Rudd (m. 1981–present)
      Children Jessica, Nicholas and Marcus Rudd
      Thérèse Rein /təˈreɪz ˈreɪn/[1] (born 17 July 1958) is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of Ingeus, an international employment and business psychology services company.

      Rein is the wife of Kevin Rudd, who was the Prime Minister of Australia, holding the office from 2007 to 2010 and then again in 2013. She was the first Australian Prime Minister's wife to remain in the paid workforce while her husband was in office.[2] She was awarded the Human Rights Medal by the Australian Human Rights Commission in December 2010 for her long-term dedication to human rights, especially the rights of people with disability. In December 2012 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her services to business.

      Delete
    2. hmmm. Ingeus, employment and health.. so they get some people into work and improve their health..great ..no worries then because healthy employed people don't commit crime do they !!!!!

      Delete
  3. Pffft, didn't know there was any corporate services left in the midlands - most of them saw which way the wind was blowing and quit a few months ago! Didn't Leicestershire end up with *one* person in IT? Oh, and a manager for them, naturally!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stop going of topic idiots. It's NAPO bashing today, or more specifically, holding Lawro to account. I've said it once and il say it again. We need someone who leads from the front. Ranjit Singh has been most impressive at NAPO HQ though I've no idea if he would want to take the top seat and save NAPO?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Was joking about the "idiots" part :)

      Delete
    2. and your kidding on Ranjit Nice guy if you like jelly babies and nothing being done. He is a very decent man though and is well liked but he could not lead . The next contender is that never mentioned Dean Rogers he is the Lawro stalking horse but is not popular and has is in fact as aggressive as sodexo within the arrangements for staff at napo slipped out. They also made it impossible for the national reps to stay so there is something very wrong in there from whats being said around.

      Delete
    3. Ranjit would not be suitable in a leadership role. Being decent and nice are not on there own sufficient qualities to lead. Leadership should entail being able to hold management to account and that I dont see in Ranjit. We cannot replace one weak leader for another.

      Delete
  5. I'm with you re: Ranjit Singh- he came & spoke at our small but perfectly formed union meeting a few weeks ago & was articulate & approachable, we all liked him & thought him trustworthy. - hang on a mo' that can't be right in this crazy cut-throat world we're all inhabiting- he can't be real! He must be an imposter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What did he speak about cake recipes ?

      Delete
    2. Stop trolling IL

      Delete
  6. Ranjit, Ranjit, Ranjit

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes 9.35, his grayling upside down cake, crc melting moments & tory fudge cake are all to die for.....

    ReplyDelete
  8. Quote from me on Google+

    "A Blog Post about the management of the Probation Unions - particularly Napo - but will it clear the air - I doubt it - The Napo membership collectively just do not seem united - I think I first called for a special general meeting almost as soon as Grayling announced his ridiculous plans which bizarrely probation bosses actually attempted to implement rather than reject outright and if it came to it personally refuse to issue instructions and resign them selves.

    Now I read - some CRC bosses are acting like puppets and passing on the Sodexo instructions about the despicable severance invitation which to me seems to contradict the contracts they have with the MOJ. (If it does not contradict the contracts - it should do - but then Labour introduced the 2007 Act which enabled the split without reference to Parliament and the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives the 2014 Act with obviously unjust aspects and gave aspects of criminal sentencing to commercial companies instead of the Criminal Courts - so it is hardly surprising - maybe?)

    It is well past time for the Unions to have urgent national meetings to clarify policy and try to find unity. As for those CEOs and other senior staff - I know not what to suggest - but I think some folk can actually execute others as they say - I was following orders whilst they deny their own humanity and integrity!

    https://plus.google.com/u/0/110641041120801344429/posts/TC7iAtn4DD9

    (I now use Google+ because I can then post a link via by Google + post - to this Blog on Twitter)

    I suspect malevolence -perhaps from some I collectively described (not completely accurately) as Trolls in a comment yesterday - as the reason Twitter mostly rejects the posting of Links to this On Probation Blog,

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Unions have no power when the CRC owners can at any time terminate all contracts and re-new on different T&Cs. One partner agency couldn't even say 'signed under duress'. 7k pay reduction and statutory redundancy looming. Unions were powerless to do anything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Unions were powerless to do anything." I think some would say the problem goes right back to the start of TR and the misguided decision to sit round the 'negotiating' table. Some feel the GS screwed up right from day one as he was out of his depth.

      Delete
    2. Yes JB at 11.24 a good point - and maybe - the mass Napo (and Unison and SCOOP) memberships did not appreciate the situation soon enough and/or in the British way stayed schtum hoping for the best - which did not come - so the problem is what is to be done now - many - have departed - but some of you gallantly remain and are simultaneously trying to achieve fairness for yourselves, clients AND the wider public.

      I actually applaud you - though my applause seems feint and vague and is more for effort and endeavour than anything else because I am unsure now what direction(s) probation folk are best to aim for.

      Delete
    3. Are the unions in probation powerless? We don't know the answer to this question because members have chosen to individualise and appease rather than collectivise their power and fight. You only ever know the limits of your power when you exceed it. All we have seen thus far are derisory ballot turnouts which tell us more about indifference and apathy than about what could potentially be achieved through an actual exercise of collective power.

      Ian Lawrence is right about Sodexo's trickery. He is right to say it's time to test the waters for industrial action in the threatened areas. If there is a groundswell of anger towards Sodexo's actions then this should be demonstrated by a strong ballot turnout with a decisive vote in favour of collective action. At this juncture speculation about the leadership seems as relevant as discussing how many angels can dance on a pinhead. Only Sodexo benefits from a disunited union and masochistic union bashing plays right their hands. Differences of opinion about leadership do not have to be buried and forgotten, but Sodexo does not not care about individuals such as IL, their objective is to destroy the collective power of the unions and that can only be challenged by members standing together. Not once during TR have the membership provided IL with a powerful mandate and yet the leadership has been expected to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. A passive membership is a gift to Sodexo, as is all the union infighting. And what would shock Sodexo more than anything would be an actively angry membership. I am not sure it exists, but if it does, it needs to rise to the occasion for once.



      Delete
    4. I totally agree with Netnipper at 12:00 and regret that in trying to address the speculation about leadership I have also added to it.

      I sensed Ian Lawrence seemed somewhat tenuous in his remarks about testing the collective will amongst Sodexo employees in Napo membership for Industrial Action, which regrettably is hardly surprising.

      I would encourage every Sodexo employee (in fact absolutely EVERY employee) to urgently ensure their Union subscription is paid up to date and if they are NOT in membership (for any reason) - to submit an application immediately!

      https://www.napo.org.uk/join-napo-now

      Delete
    5. To Andrew,

      I am trying to remind people of history - there have been well-founded concerns about the present GS right from the beginning. He has never been 'managed' by successively weak and ineffective Chairs and has taken advantage of this as a result. It's long been a case of the dog wagging the tail. I notice that at least one person standing currently for re-election as Vice Chair has been part of this ineffective management before.

      There were key meetings missed, unexplained absences and instances of bullying, as with the well-documented case of Joanna Hughes which resulted in a written apology. Add to this all the bullshit and bluster, often patronising and pedestrian blogging, questionable decision-making and poor communication, one wonders what it might take for the membership to wake up to the fact we have a problem with leadership of this union?

      I'm personally fed up with the blame being continually put back on the membership - what we have here is a failure of LEADERSHIP - it's time for direct action because make no mistake about it, if not then the Eastbourne AGM will be the last for this once proud and independent union. Lack of members and income will inevitably drive a forced marriage with a sister union and I can already see where Napo top table intend to plant the blame for that - with the membership of course.

      For this reason alone I am intent on keeping this blog going as a platform so that it might shed some light on what's really going on behind the scenes at Chivalry Road and so that the membership can make some informed decisions.

      Seeing as I get labelled as being anti Napo, lets start with reminding members of the spare money in the staffing budget that was 'divvied up' earlier this year. Is this true? How much was involved and who authorised it? Lets see if we can get some answers, but don't hold your breath. I can't help notice that the present Treasurer hopes to be re-elected. Maybe a question to them?.

      Delete
    6. Yes - it is useful for readers to be reminded of that history and have the suggested question posed - thank you JB at 12:30 - we maybe posting almost simultaneously - I plan to desist now.

      Delete
    7. "At this juncture speculation about the leadership seems as relevant as discussing how many angels can dance on a pinhead. Only Sodexo benefits from a disunited union and masochistic union bashing plays right their hands. Differences of opinion about leadership do not have to be buried and forgotten, but Sodexo does not not care about individuals such as IL, their objective is to destroy the collective power of the unions and that can only be challenged by members standing together. Not once during TR have the membership provided IL with a powerful mandate and yet the leadership has been expected to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

      It's pretty clear the game is up with Sodexo, but we disagree whether it's the fault of the membership or the leadership. You express a sentiment that's well-aired on here and one that might be right, but with the union close to being forced to merge due to rapidly falling membership, I think the time has definitely come for real debate about the dysfunctionality at the top. It cannot be put off any longer because the end really is nigh.

      Delete
    8. I find that Napo leadership don't engage with members, they don't ask us what we want, and the processes to be able to tell them are too complex, or only for those 'in the know'. We've had surveys asking us about workloads and other things so here's an idea: ask us ALL very simply Ian what we want then do it! You asked us about pay, we told you we weren't happy - you ignored us. Ask us - each of us - which direction we want you to go in and listen to our answers. But before that tell members this is coming - stop with the rush for a response - we're fed up with the short deadline, when you rush us it feels like you don't really want a response.

      Delete
    9. There is a major issue of member apathy in Napo. There is only one measure of voter apathy: turnout in elections. IL was elected on a turnout of 19.6%. If Napo is dysfunctional and cliquish – and I think there is good evidence that they are – there is also something dysfunctional in a 'member-led' union when 80.4% of the membership were otherwise engaged. I think 13:32 is probably the true analysis.

      Delete
    10. I'm not sure what it is you are referring to....is this about the staffing budget. What's the question ? I might be able to help.

      Delete
    11. I have been reliably informed that there was a surplus in the staffing budget due to leavers and the surplus was 'divvied up' amongst other staff. Should be simple to either confirm or deny.

      Delete
  10. We were always warned right at the begining of the take overs that 'everything around T&Cs in the CRCs would stay the same for 7 months'.
    We are running out of time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm tired of reading all the BS debate on here about whether it's NAPO leadership or the members fault. Simply put, it's the MEMBERS fault. All of us!! We're unhappy but we've done f-all except for moan on here and make empty threats of ousting this leader. We still pay subs and listen to the BS coming out from HQ. Let's stop paying subs until there is a change in leadership. We allowed the money to be divided up and no one challenged this formally. Most of all, no ONE has started a motion for no confidence in IL. How can it be that there are so many failings and IL could still be in post come Eastbourne. We're to blame for taking no action against the people WE employ. I bet my last dollar our new CRC bosses will take quick and decisive action against us if we remained in post and was bad for business! So why do WE allow GS after GS mess up and WE take no action!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Probation staff are by their very nature a compliant lot. Invariably and in the main we all do extra hours with no recognition or reward. I for one, have been known to take on other duties or train fledglings to help out the team for ZILCH. I recall even putting my hand in my pocket back in the day for give somebody on my caseload money for food . We like to moan behind closed doors but as humanists , it’s not in our nature to oust IL et al. IT AINT HAPPENING. We are content to carry on paying our subs to NAPO until the CRC severance act falls. THAT’S IT. SIMPLE. Believe me, they could strip all our CRC conditions, halve our salaries and we would probably still NOT TO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. Ah well, we could always get ourselves another job...... as DOORMATS .

    ReplyDelete
  13. What I find consistently annoying is the spin that members cannot be told this and that for this and that reason. The fact that one minute is all bluster that we will not allow further destruction only to be informed two minutes later, we caved in and no explanations provided. If members demanded the truth, Napo may have survived the sorry mess it's now in

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can only point again to 'Sodexo - Sourcewatch' on the internet, to demonstrate how cunning and ruthless Sodexo have been/are, in their various guises over the last 15 plus years. They have a lengthy record of paying workers poverty wages, overcharging clients, opposing unions, and violating food and safety standards.

    ..But American university students and black employees have won battles with them. -

    -' in 2000, Sodexo came under fire from university campuses in the US for its investments in the notoriously bad Corrections Corporation of America(from 1994- 2001). It subsequently withdrew from the US private prison industry but became deeply invested in the European private prisons.'

    '-In 2011, 11 universities in America cut Sodexo contracts following release of Human Rights Watch Report into United Students against Sweatshops'.

    -A TransAfrica Global Human Rights campaign over 5 African countries in
    2011 produced a Report on Sodexo's aggressive discouragement of unions, and firing active organising workers, also sub-par wages, denying employees breaks and withholding overtime pay.

    -Prior to this, in 2005, in North America, Sodexo were forced to pay $80million in compen to thousands of black African workers who were routinely barred from promotions and segregated.

    There have also been many complications with contracts, including a huge one from US Military in 2002, with numerous issues of health and safety as well as inflating costs by 36%, which were intended to create 20% cost savings.

    The health and safety issues have been major issues, with thousands of schoolchildren in Germany falling ill through contaminated food, in 2011.

    Much closer to home, in 2013 , Sodexo, - who at that time, as Britain's biggest catering company, were providing for 2,300 schools, prisons, military, care facilities, hospitals. sporting venues, office canteens etc,, food containing horsemeat.- were forced to withdraw all its frozen beef products. Their testing took several weeks to establish the existence of horse DNA, which enraged governmental depts. etc. Sodexo refused to disclose their source for a long time, but eventually revealed it was from a business owned by the Queen's own Master of the Horse, Lord Vestey.
    .............................................................

    In the US, Sodexo have been frequently criticised for interfering with workers rights, including the right to organise.

    They have a history of overcharging clients, which included overcharging schools for workers' pay and insurance in 2009, , and withholding rebates which were due to districts by exploiting loopholes in the law.

    In Sodexo's 2012 annual report, the Group cites several aspects related to government funding incl 'labour law, antitrust law and corporate law , safety and environmental law etc' that may affect its business and future prospects. Essentially this means that SODEXO'S PROFITS ARE DEPENDANT ON LIMITING PROTECTION OF WORKERS' RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SAFETY ..AND LOOSE REGULATION LAWS RELATING TO OUTSOURCING'.

    Surely Grayling et al could not have been ignorant of some of this, even all of this, before allowing the dirty business to contaminate Probation.

    Please read 'Sodexo- Sourcewatch,' and be careful of where your lunchtime sandwich has come from. And get a large cohort of American students across to stir the retaliatory action against these unethical criminals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The govt set out from the start to destroy the probation service, the careers and hopes for the future of those within it. The contracts were awarded with precise deliberation to those would would be the 'best' at carrying out this destruction. The probation service, once the most efficient, cost effective, no frills operation is now an almighty mess, but hey ho, profits will slosh into the right pockets courtesy of the unaware hard working taxpayer. The probation service was the govt's own dirty little pilot scheme. It'll be the NHS, education and police next in line. It's all about the money - OUR money - and how it can be appropriated. It is sickening.

      Delete
  15. Members pay subs to a union because the union they choose to join sells them a service; with professional, paid staff in key roles. I'm a PO, thats my job. Ian Lawrence is paid a CEO-level salary to effectively lead the union, guided by its executive. I vote as & when required as a member, I strike or not according to what the union decides through legal process. I therefore expect the GS to do his job, i.e. represent the best interests of the union's Members, as directed by the executive. I don't expect grandstanding, chest beating, capitulation or freestyle negotiations. I've never had an email asking me what my thoughts are, although I've sent one or two uninvited observations, all without reply.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I will reply to you 1800 why would he bother that is an indicator of who we are talking about. Members and I am one don't have to be pro or Anti IL they should expect a GS who is able to say no. Come clean and do not evade by saying we don't want to play our hand by telling you lot. The NAPO NEC are a disgrace as they agree to anything except a few brave Reps who are thought of as negative when in fact they are doing what the rest of them are to scared to do . SAY NO. I am not pro Jim Brown but I am pro the blog and the rich views. I would have thought a sensible IL would have cottoned on a while back and work to make the blog a place he could share some asides . The fact is Ian Lawrence and the silly set of Chairs he had all colluded to delete the NAPO posters as a censorship issue in a land of free speech and from a union. Who the F does he think he is ? Then he gets elected by an audience that at one point in the NEC tried I am told to ensure he was the only candidate. Yet again a few brave souls in the NEC ensured a contest . So there we are we had a chance of appointing another and we got this mess instead. He ran to a negotiating table that had not formed the Staff transfer documentation and duly agreed it with the NAPO chair. It is irrelevant what the other unions thought because the Chair despite his pledge never had the nouse or skills to understand how he needed to get the inclusion of the bigger unions so it never happened until too late. Now we have a situation where we are in debate on a blog read by who knows about a public figure the union leader. In any day this would not happen. I read on here he was described as weak in negotiations with sodexo and far worse. Yet he is not there to negotiate because for them it is a matter of or what can you do? He cannot do anything because he sacked the PR Guru Harry Fletcher appointed in a no way straight process a PR baby looks good possibly but what talent for such an important union role ? How was it tested what process could give us the best possible candidate when there must be hundreds of PR consultants and specialists .. The PR role is still in training I mean come on a decision of capability ? Anyway my point is we would never be discussing the performance and capability of a GS on here if there was a clear message and understanding of his position and ability. The idea that he is out of his depth is a clear indication members have a loss of faith. There are a few party faithful to the top table that have played into the spin and we are almost doomed now. If ever there should be a price to pay it has to be his current role . I hear the inside of napo is not comfortable at all with his style amongst many things. Long standing experienced people have been let go from the supporting structures. Ultimately it us who are suffering his total lack of abilities . I hope he Makes the AGM though. I cant see party faithful cheering him. I hope he doesn't give us a love in speech so we all have to feel sorry for him like the first time in role. I hope he grows up and announces it is his misfortune not to have done as well as he would have wanted but he realises NAPO might survive differently if he were not to stay on. Stand down in 3 months while a new leader can be elected. He wont ! Too much loves the limelight and no idea what he has done. Should never have agreed the Staff transfer the time limits the redundancy EVR sham and never have been involved on the employers side proposals . He should have been sacked then but The NEC oh the NEC !

    ReplyDelete
  17. These diatribes posing as 'history' are nothing more than scapegoating. Scargill could not beat Thatcher when he ran a militant union. What makes anyone think IL could beat Grayling when NAPO's membership can't even be bothered to vote never mind actually strike. IL is one man against a malevolent Government without the support of a militant workforce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because you call the truth a diatribe means to the reader you want to protect the indefensible. 1800 posted a good assessment and some first hand experience he that poster wrong ? The Scargill reference is not a supporting Line for Lawro but a point you make for us. The GS would have collected bags of respect had he really had the ability to fight for our interest. He should have reject stayed away from the TR SCCOG table. His was to meet post their rubbish that they come up with . Not having to agree them prematurely y because they were pressuring. He ran into the trap and has been burying the mistakes ever since. We now pay the price and rightfully we are able to call to account his performance. I would like to know where is the legal advice in writing that he would reasonably have been expected to take and get a written assessment of the strength of the TR staff transfer documents . He signed up our members to them and if he did that without legal documentation to advice him of the situation and the legal position on the 7 months issue and the EVR guarantees then someone made a real mistake. Either legal or the GS if he cannot provide the evidence for his decision , This is not an attack it is just who will be sued for bad faith failures based on the advice members received and those who are losing their jobs.
      I say to the sort 1 paragraph wonder the defence posters make is tell us if we are so wrong why is the GS position so right? What success has he delivered . All bluster and what is most certainly a hint at a few internal scandals . Is this what our subs pay for . I would rather have access to legal advice. Anyway I do not have a clue who 1800 is but his description is so easily understood of the GS. That is a good account not scapegoating. The failure is a reality the price to pay for that failure is with him after all he says not his watch all the time. Here is the news its all gone wrong on his watch, surely it is the right time to end it. If there we a motion of no confidence I would vote for that. Keep in mind none of the employers take the union seriously under his lead which means him. No confidence is the end for him.

      Delete
    2. Look, get it right Scargill could have won yes really, if he had balloted correctly.

      Delete
  18. its 18:00 again - so we have unilateral shutdown of free exchange on Napo social media, agreements to proposals that have either damaged or deleted staff terms & conditions, decisions which have alienated or excluded Napo stalwarts, suggestions that a sum of Union funds has been shared out (as bonuses?), and now acceptance of the loss of 600 jobs as an entree to a bloody feasting upon the careers of good men & women.

    "Tearing out our hearts whilst stealing from our pockets" - who'd have thought this would be the 2015 Conference tagline?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Bravo, Rob Palmer, on achieving what seems to be the only printed story in the media:

    "It comes with concerns raised earlier this year that criminals jailed for up to a year could be supervised over the phone, and report to the probation service electronically, once they have been released back in the community.

    Sodexo, in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro, won the contact to run six community rehabilitation companies in England, including one that covers Norfolk and Suffolk.

    The company wrote to staff yesterday to offer a voluntary severance package, in a bid to scale back the 217 members of staff.

    Rob Palmer, chairman of the East Anglian branch of probation union Napa, said workers were told they had until August 10 to agree to the package.

    Union representatives will meet in London today to discuss a response to the offer, and discuss legal action.

    “There are workers who have 30-, 40- or 50-year careers,” said Mr Palmer. “They will have to find alternative employment.”

    He added in the severance offer staff were offered two weeks pay for every year they had worked, which he claimed was against the agreement of more than one month’s pay made with the government when Sodexo took on the contract.

    A Sodexo Justice Services spokesman confirmed letters had been sent, and said: “Given that we are formally consulting on plans, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There have been numerous stories in the press and media about these cuts. This from the Guardian, 30th March.

      Ian Lawrence, Napo general secretary, said: “We are angry and disappointed about this news. Probation staff have been through hell over the last 18 months dealing with Grayling’s so-called reforms and now many of them are facing redundancy and job insecurity.

      “When we met with Sodexo earlier this year they told us there would be no reductions in workforce. The use of call centres and machines instead of highly skilled staff is downright dangerous and will put the public at risk.”

      http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/30/probation-officers-face-redundancy-in-plan-to-replace-them-with-machines

      Delete
    2. Oh that is good . Well done then . Not the PR official then ? Still its a message and a national cover . If the press got behind us at all in this sodexo fight could we feed the story properly I fear not.

      Delete
    3. Proportional to other similar stories, there has been as much national coverage of the Probation story as could reasonably be expected. It is not a mainstream issue, however passionate we may be about it.

      Delete
  20. phone calls aren't foolproof - we're talking about people with chaotic lives - on licences who lose track of time when reporting is 8 weekly. Common problem for me is phoning folk to remind them only for the number to be unobtainable etc and then we're having to write out - before our patch got too big i'd have jumped in the car and banged on their doors but this is not possible in the great majority of cases anymore. for the likes of missed apts it is my view that the next apt should be a face to face one and the privilege of using the atm withdrawn. maybe standard licences should just report to the police station to sign on - why do probation supervise them anyway if works been done with them in custody - I know it's not but theoretically it should be and this would be one less section of people to chase after..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "The privelege of using the atm" - expletive deleted.

      Delete
  21. NPS staff told offenders are no longer permitted to travel in our personal cars ( even if we have business insurance) does anyone know what has happened to bring this change about?
    The directive says pool cars or hire cars can be used.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They can share my handcart, as long as they don't mind heading hell-bound.

      Delete
    2. I think there is a question about whether we are insured, even with business use.

      Delete
    3. but if there's an accident wouldn't the claim be against the drivers policy and not the employers? If so it's got nothing to do with the employer who we do or do not give lifts to.

      Delete
    4. If this is the case for NPS surely it must apply to CRC and those mentors using their own vehicles to transport those leaving cusody??

      Delete
    5. Anon 19:11 if that is the case do you have to be prepared to give out your address details to any service user you are transporting if there is an accident?

      Delete
    6. Absolutely 19:11. Checked it out recently due to people 'quoting' the policy. If only people would read policies accurately. Just like emails, people seem unable to read past the first sentence

      Delete
  22. Can anyone help me with accurate information please with regard to the sharing out of union funds to staff members? I need accurate information because this is the only place I have heard of this. I will pursue this but need to have some understanding of the FACTS not assumption or inference. Any help would be appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous26 July 2015 at 14:53 : Who is eligible for the money and how much are we talking about ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have been reliably informed that there was a surplus in the staffing budget due to leavers and the surplus was 'divvied up' amongst other staff. Should be simple to either confirm or deny.

      Delete
    2. Well I have not received any monies, or was it just the HQ few?

      Delete
  24. FROM NAPO: -

    " A Probation CRC Sodexo employed manager writes "

    https://www.napo.org.uk/blogs/senior-manager-slams-sodexo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Andrew. Guess what, jBs blog has been filled with similar comments, evidence & sentiments (also anonymously "for obvious reasons") for the past 18 months. Many similar accounts of the professionalism, marginalisation & abuse of probation staff of all grades could usefully have been been used to highlight & possibly strengthen our position - rather than ignored because Napo don't like Jim Brown's politics.

      Or maybe its a hierarchy thing? Senior Manager says it, its true. Admin, PSO, PO say it, its without foundation or credibility.

      My T&Cs still state 4.5 weeks, I haven't agreed to any variation &
      I haven't given anyone a mandate to negotiate away my T&Cs.

      Delete
    2. So Andrew S Hatton 27 July 2015 at 15:40 : `PO “at risk” and works p/t, doing work on their day off to support a recall application ....' WTF. Why PO doing that!!!!!. Its going above and beyond for the powers that be that have gotten in to this mess in the first place. PO should have used their time not supporting a recall but looking for work or fighting their at risk staus.

      Delete
  25. Here's a piece from the Guardian about the Sodexo situation:

    "The private company has also told staff that they do not intend to honour an enhanced voluntary redundancy scheme which had been agreed between Grayling and the unions and was in place until 31 March.

    Sodexo has told staff that they are planning on the basis that the majority of staff exits will be on compulsory terms from September, seven months after the contracts were awarded in line with a national agreement.

    A Sodexo Justice Services spokesperson said: “We are in the process of sharing our future plans with employees across the six CRCs that we operate. Given that we will be formally consulting on these plans, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

    Sodexo’s spokesperson also said that in relation to the enhanced voluntary redundancy scheme the company was complying with the national agreement negotiated between the unions and the national offender management service."

    The article was published in March 2015 - 4 months ago!!! It could have been today. Where's the progress? Where's the assistance & information & support for staff?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Response to Anon at 16:19

    Here is a link to the whole article in The Guardian: -

    http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/30/probation-officers-face-redundancy-in-plan-to-replace-them-with-machines

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LDU Head of SWA1 is part of a group looking into this for next year.
      I think it's through the Probation Institute, but may be wrong

      Delete
  27. VIA EMAIL: -

    (Is this the Gove effect?)

    " News story: Ministry of Justice policy fellowships "

    " MOJ is establishing a fellowship, whose members will play a key role designing and delivering a number of key justice policies."

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministry-of-justice-policy-fellowships

    ReplyDelete
  28. Jim why no new topic? Let me guess, cos it's NAPO bashing, you want focus to be on this. Well let me tell you, NAPO will come out fighting, all guns blazing, with Ian leading from the front, beating sodexo into submission so that there are zero cuts. Believe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you talking about the right IL and Napo. It is all lost, they were chickens in the meetings and bowed down like dogs to the slaughter.

      Delete
    2. 2016 the blog changes regularly enough don't pester a volunteer soldier who has worked tirelessly for a good 3 years on Blogs and open comment. Invitation here is without condition . You can blog and taunt the man all you like but if he stands for anything its not bash NAPO . You are foolish Jim has like any pressure group tried to encourage napo away from error . The voice of probation people on hear echoes in NAPO yet a reply and an acknowledgment that Jim speaks for many where NAPO has been obviously lacking. The fallow NAPO blog site makes it clear to many. There may be some nearer the knuckle commentary but here is a real no hold no banned lockout to pretty much most things people need to express. We all want to hear see and support Ian Lawrence do well but it has been a hard fight for us too reading the redundancy consultation notice after years of service. Post all you can but I hope you realise bashing Jim is not the way he does not earn upwards of 70k for members he works for free and his hard diligent work is for the betterment of people in NAPO professional he regards as friends and where he can use huis lifetime to prop up support and protect his lifes work in the probation service. Something I understand Ian does not have. Never mind he may have a way out lets hope he amazes us but not at the attacks on Jim He is Free worker hard grafting soul who has provided so much of his time to NAPO members and bloggers not asking a cent in return no travel no expenses not a thing but some respect and a little support which are free just blog you appreciation here for JIM BROWN lets just poll it a while keep the current blog or have a new one I know what the poster will do here Support Jim ! Jim to Win !!!

      Delete
  29. 'Beating Sodex into submission' - best laugh I've had all day - glad someone still has a sense of humour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Look lets not be hasty is there a real story here is there something we have all missed. Are so collectively Blind Ian has a new way through ? I would love to believe this post I want to think Ian has a plan a way through for the 600 has Ian really got an Ace in his deck. Can Ian really save the sodexo 600 and by defining this moment really save the rest of the CRCs from the threat of copycat attack. I hope so we all do so please poster if you are accurate if your post is sincere then please confirm it for those in Jeopardy those facing a fearful few months of unemployment benefits sorting family credits mortgage re shuffle job hunting applications and interviews in a market where our skills are limited please tell us something that we can really stop worrying that Ian is not up to the task but in fact he the real deal and we have been blind ill considered and too hurried whilst looking down the barrels of a gun. tell us we are wrong and to take the pain a while longer until Ian gives them total battlefront. Come on Ian tell us this is true

      Delete
  30. Jim uncover your true identity at AGM this year and tell the NAPO leadership you intend to run for chair. That would be amazing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Run for GS you must mean !

      Delete
    2. Just a quick update on things here at blog HQ. There has not been a new blog because a) I have a terrible chest infection b) there's no guest blog c) nothing significant has happened recently d) I have to spend time on other aspects of life

      At the risk of repeating myself, I'm not interested in Napo-bashing. I have absolutely no political ambitions either inside the union or outside - I just want some honesty, transparency and accountability because I'm utterly fed up with the bullshit, bollocks and hypocrisy we've all been fed for years.

      Just saying.

      Delete
    3. Get well soon Jim, look after yourself and ignore the whingers.

      Delete
  31. We need you and this site Jim. Ignore the cowards. Get well soon bud xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. This blog has been my saviour. It has provided information from across (the divide) created by Grayling as well as across the country. It has allowed me to share my thoughts with a lot of like minded people and a few not so like minded. It has been an opportunity to debate, share frustrations but also to support each other. This blog and Jim Brown, alias 'my legend' will live far longer in my memory and as a stalwart in the grim reaper fight against the injustices of TR. Get well soon Jim, take whatever time you need to get fit and have some quality family time. Those who value the time, patience, dedication and understanding you show, will continue to support you. You are a good person my friend and I am grateful for everything you have done and hopefully will continue to do when you are well again.xx

    ReplyDelete