We need your views UNISON Police Staff Strength is our on social care - make menopause a members and PUBLIC Experience of front line workplace issue - activists - Josie essential to Scottish Women’s Committee takes Bird, President, at WORKS: Parliament inquiry - p4 campaign out to AGMs - p3 Scottish Council - p2 February 2020 No 142 ScotlandinUNISON scottish council activists’ bulletin Use these stories in your branch newsletter or circulate the pdf version to members UNISON ’S AGENDA FOR 2020 Facing a new decade Let’s make a difference

s we move into the new LILIAN MACER, Scottish convener, and The debate about independence Adecade, UNISON itself is also an arena where members will face STEPHEN SMELLIE, depute convener, lay out UNISON members’ interests will significant challenges and the agenda for Scotland as a fair work nation, need to be represented and so, demands and they will tackling inequality, ending austerity, investing engaging with that debate, we will expect their union to be at challenge the independence the forefront in organising to in services and acting on climate change movement to consider how meet those and to use our austerity and child poverty can be power and influence to eliminated in an independent protect and advance their Scotland should it come. interests. However we are an The wider economic and internationalist union and this political impact of Brexit, the rise year will see the world come to in right wing politics advanced by for COP26, the United Johnson, Trump and others and Nations’ conference on the the global impact of climate climate crisis. change will all impact on our This is an opportunity for members and the services they UNISON to take part and give deliver. leadership to a movement that is The need is pressing, we need genuinely trying to save the to dramatically reverse the world! increasing inequalities that blight Plans are already in place to the lives of so very many of our mobilise UNISON members to citizens - tackling the scourge of strength of the trade union voice advance the issues affecting devolved powers give us some influence world leaders to agree poverty and inequality, ending at all levels of Scottish life. UNISON Scotland. protection but even these the kind of ‘Green’ policies we austerity and investing in public Our work plan this year will The result of the general devolved powers are under attack. have been promoting for a number services are key. include our participation in the election was a disappointment and As an advocate for devolution of years. Scotland must become a fair review of the union’s Devolution a further five years of Tory and the Scottish Parliament we There is a role for every work nation where effective Protocol and the Branch Resource government is not good news. will be to the fore in arguing for UNISON activist to play in voice, opportunity, fulfilment, Review (BRR). Five more years of austerity, the right of Scotland to make its security and respect are at the core We are very well placed to exacerbated by Brexit and the own decisions. helping us achieve that different of all our agenda. These issues shape and influence both and will likely attacks on workers, That includes the right of Scotland, and world, that we dictate UNISON Scotland’s of course look to engage with consumer and environment rights the Parliament to decide if know is possible. Let’s get priorities over the coming years. members and activists to ensure and protections is frightening. another referendum on organised. Let’s use our talents. Last year the Scottish we take every opportunity to In Scotland, our parliament and independence should be held. Let’s make a difference. Committee agreed an overhaul of how we progress our objectives, ‘one book, three chapters,’ IBM members gear up for action as job cuts loom integrating our bargaining, NISON members who which runs the contract for ago and a number of large IT they were losing their jobs organising and political strategies, provide IBM’s client, Scottish Power’s IT systems. companies have held the contract months ago, but these improving the effectiveness of U Scottish Power, with Staff were notified by IBM in since, with the workforce being multinational companies are still UNISON Scotland. information technology October 2019 that their jobs transferred over to their new not talking to UNISON about the 2020 will give us the (IT) services have voted were coming to an end, but IBM employer under the Transfer of 65 workers whose livelihoods opportunity to realise the benefits overwhelmingly in favour and Scottish Power have refused Undertakings Protection of are threatened. of the changes, benefits including of industrial action after to talk to the workforce since Employment (TUPE) “This is a stressful time for better workplace conditions for the company said their then about either redundancies or regulations. this very loyal workforce – most our members and a better jobs would end on 30 the transferring of their jobs. UNISON will now move to of whom have been with the understanding of the impact of the June 2020. Fort nine staff work in IBM’s hold an official ballot for company for over 20 years. workplace on Scottish lives and UNISON announced the East Kilbride office and 16 staff industrial action, which has the “UNISON has done its best to Scottish society. results of its consultative ballot work in Cheshire. All of these potential to bring Scottish meet with IBM but they have In creating the right conditions on Monday 20 June which employees have worked on Power’s IT system to a standstill. continually refused to engage. to make that possible, we also revealed a massive 90% voted in Scottish Power’s IT service for Gerry Crawley, UNISON We now have no choice but to recognise that we will need all favour of strike action. over 20 years. regional organiser for Scottish ballot for industrial action and sections in our union to work The move affects 65 workers Scottish Power’s IT function Power, who represents the recommend UNISON members effectively together with a shared who are employed by IBM, was contracted out over 20 years workforce, said: “Staff were told vote for strike action.” focus on improving the overall www.unison-scotland.org ScotlandinUNISON page 2 february 2020 SSE branch Supporting Denis Goldberg’s House of Hope vision NISON Scotland has a years has contributed to better support for Ulong history of access to education, HIV/AIDS supporting veteran anti- projects, supporting those affected foodbank apartheid campaigner Denis by violence against women, Goldberg’s Community health projects, and housing HEART charity. projects. The latest project is the Denis Denis, a frequent visitor to Goldberg House of Hope arts and Scotland and an honorary culture education centre where he UNISON member, was one of lives in Hout Bay in South Africa. those sentenced in 1964 alongside Denis explained: “It is a vision Nelson Mandela for their part in that combines the passions of my the struggle against apartheid. On life: the creation of cohesive, non- Denis at a House of Hope dance event his release 22 years later, he racial and non-prejudiced continued to work to overcome communities, the realisation of exhibition on Denis’s life and art range of activities rooms and an the apartheid regime,. young people’s potential and a collection, an office, activity room auditorium. He is a patron of the Nelson celebration of creativity and and space where young people can Full details of the plans and Mandela Scottish Memorial expression.” spend time together. how to contribute are at Foundation campaign to build a Meanwhile fundraising https://goldberghouseofhope.co.za/ Ann Forsyth (right) Funds have already been raised statue to Mandela in Glasgow and continues for phase 2 to build a Community HEART over the delivering donations to for the first phase, a gallery for an education programme. Perth & Kinross Foodbank. NISON SSE Branch has President: ‘UNISON’s strength Upledged to continue its support for Perth and Kinross Foodbank for is our members and activists’ another year. It is supporting the food By Kate Ramsden them from their land. banks with food collections, SiU editor Nomadesc works with employee volunteering days his year’s UNISON organisations campaigning for and making special donations TPresident, Josie Bird justice for victims of violence, for Easter and Christmas. gave a stirring address to helping to mobilise mass Last year the branch, which December’s Scottish demonstrations, supporting organises in energy company Council of branches, telling communities, by giving them the SSE, donated a large batch of delegates that our strength tools to defend themselves, easter eggs for families with as a union comes from our training community leaders, in small children, and at members and activists. particular women and young Christmas they made a large “We must keep up the pressure people, accompanying people donation of advent calendars. for UNISON to be an even bigger, through legal processes, and Ann Forsyth, UNISON SSE even better union,” urged Josie. seeking justice for the families of branch secretary, said: “We “Without this power behind them, murdered trade union and human have built a strong relationship our leaders and negotiators would UNISON President Josie Bird and the leaflet for her rights activists. with the Perth & Kinross not stand a chance.” presidential charity which is on the UK website “It is often said, but it doesn’t Foodbank, which has been Josie paid tribute to the many make it any less true, that Colombia running for six years. successes that UNISON has wider battles – and we have.” international issues, “one of those is the most dangerous place in the “Last year, they supplied achieved over the past year, Josie hails from the Northern things that really sets us apart world to be a trade union activist, 3,424 three-day emergency including in Scotland. Region where she works in admin from other unions.” due to the number of murders and food supplies, and 2019 saw a “I noticed your successful ballot for the Highways Department at She asked for support for her attacks they face each year. massive increase in demand at at Queen Margaret University has Newcastle City Council and is presidential charity, Nomadesc, a “This year, we have continued the food bank due to increasing stopped a proposed outsourcing,” also the branch chair. human rights organisation that to see social movement activists living costs, inadequate benefit said Josie, “and of course there was “I’m a very proud Northerner,” supports indigenous, Afro- killed with impunity, so levels and a five-week wait for the magnificent equal pay victory Josie told council, “And I have to Colombian and peasant Nomadesc’s work continues to be Universal Credit. here in Glasgow. say that my trade union work, communities in Colombia - vitally important,” said Josie. “It’s awful that families are “But whether it’s on employment coupled with growing up under people who have been persecuted “We have put together a really put in the position. It’s tribunal fees, where UNISON Thatcher, during the miners’ and displaced from their land and good project, to help Nomadesc something that could happen to Scotland can be particularly proud strikes in the North East really communities. continue their vital work – to train more community leaders and any of us. If there’s anything of the role played by your legal helped shape my beliefs.” Although Colombia is a human rights activists.” that we, as a branch, can do to officer Suzanne Craig, or winning country rich in natural resources, President’s charity these communities often face Branches are urged to donate to help our members and their the right to be heard in the Nomadesc, Colombia oppression, discrimination and this very worthwhile cause. The families, I think it’s important Supreme Court on sleep-ins in Describing herself as a military attacks, because the leaflet with details of how to do we do. We are delighted to social care, or getting the pay cap committed internationalist, Josie government and multinational this is at unison.org.uk/content support this vital work.” scrapped, in times of trouble many in society look to us to fight commended our union’s work on companies are trying to drive /uploads/2019/11/25819.pdf NHS Highland makes big payout in UNISON LGBT case

HS Highland has made a Simon Macfarlane, UNISON This case shows the experience and have acknowledged Nfive figure payout to Regional Organiser said: “It is good the systemic failures by both HR UNISON member Vicky that UNISON was able to support ‘importance of being in a union and management. Walker after UNISON Vicky Walker during what was a “I hope they can now take the supported her in taking a horrible experience for her as an and having access to support necessary actions to ensure the case complaining about employee of NHS Highland and and legal representation.’ safety of LGBT employees and discrimination on the then when this continued after she their allies within their grounds of her sexual left their employment. SIMON MACFARLANE organisation.” orientation. “It is regrettable we had to post the Sturrock report.” Vicky said: “This marks the end of Vicky thanked UNISON for The case was handled by pursue litigation in this regard Simon continued: “This case an incredibly difficult two years their unwavering support and Thompsons Solicitors for UNISON. which was stressful for Vicky, shows the importance of being in a during which I suffered relentless commitment to LGBT rights. Following judicial mediation meant justice was delayed and union and having access to support harassment and victimisation while She also thanked her family and NHS Highland agreed to make the ultimately has cost the NHS and legal representation. working for and since leaving NHS friends, former NHS colleagues and five figure payment, issue an considerable sums of money. “UNISON is committed to Highland. those members of the Mull apology and write to Vicky’s former “Time and time again senior fighting for LGBT equality in the “The decision to pursue community “who stood resolutely colleagues warning of the management refused to step in on workplace and society. litigation was not an easy one on the side of fairness and equality consequence should there be a this case and instead stood behind “Vicky is to be commended for however I felt I had to try to ensure in spite of some challenging and failure to adhere to the NHS’s stated unacceptable practice. taking a stand and showing such my situation was not repeated for hostile circumstances. expectations and values with “This is a pattern we see all too perseverance. We hope this settlement any other employee. “It has been a hard journey but I regards to colleagues and former often in NHS Highland and have yet will at last provide some closure and “I am encouraged that NHS am content that justice has finally colleagues. to see evidence of changed behaviours allow her to move on with her life.” Highland wish to learn from my been delivered.” page 3 february 2020 ScotlandinUNISON Scottish Water Branch wins pay negotiation marathon Standing By Alasdair McDougall management seemed unwilling “The annual report 2018/19 together on Scottish Water Branch to negotiate at first and seemed was due for release in June and n August 2019, members in to think they could impose a bad it seemed that management were Holocaust Day IScottish Water Branch deal on members. keen to agree a deal before then, voted to accept a pay “At the first meeting, they under the guise of making it increase of at least 3.1% for made it clear to unions that the payable in July’s salary for 2019-20 and a release to all initial offer was the best available employees. This made us angry management on the need to and would not be increased. and even more determined to get Kirsty Hughes, branch secretary adhere to Scottish Water’s “But they underestimated our a good deal for our members.” terms and conditions and resolve. We went back on this on office notice boards, It took from November’s review cases where non- multiple occasions before we which did not go down well initial talks until July to get a standard conditions were in received an increase with terms with executive management. It proposal the branch was olocaust Memorial Day operation without that were satisfactory to us.” was later amended to highlight prepared to ballot members on, Hon 27 January also agreement. Discussions around pay the salary increases and bonuses which they did in August 2019 marked 75 years since the However, as branch secretary progression 2019 began in of directors versus regular to get it paid and back-dated. liberation of Auschwitz- Kirsty Hughes pointed out, pay November 2018. Prior to this, employees – information that is Kirsty ended: “We’re delighted Birkenau by Soviet troops. negotiations can be a long and the Branch reviewed the annual publicly available through the that members have accepted the The 25th anniversary of the frustrating journey, and report 2017/18, which includes report and which we decided deal that the branch worked very genocide in Bosnia was also members are often unaware of the directors’ salary and bonus. members should be aware of. hard to achieve. It won’t be long remembered. The theme was ‘Stand the time that branch officers The three named directors had Kirsty added: “This sent a until the circus begins again, Together’, a powerful expression have given in negotiating and shared £10k of salary increase message to management how however members should be of solidarity that is also at heart of finalising the deal. and £14k of bonus. serious we were taking matters assured that the branch executive the trade union movement’s Speaking about the process, Kirsty went on: “The branch and that they could not pull the will continue to fight for the best response to fascism, antisemitism Kirsty said: ‘Scottish Water posted a Herald article exposing wool over our eyes. deal possible.” and the politics of hate. Among the events UNISON members took part in was the UNISON Police Staff women make Renfrewshire branch evening of remembrance which also commemorated Jane Haining, the the menopause a workplace issue only Scottish woman to have died at Auschwitz. By Gillian Bannatyne panic attacks - can force women Attended by delegates from Area organiser out of the workforce. across Scotland, the event reflected “That’s why we are making it menopause campaign on recent genocides in Cambodia, a priority campaign this year. Awill be the focus of Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. “Some UK police forces are UNISON Police Staff Scotland A special tribute was also paid leading good practice. However Women’s Committee to Sam Macartney, UNISON UNISON must make sure it’s a throughout 2020. Scotland International Chair, who workplace issue across all The committee is taking their died a few days earlier. employers. We need to talk about campaign to aggregate AGMs Mark Ferguson, UNISON it and campaign for employers to around the country, urging members Renfrewshire branch secretary, have a menopause policy to take the issue into workplaces said: “It is important that we including training and flexible until all women feel supported. remember the atrocities committed absence procedures.” Eileen MacLennan, chair of during the Holocaust. UNISON The committee will be taking Police Staff Women’s Committee, Renfrewshire is leading a study their campaign to Inverness, said: “The menopause is still tour to Auschwitz as part of the Aberdeen, Dundee, Tulliallan, treated as a joke. It’s a taboo subject 75th Anniversary of the liberation Fettes, St Leonards, Stirling, and working women are subject to of the camps and remembering Glenrothes, Gartcosh, whispers and claims of Jane Haining, who worked for over Dalmarnock, Govan, Dumfries incompetence. 10 years in Paisley’s Ferguslie and Motherwell. Please see “It affects almost all women Thread Mill.” and symptoms – like migraines, unisonpolicestaffscotland.org for dizziness, fatigue, depression and more details. Staff cuts Sam Macartney: Committed trade unionist and internationalist effect on FOI s the Campaign for NISON Scotland has “At Scottish level, Sam never sympathy are with his partner AFreedom of Information in Upaid tribute to Sam shirked from responsible roles, Teresa.” Scotland (CFoIS) presented a Macartney, a committed as a member of the Scottish Brian Smith, branch secretary new report in the Scottish trade unionist and Committee, Scottish Local of UNISON’s Glasgow City Parliament, UNISON Scotland internationalist, who died Government Committee and, of branch, said: “We are all in has highlighted the impact of suddenly on 24 January. course, the International shock. Sam represented austerity cuts on staff Sam was the widely respected Committee. He played a full part countless members over the implementing the Freedom of chair of UNISON Scotland’s in any debate. years and was elected to various Information legislation. International Committee and led on “He will be remembered roles in the branch, including as UNISON represents many staff working directly on FOI, as well as our work to promote trade union above all for his international our conditions of service officer. many who provide information for solidarity and human rights. work beyond UNISON Scotland, “Sam gave time, effort and “Wherever we sent him in FOI responses. He was a UNISON activist for the UK union and the STUC. seriousness to this key trade solidarity and to learn, his daily The union is a longstanding 35 years, beginning as a steward “Sam was a true blogs of the day’s engagements union role and we know our campaigner for strong FOI extended in Glasgow’s learning disability internationalist. Perhaps because were a feature on UNISON members appreciated it. to cover all organisations delivering day care service. of his own Irish background he Scotland’s website. “Sam showed great public services and welcomed that As senior steward he was had huge commitment to “He was profoundly moved thoughtfulness to those he call in the the CFoIS report. resolute in representing members conflict resolution and justice. by what he saw when he went worked with, often doing things Stephen Low, UNISON Scotland and protecting them in some Sam knew that injustice and with a delegation of Scottish like driving people to medical policy officer, said: “Our recent major service reforms. He took oppression knew no boundaries. trade unionists in 2014 to Bhopal appointments, visiting people survey of members working in FOI this experience into his role as Palestine, Venezuela, Cuba, in India to mark the 30th when in hospital or practical showed that many are overworked service conditions officer with Southern Africa – these were all anniversary of the industrial support in times of bereavement. and under pressure and we have Glasgow City, representing over places where Sam had an interest disaster there. “These small kindnesses asked the Parliament Committee to ten thousand members. and sought to extend solidarity. “At conference or at the end connect us all and and illustrate emphasise the importance of Mike Kirby, UNISON’s As a regular visitor to Turkey of a residential school or one aspect of who Sam was as a sufficient staff, training and resources Scottish Secretary, said: “Sam’s where he had comrades he was seminar, he was the star turn of person. to deliver on the public’s right to commitment and determination, aware of the increasing the social evening as he sang and “Our hearts go out to Sam’s know.” whatever the cause, were always authoritarian regime there and was played guitar. wife, Teresa, also a member of Neil Findlay MSP chaired the meeting held on 21 January with evident, as was his sense of supportive of UNISON Scotland’s “He will be greatly missed our UNISON Glasgow branch Carole Ewart, convener of CFoIS. humour. solidarity work with Kurds. and our thoughts and deepest family.” page 4 february 2020 ScotlandinUNISON

UNISON legal officer Suzanne is appointed as a judge Trump’s Middle By Peter Hunter step in a stellar legal career. Many UNISON members Head of organising In her time with the union have enjoyed life changing wins East plan ‘not fter a decade of Suzanne not only won for the through Suzanne’s efforts but Aexceptional legal work members she represented, but when the supermarket equal pay peace but with UNISON, Suzanne she frequently changed the law claims are finally resolved the Craig has been appointed to create lasting benefit for all impact of her work will be felt Apartheid’ as a Judge in the Social workers. once again because those S President Donald Trump Entitlement Chamber of She won at tribunal, EAT, the women are walking a path that has presented his long- Court of Session and famously Suzanne laid for all women. U the Courts and Tribunals awaited Middle East peace plan, service. at the UK Supreme Court. So we wish her well in her promising to keep Jerusalem as Although she will be greatly Perhaps best known for her new role but most of all we Israel’s undivided capital. missed, it is a fantastic work on equal pay, she also had express our gratitude for a He proposed a two-state solution and opportunity for Suzanne and her landmark wins on trade union talented and tenacious colleague Suzanne (right) celebratiing said no Israelis or Palestinians would be elevation is just the most recent rights and holiday pay. who was a joy to work with. the Glasgow equal pay victory uprooted from their homes. However, as we went to press, the headlines lacked any detail or UNISON social work refugee conference substance. B’Tselem, the widely respected Israeli Information Center for Human calls for more training and resources Rights in the Occupied Territories - with NISON Scotland’s controversial area of work. We which UNISON has strong links - has USocial Work Issues were concerned to hear from decried the proposal as “Not peace, but Group (SWIG) held a very staff that these are regarded as Apartheid” . successful conference on “core assessments” and that B’Tselem said: “What has changed in social work with asylum specific training is not offered. the proposal? The reality on the ground is seekers and refugees, “We regard this as an area of already one of full Israeli control over the which highlighted priorities work that requires particular entire area between the Jordan River and for future campaigning. expertise (including cultural the Mediterranean Sea and everyone living Held on 29th November and awareness) and would suggest in it. It is a reality of one, inherently chaired by Stephen Smellie, that training and specialist undemocratic, state. UNISON depute convener, the advice is required. “And so, the main change today is conference brought together “We welcome the news that the that Israel and the Trump administration some 40 social work members is preparing are taking a step further in laying bare with migrant advocacy guidance and urge this to be the their intention to perpetuate this reality. organisations and CoSLA basis of training for any staff “This clarity significantly reduces O JIM MAIN representatives. involved in this area of work,” said the gap between the situation as it is, Colin, adding however, that in and the euphemistic terms used to Speakers included Glasgow PHOT Girl, Roza Salih, Colin Turbett practice these assessments are describe it. (UNISON), Andrew Minshaw UNISON Scotland’s guide for members and ‘Glasgow Girl’ proving to be of little value in the “What hasn’t changed? Tomorrow, (Asylum Seeker Housing Roza Salih addresses the conference courts unless they can provide real there will still be 14 million people Project), Abigail Chidavayenzi proof of age. living between the Jordan River and the migrants – regardless of authority staff in March 2019 but Mediterranean Sea, five million of them (Women Asylum Seeker immigration status. SWIG will many front-line staff hadn’t heard The conference condemned Housing Project), Jennifer Ang the lack of funding for support Palestinian subjects who have no raise this with Scottish of the guidance, which includes political rights. They will remain under (JustRight Scotland) and Anna Government and individual fundamental information such as services for asylum seekers in Tajsiak (CoSLA). Glasgow, which houses the the rule of the same government in employers “what constitutes a “public fund” Jerusalem, a government that works As the city with the highest Colin Turbett, author of for those with no recourse to majority of asylum seekers in number of dispersed asylum Scotland, a concern to UNISON relentlessly to advance the supremacy of “Refuge and Asylum in Scotland public funds.” one people at the expense of the other, seekers in the UK, much of the – a guide for members” said, “SWIG is keen to support the members, particularly at a time focus centred on Glasgow, with of cuts, and seen as contributing while continually trampling its rights “Some asylum seekers fear that dissemination and use of this underfoot. concerns about the privatisation of the social worker role is a Guide as a tool which offers directly to the persistence of the services for migrants and asylum “Hostile Environment” with “And the future? What the punitive one that carries with it factual background to Palestinians are being offered right now seekers and the implications of the threat of child removal and legislation, powers and unintentional but very real this, especially for those in the consequences for Glasgow City is not rights or a state, but a permanent family separation. suggestions for good practice,” state of Apartheid. No amount of process of being evicted from their “We are keen to support said Colin. Council and its staff. homes by SERCO, as the result of Colin concluded by calling marketing can erase this disgrace or blur initiatives that try and project The conference considered the facts. But, the painful facts of today a now terminated contract with the the supportive role of social the thorny issue of age for more training for staff in the Home Office. area of support for migrants and give rise to hope for the future, the only work, whilst recognising its assessments for unaccompanied future that can genuinely offer peace. The conference highlighted important place in the protection children. asylum seekers. the importance of relationship “We were delighted that our “A future not based on supremacy of individuals from abuse.” Colin warned: “Although conference was such a success for some and oppression for others, but based social work support which He added that CoSLA has apparently few in number and can make a positive difference to but we do believe that this on full equality, liberty, dignity, and issued a Migrants Rights & rare outside Glasgow, this seems reflects a dearth of training rights for all.” the lives of very vulnerable Entitlements Guide for local to be an increasing and generally,” he said. We need your views as parliament asks ‘What Future for Social Care?’ NISON Scotland is urging and UNISON members have quality social care services.” questions throw up some Uits members in social care important experiences to share.” The specific questions set by the immediate and obvious problems. to participate in an inquiry into He explained, “Social care parliamentary inquiry are:- For example, the growing use of the future of social care by the services are the focus of many 1. How should the public be agency staff and the trend towards Health Committee of the competing and conflicting involved in planning their own and “short visits” or “pop-ins” all serve Scottish Parliament. challenges - increasing demand, a their community’s social care to undermine the experience of This inquiry is particularly drive for higher standards, pressure services? both service users and staff. Much important because it focuses on the to integrate, the registration and 2. How should integration of this goes on without effective views of service users and people regulation of staff, impossibly tight called for person-centred services, authorities commission and procure monitoring and reporting. “ who support service users. budgets and the requirement to based on principles such as social care to ensure it is person- If you would like to participate T has circulated the questions deliver Fair Work. empowerment, independence, centred? you can email your comments to the inquiry is asking and a guide to “Most of these changes are equality, human rights, and 3. Looking ahead, what are the [email protected] or contact the inquiry to UNISON members being implemented from the top continuity of care. essential elements in an ideal us for details of local focus groups. in social care and to all UNISON down via councils, the NHS and He said, “These were the early model of social care branches and has started a series of Integrated Joint Boards. conclusions of our initial research (e.g. workforce, locally based focus groups for “But what about the views and with health and social care workers technology, housing We want to hear your news members and reps to discuss and experiences of people on the and they are just some elements of etc.)? SiU is your paper, we want to hear your develop more detailed responses to ground? Is social care really the shared interest of service users 4. What needs to stories. Contact Kate Ramsden (editor) the inquiry. person-centred? Is it based on and care workers. happen to ensure the [email protected], Danny Phillips [email protected], Trisha Hamilton Peter Hunter, UNISON Scotland fairness, dignity and respect?” “Starting from these common equitable provision of [email protected] Head of organising said, “The Peter pointed out that UNISON values, we are asking members and social care across the Editorial group: Kate Ramsden, Watty inquiry is an important opportunity members share the grassroots branches to share their views on country?” Gaffney, Jane Aitchison, Diane O’Donnell to expose the barriers to better care perspective of service users, and the steps required to shape high Peter said, “These and Sean Davenport Published by UNISON Scottish Council, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow G2 6RX.