THE PARTNERSHIP AT WORK FUND

Successful projects in the second round of the partnership at work fund

The successful bidders in the second round of the Partnership at Work Fund were announced by DTI Minister, Alan Johnson, on 7 November 2000. The 40 successful projects will receive £1.4 million from the Partnership at Work Fund to develop innovative projects between employers and employees to address culture change, business and work-life issues. They come from the private, public and voluntary sectors and from unionised and non-unionised organisations.

The 40 successful bidders in this round are:

Equality and diversity affecting cultural change

The St George's Healthcare NHS Trust in London and UNISON want to engineer a cultural change to address harassment and bullying and implement, in this context, a policy of zero tolerance. An independent training programme will ensure all managers and trade union representatives are trained collectively in partnership. This will enable the effective management and support of staff who experience harassment or bullying in the workplace. An Equalities and Diversity group and a forum, both with representatives from management and trade unions, will manage the project.

Shape the Future

Thames Water, which serves customers in the London and Thames Valley area, along with the trade unions, is aiming to implement a Partnership Agreement to ensure the success of the business, which will benefit both the company and the employees. Partnership forums will be established to develop a strategy for open and constructive communication to aid change. This will lead to improved business performance through employee training and development.

Equality Listening Partnerships

London Underground with partners RMT and ASLEF is seeking to improve the level of partnership on equality issues between local TU representatives and local managers by holding a series of Equality Listening Partnership meetings. The project will also address cultural change by increasing the level of understanding and awareness of sexism and racism. Activities will include equality workshops and an equality conference for employees.

Partnership on Progress in Maternity Services

The Royal College of Midwives is a professional organisation and trade union in London that represents over 90% of practising midwives. The aim is to help midwifery managers and RCM stewards work in partnership to improve retention and returner rates for midwives through childcare, work-life balance, and cultural change initiatives. The project will research the causes of why midwives leave the profession and what can be done to attract them back.

UNISON & Barts and the London Hospital Trust

UNISON is a trade union representing public utilities employees. Its project, in partnership with St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, is to bring about cultural change within the Trust and provide a framework for genuine staff involvement in decisions regarding the Trust by creating a "Partnership Working Model".

A Partnership for Change

NCH Action for Children is a charitable organisation based in London for children providing social care services. The project's aim is to build on the recent recognition of the MSF/UNISON unions within NCH Action for Children. The project proposes partnership training for management and trade union representatives to achieve positive employee relations, benefiting stakeholders and sustaining growth.

AEAT and IPMS Partnership Training

The Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists (IPMS) in London and AEA Technology aim to develop a partnership approach to encourage recruitment, and improve retention and motivation of highly skilled staff within the company. Partnership is seen as the key to securing employee commitment, thereby helping AEAT establish a competitive edge in the marketplace. It is the intention to disseminate the results of the project through the IPMS and AEAT networks.

Partnership in Practice

Barclays Bank in London and UNIFI have developed a project designed to facilitate the culture of partnership within the bank. The long-term objectives are to enable the "Partnership Principles", already established between Barclays and UNIFI, to work in practical terms at every level in the company. The project is based on joint training for line managers and union representatives in order to develop champions who will demonstrate to others within the organisation how partnership works and how to
promote the benefits produced by it.

Partnership to Change

MSF is a trade union representing skilled and professional people in manufacturing, finance, health and the voluntary sector. Its London-based project with Norwood Ravenswood and Jewish Care focuses on improving working conditions in voluntary community care organisations by promoting best practice and communications amongst the workforce. The proposal envisages joint training for managers and representatives in discipline and grievance procedures, and joint policy development in the areas of health and safety, and equal opportunities.

Building an Employee Relations Partnership for a World Class Business

British Airways World Cargo is a division of British Airways in Heathrow that deals with cargo operations as part of the overall BA group activities. The project is a culture-change proposal involving the training of managers and union representatives in non-adversarial approaches to workplace problems. Their aim is to improve the climate in employee relations, and to gain recognition from all parties that partnership helps the bottom line.

Achieving Employee Empowerment

London Borough of Merton, a local council based in Surrey, aims to research examples of best practice and flexible working methods, including better work-life balance and new ways of working. This will be part of a cultural change initiative enhancing working conditions, motivation, morale and personal empowerment, leading to increased productivity.

Leaders in Partnership

Birds Eye Wall's is a manufacturer and supplier of frozen foods and ice creams in Walton on Thames, Surrey. The project aims to develop the principle of working together across various Birds Eye Wall’s sites through a 'Leaders in Partnership' Programme, with the training of 240 "leaders in partnership", and the development and support of a network of change-agents across all sites and trade unions.

Making the most of Partnership

AMEC Rail Ltd, a rail maintenance company based in Purley, Surrey, and the RMT want to cascade a culture of change throughout the company, away from an "out-dated autocratic approach" and towards open partnership working. Particular attention will be paid to jointly addressing health and safety issues, and discipline and grievance procedures. Activities will include surveys and workshops.

Atomic Weapons Establishment Plc Partnership Project

The Atomic Weapons Establishment plc (AWE) is a private sector manufacturer of nuclear warheads in Aldermaston, Reading. AWE wants a new and more effective way of working between managers, employees and trades unions. The project will use workshops and consultancy to help the organisation meet its business challenges through skilled and motivated staff.

Partnership at Work

The CSL Group in Milton Keynes provides administrative services to local government, central government and the private sector in accounting services, payroll and pensions administration. Together with UNISON, the group aims to deliver a training programme geared to extending and deepening the influence of the partnership structure that has developed at CSL since June 1999. Particular emphasis will be placed on joint problem solving and decision making with a focus on improving knowledge of key business issues and corporate processes.

Partnership Skills Training Programme

The MSF is a trade union that represents skilled and professional people in manufacturing, finance, health and the voluntary sector.The project is based in Bishop's Stortford. The MSF aims to focus on reports from delegates and discuss best practice in terms of partnership working and the training of local representatives, as well as disseminating information on partnership widely amongst MSF members in the NHS.

Partnership in the Small Business Sector

Oxford Brookes University is a registered charity under the Higher Education Act based in Oxford. With an action research project they plan to consider issues facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile sector and how the partnership approach between the University, FGTU and Federation of Small Businesses can help provide solutions. It aims to address issues such as health and safety, work-life balance, education & training, and employment legislation requirements.

Edscha UK Partnership at Work Project

Edscha UK Manufacturing Ltd is a private sector manufacturer in Coventry, which produces automotive components. Its project has been created to "foster partnership in the workplace to address issues of high levels of staff turnover, and achieve much higher levels of labour retention." Edscha and its partner want innovative and creative problem-solving solutions in the workplace and a 'Partnership Charter' approach for new working practices and increased worker participation.

Omega Partnership at Work

Omega Electrical Systems Ltd in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, provides components in the specialist vehicles and machine tools sectors. Omega aims "to establish a framework that will encourage all employees to develop their skills, participate in the development of improved working methods and to receive recognition and reward for their contributions."

Knitting Industry Equal Opportunities Partnership Project

Knitting, Footwear and Apparel Trades (KFAT), based in Leicester, is working on a project, together with the Knitting Industries Federation, to increase awareness of equal opportunity issues within the knitting industries and disseminate best practice. They will help companies through partnership at a local level to develop equal opportunity policies and implement effective monitoring procedures. A joint working party will deliver the objectives, collaborate on written material and present seminars for managers and union representatives

Improving Employee/Management Relations in Partnership

Serco, based in Derby, and the RMT are aiming to improve the day-to-day working relationships between the unions and management. Serco has a contract with Railtrack to deliver rail infrastructure and maintenance. The project seeks to change traditional attitudes and behaviour among employers and employees in order to rebuild a positive approach to dealing with problems faced by the workforce. The project will be based on seminars, training programmes, surveys and benchmarking activities.

Partnership Development Team

The Inland Revenue and the Public and Commercial Services union will jointly identify effective ways of working in partnership between the management and union. The Nottingham-based project will focus on three different and remote offices to establish best practice working which will then be disseminated throughout the Inland Revenue. The project will also provide the opportunity to deliver a culture change that will be an important factor in implementing their Modernisation Agreement and maximising the
effectiveness of employees' representation.

The Hundredth Monkey

This is a dissemination project from Nottingham Trent University, the Industrial Society and the Involvement and Participation Association, which are all members of the UK Work Organisation Network. Through an analysis of case study and research data, it aims to spread awareness and practical knowledge of partnership-based forms of work organisation. It also intends to stimulate action by business support organisations, the social partners and public policy makers to encourage partnership approaches in the workplace.

Federal Mogul Friction Products

Federal Mogul Friction Products Ltd is a private manufacturer of friction products in Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire. The project aim is to challenge existing practices and develop workplace flexibility by introducing regular meetings of best practice committees, partnership training and development of partnership networks. The core themes being Understanding the Business, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Relations, Quality Management and Managing Change.

Collaborative project to help address issues of violence and aggression against NHS staff

This project, between the King's Mill Centre NHS Trust in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire and UNISON, seeks to address the issue of aggression and violence against Trust staff, which in turn affects absence and turnover. It also aims to build future collaborative working arrangements between UNISON and management.

Changing Places - Museums for the 21st Century

This culture-change project between Nottingham City Council, GMB and UNISON aims to remove barriers between staff and develop understanding between front-of-house museum staff and professional staff. They intend to improve practice and working relationships between all staff and unions, particularly through their recently established Partnership Group. The overall aim is to break down preconceptions, to develop new working practices and priorities, and to improve communication.

Warner Jenkinson Learning Partnership

The Warner Jenkinson Group (WJG) is a manufacturer of colours for foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics based in King's Lynn, Norfolk. WJG aims to change the workplace culture to enable staff to handle the informational and business systems side of customer service to help personal development, employability and company growth.

Partnership Planning Process

Diamond H Controls Ltd is a Norwich-based private company specialising in the manufacture and sale of controls for the domestic appliance market. Its proposal aims for a complete culture change that includes work/life balance and better working conditions by developing a works council, flexible working patterns, personal learning and continuous improvement.

Renewing Partnership

The Co-operative Bank in Manchester and UNIFI are aiming to re-generate momentum and enthusiasm for partnership-working across the bank's business divisions, and to achieve additional flexibility for the bank, whilst at the same time providing a better work-life balance. The project will also ask staff how they view partnership and work-life balance issues.

Work-Life Balance in a 24-Hour Health Service

This project from the Society of Radiographers and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Trust aims to explore, agree and implement new ways of working. The project will be intended to help to provide radiographers with positive choices about the balance between their work, life and professional development, as well as giving the employer the opportunity to improve service provision. The experience and information gathered from the project will be disseminated to help promote good practice in other similar hospital departments.

Improving Working Lives: Working Together

UNISON is a trade union representing employees of public utilities. The project is based in Exeter and aims to rebuild relationships between SW Water and the unions and enhance employees working lives by encouraging an agreement on work-life and family-friendly policies, including the establishment of joint consultative arrangements.

Empowerment within Northern Developments

Northern Developments (Cumbria) Ltd is a civil engineering and construction company based in Carlisle. Its aim is to "introduce and embed an empowerment culture within Northern Developments and build effective partnerships between management and staff". This will be achieved by the establishment of a joint staff-management monitoring team.

Partnership Initiatives for Success

Arriva Scotland West, based in Renfrew, with the Scottish Trade Union Congress are aiming to promote and redress traditional employment issues using partnership as a catalyst for future success and sustainability. A partnership approach will be taken towards problem solving by involving the employees in the future growth of the company. They will also help family-friendly working conditions by supporting part-time and home working for employees.

Scottish Power Systems Division Working Partnership

Scottish Power UK plc, based in Birkenhead, along with the AEEU, GMB and the T&G, aim to establish a new 'Working Partnership' between the company and unions which will form the basis for improving employee relations over future years. Together they are aiming for increased productivity and efficiency through joint communication to improve procedures and practices. Existing team briefing structures will be reinforced by relevant training for staff

Environmental Best Practice Through Partnership

Allied Distillers, based in Dumbarton, Scotland, the unions AEEU, GMB and MSF, and Scottish Enterprise have joined forces to develop a project to implement waste minimisation improvements. Scottish Enterprise will be involved with disseminating the project through the supply chain and the local business community. Project objectives include encouraging partnership working across all levels and areas of the business to generate cost savings and benefit everyone. Although there is a partnership agreement in place, the partners want to achieve full partnership working so that every single employee is involved.

Theatre Safety Net~

The Scottish Theatres Technical Training Trust of Glasgow and the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union are working together to improve the culture of consultation and communication on safety within the Scottish theatre industry. The project will carry out an analysis of the H&S needs of employers and employees in order to create a Health and Safety training strategy. This will then establish improvements in the work environment. Good working practices will be disseminated throughout the industry.

NCR Dundee's Winning Work Environment

NCR Financial Solutions Group Ltd is a Dundee-based manufacturer of electronics cash dispensing systems (ATMs). The project aim is to take account of work/life balance needs in manufacturing
operations and develop a family-friendly working environment. They see communication and flexibility as key issues, and want to make NCR Manufacturing Operations a leader in family-friendly working
environments.

FITA 2000 Rossshire Project

Fish Industry Training Association (Highlands & Islands) is a non-profit training association group based in Aberdeen. FITA's aim is to create a partnership based on combining education of health and safety issues, with vocational qualifications, an examination of working relations, and efficiency and job
satisfaction through 'family-friendly' policies.

Project Osprey Living Agreement

The Inverness-based project initiated by GMB Scotland aims "to develop a partnership model over a three-year period, which incorporates participants' joint ability to ‘add value’ to business performance through the research carried out with their partners." The project members believe this will teach SMEs about the benefits of employee participation and involvement

Working Together

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is an umbrella body for voluntary organisations based in Edinburgh. Its aim is to "promote a partnership approach between employers and unions to develop family-friendly working policies and practices in the sector" by creating new guidelines, delivering joint training to managers and representatives. A website will be built to disseminate experience and information.

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Last revised: 26 September 2001