Issue - meetings

An exempt report providing the latest update for schools is to follow.

            The Schools Forum considered a report by the Group Director Business Transformation setting out proposals for resolving potential equal pay claims and providing an update on the Single Status project.

Members were angry at the late distribution of the report, as it prevented them from consulting with colleagues and the groups they represented. The Chair, Lauren Connor, proposed either that the meeting be postponed or there was a short adjournment to give time to read the report. Stuart McKellar (Director of Finance) explained that there was a risk management issue to be considered if a decision was delayed, as certain lawyers were beginning to contact staff regarding the possibility of potential appeals. It was agreed there should be an adjournment to read and consider the report.

Following the adjournment, the various representatives provided their views:

SASH – was happy to note the report but did not agree with the letter included as Appendix 1 as it did not provide any real information and would upset staff. It was also thought inappropriate for Heads to provide any advice as they did not have the relevant knowledge.

SAPH – was not happy with the letter in its current form and would want the reference to line manager removed if it was issued as they were not equipped to answer. Again, more information and guidance was needed if they were expected to offer any advice.

ASSSH – noted the report but did not like the letter as drafted. The expectation that Heads would offer advice put them in a vulnerable position.

Governors – would definitely not consider offering advice.

Diocese – noted the report but would not consider offering advice.

Peter Wells (Secondary Head and Chair of SASH) asked for clarification of the legal position should a head teacher inadvertently give out wrong advice. Mr McKellar confirmed that the position would be clarified but explained that Heads would not be expected to promote one course of action above another, only direct staff to the appropriate source of information.

Nick Capstick (Primary Head) stated that head teachers were happy to deliver whatever messages were required to their staff, but they needed proper information to do that and in this instance they just did not have it. Those that attended the Forum were fortunate in having access to additional information, but many Heads did not have this benefit, which could result in a potentially dangerous situation.

Members did not like the proposed letter, both for its lack of detail and for the general tone. It was suggested that if further details were not going be known until late April, then the letter should not be issued until May.

It was agreed that further details on Single Status and the Equal pay issue be submitted to the meeting on 21 April together with a revised form of letter to be issued to school staff.

            Resolved – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the letter, as set out in Appendix 1, not be issued until  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38

Attached for information is the public report on Single Status that was considered by Cabinet.  An exempt report providing the latest update for schools is to follow.

            The Schools Forum considered a report and presentation of the Group Director Business Transformation advising the Forum of the progress to date on the single status review and the likely implications for many of the generic posts in schools.  The Forum was asked for its views on a communications strategy, including if head teachers would wish to access the training and support being provided to other Borough managers to deliver the results to their staff.  In addition, the Forum received information on the likely costs of Equal Pay and was asked to consider if this should be managed centrally as part of the Dedicated Schools Grant Budget or allocated per school.

            The Forum agreed that they could not make a decision on the communications strategy in relation to single status and equal pay until a more complete picture of the implications for school posts was available and therefore wished to defer this discussion to its next meeting on 16^th March 2009.  Frank Knight (Workforce Modernisation Manager) advised that a full picture on single status would not be available until mid April 2009.  It was agreed that when reporting back additional information would be provided on the implications of using the Dedicated Schools Grant Budget to manage equal pay costs centrally, including the implications for Foundation and Voluntary Aided Schools in terms of costs and recruitment.

            Resolved – (1) That the discussion be deferred until the next meeting of the Schools Forum on 16^th March, and the Group Director Business Transformation report back at that time with any further information as to the single status outcomes for schools and on the implications of the different options for managing the costs of equal pay.

            (2) That the Director of Access and Provision defer the briefing meetings with Head Teachers planned for the week commencing 2^nd March 2009, until further information was available.