We are now very close to reaching the end of the negotiations on a proposal for harmonisation of terms and conditions, both for staff remaining in the Probation Service and those due to transfer on to HMPPS or MOJ,  and we are now planning for trade union ballots on the offer.  This has been a lengthy and complex process but one in which HMPPS and the TUs have remained determined in achieving the best deal for everyone impacted by harmonisation.

We know it is frustrating and stressful waiting for confirmation of the proposal on offer – and together, we want to thank everyone for their patience and resilience during the negotiations.

Once the proposed Harmonisation Agreement is in its final draft, members of the three recognised Trade Unions will be asked to accept or reject it in a ballot. Staff will receive details of the Harmonisation Agreement and Trade Unions members will receive details of the ballot process along with information and advice from the lead for their TU.

As you know, only members of the three recognised Probation Trade Unions can participate in the ballot.  Each trade union will shortly be e-mailing all members who they have listed as being eligible to vote in the forthcoming ballot. All staff in the harmonisation group will be notified of the date that trade union members among them can expect to receive the e-mail. Members who do not receive the e-mail, and who are therefore not on the respective unions’ ballot registers, should contact their union after they know that the e-mail has been sent. If you have attempted to join one of the recognised trade unions recently, but have not heard back with confirmation of your membership, please contact the following named leads as soon as possible:

• Napo: Katie Lomas klomas@napo.org.uk

• UNISON:  policeandjusticeteam@unison.co.uk

• GMBScoop: Peter Brandt  peter.brandt@justice.gov.uk

For colleagues within Functional Leadership, we aim to commence consultation on Secondary Transfer activity towards HMPPS or MoJ alignment of terms following the ballot outcome and once again we thank you for your patience. We are discussing the best approach to achieving this and will provide impacted staff with a further update as soon as we can.

In the meantime, enquiries about both harmonisation and secondary transfer can be directed to the functional mailbox: HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk.

 

Thank you.