All staff have an important role to play in managing the safety of their workplace and identifying potential hazards. The department works in partnership with its staff and their representatives (recognised trade unions are Prospect, PCS and FDA) to:
- identify live potential problems and hazards in the working practices of the department/civil service
- provide advice to staff on hygiene, health and safety issues etc.
- put forward suggestions/comments to human resources where there is room for improvements in working practices.
The position of secretary is currently vacant. The committee would welcome new representatives from all recognised unions and across the 16 DCLG buildings (department and agencies). There is no limit on representative numbers. However, they must be members of a recognised union to apply.
If you, or a person you know, is interested, please forward any nominations to TUS.Health&[email protected] by 30 October 2015:
H&S rep role
- represent/assist the department’s staff in engaging with colleagues and/or management to resolve health and safety concerns
- jointly carry out building inspections with management
- undertake the statutory duty to work together to help HR and staff secure a safe and healthy environment.
The department values the important work carried out by representatives and would encourage staff to consider becoming one; this is in recognition of their key role within its health and safety structure.
To take on the position of chair, secretary or organiser, DCLG staff must become an accredited representative by applying through the health and safety committee/union.
Chair
The chair of the TUC health and safety committee is the:
- lead for the H&S representatives
-
trade union side representative at the departmental TUS-management meeting
Secretary
The secretary takes minutes, arranges dates and meeting papers etc for:
- health and safety committee meetings, including the AGM
- joint departmental and TUS management meetings.
Organisers
- maintain contact between officials
- provide support and advice to members and non-members on health and safety issues
- ensure regular health and safety inspections are taking place at all 16 buildings where DCLG has a presence, for example, 2 Marsham Street.