Behind The Service: A UNISON Insight into Local Government

Episode 21 is all about local government reorganistion in England, with a smidgeon of English devolution thrown in for good measure. UNISON members are committed to ensuring high-quality public services, and there is genuine concern about the potential impact of reorganisation on day-to-day council services, particularly workforce capacity and retention. With the right support (and funding), the devolution process can result in positive outcomes for workers, local authorities, and the public. Therefore, councils must be well-resourced for devolution to be effective and ensure their workforce is supported, well remunerated, and trained. Devolution is not the cure for austerity. It can work as long as the vision of English local government is one where power is devolved from Westminster, decisions are made locally, and services are fully funded. Councils and their staff are essential for sustainable economic growth and can make a significant contribution to regional prosperity. We need to point out that local government reorganisation and devolution doesn’t apply everywhere in England, for example in Greater London and in the North East where it has already happened. To talk about all things reorganisation, we are joined by two amazing guests, Mo Baines and Clare Williams.

Welcome back to Behind the Service, and in this episode we’re shining a light on activism and the Service Group Executive (SGE) - invaluable parts of the change we’re able to make. Glen Williams and Lorraine Thomson are two pioneering voices in UNISON, and they join us to share how the SGE plays a powerful role in shaping the recognition that local government employees are valued and respected, and driving social change. This episode of ‘Behind the Service: A UNISON Podcast’ covers: The critical role of volunteer union representatives in driving social change The ongoing battle against local government budget cuts and service erosion How UNISON is combating far-right intolerance and promoting community unity The emerging role of activists in addressing environmental pressures UNISON https://www.unison.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion Glen Williams https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-williams-8377a584/

There is only one planet for us, and saving it from the climate crisis has been atop UNISON’s agenda for decades - so how do we continue that fight today? With September’s Green UNISON Week, this episode of the podcast focuses on the huge potential for change that’s possible with the collaborative power of our members. Joining us to share their collective expertise, and how you can make an impact, are UNISON Policy Officer, Michelle Singleton, and South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, Stephen Smellie. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: UNISON’s role in combating climate change Why ‘Just Transition’ is a crucial element in the fight against climate change Challenges of operating on a local level Balancing limited resources with the urgent need for climate action UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion Green UNISON Week: https://www.unison.org.uk/tag/green-unison-week/ Stephen Smellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smellie-179516160/

The care sector has a glimmer of hope in the form of a new National Care Service, but such optimism comes after too many years of unsung heroes keeping the sector together. One such hero is Dimension UK’s Samantha Thornton, who joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast alongside our Senior National Officer for Social Care, Gavin Edwards. We cover the difference that our Ethical Care Charter makes to carers, the ambitions for a proposed Fair Pay Agreement, and the past & future states of the care sector in the UK right now. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: The current state of the care sector, and a typical day for those working within it What a National Care Service would mean for care workers and the public The Fair Pay Agreement, and the difference it’d make for care workers UNISON’s campaigning in the sector and its impacts on the workforce Advice for care & support workers currently in the profession UNISON https://www.unison.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

14 years of austerity has hit local government services brutally, but have you ever wondered about the extent of the damage caused? Between Alan Waters’ experience as Former Leader of Norwich City Council and Laura Webster’s time working with Woking as they faced a bankruptcy situation, this podcast episode exposes the harsh reality of local government funding. Discover the impact of persistent cuts on your local services, and how the money moves behind the scenes, in episode 17 of the UNISON Local Government Podcast. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: The complexity of local government finance, and how councils have been squeezed by austerity measures Laura’s experiences with Woking Council’s financial troubles from within How many local government challenges trace back to central government mismanagement What power we have to improve local government’s situation How a decade of budget cuts has undermined local democracy and sustainability of public services UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion Alan Waters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-waters-6a723734/ Laura Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-webster-36b66a77/

The LGPS, contrary to what some would have you believe, is a vital benefit to those working in the public sector. That’s why it’s so important for us to ensure two things: that we understand it, and that we provide our support to ensure its survival. Glyn Jenkins is our very special guest on the podcast this week as he takes us through everything you need to know about the LGPS, and why understanding your pension is paramount. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: Why it’s important to join the LGPS when working for schools and councils What are cost strains, and how do they occur The UNISON campaign for fair pension compensation supported by both WASPI groups Biggest concerns that UNISON members are bringing to Glyn UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion Glyn Jenkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glyn-jenkins-09a521104/

The headway we’ve made in recent years on LGBT+ rights is wonderful and to be celebrated, yet there’s so much more to achieve as we enter 2024: UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers. Two fantastic leaders for UNISON’s work with LGBT+ communities are Eileen Best (Co-Chair, LGBT+ National Committee) and Mitchell Coe (National Officer, LGBT+ Equality). Mitchell and Eileen join us to share their work, the national initiatives making change for our workers, and how you can get involved in creating a fairer workforce for LGBT+ workers. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: How UNISON works with & organises LGBT+ workers This year’s campaign as ‘Year of LGBT+ Workers’ and how to get involved Evolutions of LGBT+ rights in recent years The current state of LGBT+ rights and the work yet to be done UNISON: ⁠https://www.unison.org.uk/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/unisontheunion⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion⁠ UNISON’s LGBT+ Equality Page with Policy Checklist (as mentioned by Mitchell): ⁠unison.org.uk/out⁠ Mitchell Coe: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-coe-82172454/⁠

Welcome back to the UNISON Local Government Podcast - we’re kicking off 2024 with a look at one of the most essential services for UNISON members: There For You. UNISON’s welfare charity provides support to thousands of members in need, and joining us to share the great work it achieves, plus how to get involved, are UNISON’s Tony Wright and Abi Coombs. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: What ‘There For You’ is, and how it works The sheer range of support available Quantifying the charity’s huge impact across the year How UNISON members can access support and get involved with the charity

Central to the premise of any union is the power wielded when we come together, and PSI takes that premise up to a near-unfathomable, global scale. Daria Cibrario’s work with PSI counts UNISON among the 700+ trade unions that it serves to coordinate, and in this podcast episode Daria shares the remarkable impact that can have on working standards around the world. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: PSI’s role in bringing together the world’s unions in service of a common goal Daria’s role on coordinating global unions and influencing policies Common issues that unions are facing worldwide The need to not only protect existing public services from private interest, but reclaim them

Around half of school staff are support staff, whose incredible work with children too often flies under the radar - they’re the deserved focus of the Stars in Our Schools campaign. As we approach the annual celebration of support staff in schools on Friday 24th November, we highlight the stars of the campaign as we’re joined by Tracy Turton & Joanna Parry on this week’s UNISON Local Government Podcast. Join us as we discuss the lack of support for these everyday heroes, issues with free school meal eligibility in England, and how to get involved in the Stars in Our Schools campaign. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: The support staff being highlighted by the Stars in our Schools campaign Governmental shortcomings in dealing with the RAAC crisis in schools Critical issues surrounding the eligibility criteria for free school meals in England

The value of a job role, and the pay that’s offered, should reflect the responsibilities that come with the job, and not the person doing the job. Sadly, that premise isn’t always upheld. Job evaluation is one of the key tools in ensuring equal pay for all, and in closing the gender pay gap - Kathie Dickson leads on equal pay and job evaluation in UNISON. Kathie joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast to share how we’re fighting for our public sector workers to receive fair pay, regardless of their identity. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: What job evaluation is, and how the various schemes were devised How job evaluation schemes are applied to ensure the right pay grades are assigned to each role Key differences between equal pay and the gender pay gap How trade union reps can ensure job evaluation is undertaken fairly in your workplace

Over a quarter of Northern Ireland’s children are eligible for free school meals, yet the system is failing so many kids and parents with its complex, means-tested approach. Leading the charge through a vital campaign in Northern Ireland, UNISON’s Anne Taggart and John Patrick Clayton take us through the flawed system, what needs to change, and how many children are being affected by the current system. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: Current eligibility for free school meals in NI, and how many are eligible How the recent cessation of ‘holiday hunger’ payments endangers almost 100k pupils Key campaign activities, namely the billboard campaign and ‘All You Need Is Lunch’ campaign Next steps and how to get involved

Fire and rescue departments are among the country’s greatest lifesavers, and while the profession is so incredibly rewarding, it’s been subject to a decade of increasing strain. The London Fire Rescue Service’s Afi Khan and UNISON’s Natalie Ntim are supporting the staff on the frontlines and beyond, so that they’re given the funding and recognition they deserve. Learn more from Afi and Natalie as they join us for this week’s UNISON Local Government Podcast. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: The extent of cuts made to fire and rescue services around the country Vital roles that support staff play in enabling frontline services Diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry How funding and support cuts directly impact your safety

The next generations are our future, and staff in Further Education are the all-important people guiding them to brighter outcomes. For that very reason, they’re deserving of far more than the paltry, below-inflation increases being offered over the past decade and beyond. Joining us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast, Maxine Young and Leigh Powell share the joys and challenges of the F.E. sector, how they bring immense value to the economy, and how to encourage UNISON activism in education. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: Maxine’s love for the F.E. sector, particularly working with SEN students Longstanding pay issues persisting from the coalition government onwards The underappreciated value of the F.E. sector to the UK economy Tapering apprenticeship numbers and the pitfalls of private sector provision for these courses

Those working in the care sector are among the hardest working heroes in the country, but ensuring their pay and conditions match their efforts is an ongoing challenge. Weighing in on the social care system and how becoming a UNISON member can help bring the industry in line with carers’ well-deserved needs, we’re joined on this week’s podcast by CQC’s Alison Mesher, and UNISON’s Matthew Egan. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: The under-recognised role of the National Customer Services Team Support staff behind the scenes at the CQC Findings from CQC’s State of Care report UNISON’s approach to addressing workforce pressures Why, and how, one can evolve from being a UNISON member to an activist

The wide-spanning impact of our local libraries extends far beyond what most of us would think, which makes them utterly deserving of our support. As library workers and UNISON members, Shazziah Rock and Jo Foster-Murdoch are ideally placed to share the staggering impact of library services, the support they provide for equality issues, and how you can get involved in keeping our libraries thriving. This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: The remarkable reach that libraries’ work touches Why libraries are essential to local communities The work within libraries to support equality What to do if you see local library staff having hours cut

Local government workers are everyday heroes, and deserve recognition for all they do in our communities. One such way to celebrate their vital services is UNISON’s Local Service Champions campaign & awards, and Dawn Hallewell was recognised for going above and beyond in the 2022 awards. Dawn joins us on The UNISON Local Government Podcast alongside Assistant National Officer Sarah Pearce to share Dawn’s marvellous work, and how the Local Champions campaign highlights a need to fund these fantastic workers. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: Dawn’s outstanding work with parents throughout the challenging Covid period and beyond Sarah’s support for UNISON’s Local Service Champions programme How the programme celebrates essential local government workers The Local Service Champions Awards, and what we see in the most rousing nominations

The overwhelming consensus of statistics show social workers’ growing concerns, exacerbated by the years through which they’ve struggled. Within this tough, rewarding profession, there’s strength in numbers. We’re joined in this week’s podcast by Kerie Anne and Gill Archer, whose extensive social care experience places them well to lead positive change. Kerie and Gill consider the unnecessary testing, discrimination, and strain within the role, and how standing together will help alleviate these pressures industry-wide. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: The unnecessary media vilification of social workers Daily challenges and wider issues in the profession The need to remove testing hurdles which have discriminated against Black and older workers How UNISON members are leading change for social workers

2023 is UNISON’s Year of Black Workers, and the year-long focus on issues affecting Black members is one which must have lasting impacts. We need to work with our Black members in establishing legacy to create change, and joining us on the podcast to share how exactly to achieve this are Sandra Charles and Manjula Kumari. In the episode, you’ll hear how proper training, education and consideration can be implemented to create tangible change for the years ahead. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: UNISON’s initiatives for The Year of Black Workers Why more Black workers in positions of power and responsibility is essential Overcoming visibility issues surrounding lesser-understood medical needs How employers can better address barriers disproportionately affecting their Black workers

Meat inspectors save millions every year from illness through their indispensable work and commitment to food standards, but there’s a storm brewing on the horizon. The Food Safety & Consumer Protection Expert at EWFC, Ron Spellman, sees the parallels between past food-based health disasters and current emerging trends within the meat industry. On this episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast, we take a look at why it’s vital to consider where your meat comes from, the processes that keep you safe, and who has the power to uphold those essential standards. This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers: Ron’s extensive experience in the food industry Why it’s essential to understand where our meat comes from Concerns surrounding the future of meat inspection procedures and how they’ll affect food safety The impact of UNISON’s work to protect consumers through support of the EWFC What the FSA’s priorities should be to protect consumers going forward UNISON https://www.unison.org.uk/ https://twitter.com/unisontheunion https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion Ron Spellman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-spellman-2b402517/ EWFC https://www.ewfc.org/