Joint Consultative Committee (teachers) - 03/12/2002

At a MEETING of the JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TEACHERS held at Dundee on 3rd December, 2002.

Present:-

Councillors

Representing Management

Representing Trade Unions

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Lord Provost John LETFORD, Councillor Jill SHIMI and Daniel McDONALD.

Councillor George de GERNIER, in the Chair.

I MEMBERSHIP

The Convener welcomed Councillor Joe FitzPatrick (replacing Councillor Elizabeth Fordyce) and Lesley Denby and Derek Hammond (Union Representatives), to their first meeting of the Teachers JCC.

II MINUTE OF MEETING OF 19TH MARCH, 2002

The minute of the meeting held on 19th March, 2002 was received as a correct record.

III MATTERS ARISING

(a) IMPLEMENTATION OF "A TEACHING PROFESSION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY - FUNDING FOR SUPPORT STAFF AND CPD"

The Trade Unions were concerned that sufficient funding had still not been allocated for additional support staff and CPD as agreed under the McCrone Agreement. It was reported that measures continue to be taken to raise these issues with the Scottish Executive pointing out the problems being caused by underfunding.

It was agreed to continue to pursue this matter with the Scottish Executive through COSLA.

(b) LOCAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR TEACHERS

Councillor Julie Sturrock declared an interest and took no part in the debate.

The Trade Unions expressed their concern and disappointment at the lack of progress on the establishment of a Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

The Chief Executive indicated that a report outlining the Council?s position on the matter was ready for the Education Committee and expressed the view that the responsibility for delay rested with the Trade Unions.

The Trade Unions contested that view and indicated that progress would only be possible through a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions on the matter.

The Convener indicated that further meetings would take place on the issue and expressed the hope that an early resolution to this matter could be achieved.

IV REPORTING INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST SCHOOL STAFF - SESSION 2001/2002

Report by the Director of Education was discussed.

It was felt by the Trade Unions that efforts to encourage Head Teachers and school staff to report all incidents had helped to provide a more accurate assessment of the problem. However, substantial concern was expressed about the number of incidents and the fact that these now showed a real and continuing increase.

Following discussion it was agreed that the Director of Education, in conjunction with the Teacher Trade Unions, would undertake a more pro-active approach to considering possible preventative strategies and responses.

The Trade Unions sought confirmation that information currently being in-gathered by all Council departments on persons with an associated safety risk, would also be available to schools, in order to avoid teachers meeting with parents being placed unknowingly at potential risk of violent incident. It was agreed that such information would be made available although it was noted that the information available would not be exhaustive.

It was also agreed in response to a query from the Trade Unions that reporting forms for incidents of violence would now be available through Union Representatives in schools as well as Head Teachers, and other methods of access would also be examined.

V CURRENT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS - UPDATE

Report circulated by the Director of Education updating current security arrangements. The Director stated that she meets with school staff during the course of the year and one of the topics raised at these meetings is school security. Feedback so far has indicated some satisfaction with what has been implemented.

The Trade Unions indicated that they were anxious to secure a sustained high level of attention to this issue. In addition, whilst accepting the information contained in the report, they expressed concern that there remained issues to be satisfactorily addressed. It was noted that discussions and efforts were continuing on these matters.

It was agreed to note the contents of the report and that the Director of Education re-surveys Head Teachers and Heads of Service during summer term 2003 to ascertain the extent and impact of improvements made to date.

VI DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To be advised.

GEORGE DE GERNIER, Convener.

APPENDIX VI