DWP briefing Corporate Transformation

Department for Work & Pensions Group

To: Branch Secretaries, Additional Branch Contact, Regional Secretaries, GEC
9 January 2012
DWP/BB/003/12

Please copy to all members affected by Corporate Transformation

CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION

DTUS met with the Corporate Transformation Project on 6 January 2012.

Postings

Postings are now virtually complete down to HEO level. Management have stated that they are not anticipating any surpluses at SEO, HEO, EO or AO grades. In fact, the position regarding the EO grade has shifted significantly in recent weeks with over 4000 posts now available for less than 3500 in scope. The recent announcement of 4000 new posts in operations also increases re-deployment opportunities. We have asked management to provide us with detailed workforce management figures including vacancies. Management have agreed to meet DTUS on this issue.

Preferences

DTUS raised concerns that the posting process was flawed and individuals were not being posted into the DG area of choice. Management shared with us figures which indicated that, in fact, the vast majority of staff have been posted to one of their preferences. There have also been reportedly few grievances but unfortunately, there are no central records.

Surpluses

There are currently 13 surplus staff at Grade 6 and 7. Management have indicated that they intend to commence Meaningful Consultation from 9 January for these staff. DTUS has argued vehemently that this is premature as we are not convinced full adherence to Cabinet Office protocols have been followed. Management have promised to review this situation.

Transitional roles

Management have stated that some of the posts originally labelled transitional have now been converted to permanent posts. They will confirm the number as soon as possible.

AAs

Management have announced a Voluntary Early Severance scheme for AAs across the department and management have indicated they expect there to be around 12 surpluses at the AA grade.

Advertised vacancies

DTUS had received reports that corporate centre vacancies were being advertised on the civil service vacancies website. Management denied this but stated some Civil Service Employee Policy posts had been advertised. These are not part of the DWP Corporate Centre.

Next Steps

Management confirmed that they will consult with DTUS on Phase Two of the transformation process which is essentially flexible working, culture and de-layering. The entire transformation design will be subject to a full review in the Spring.

Conclusion

The corporate transformation remains a constantly changing picture. Thankfully, the original projections of significant potential redundancies have not materialised. Nevertheless, we remain convinced this entire process was unnecessary and has caused immense upset for thousands of committed members. This is hugely regrettable and we have made this abundantly clear to senior departmental management. PCS will continue to campaign for adequate resources for all areas of DWP.