Independent Safeguarding Authority

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is a new public body which has been created to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. All individuals starting in Regulated activity or moving to a new role can register from 26 July 2010.From 1 November 2010 all individuals starting in Regulated activity or moving to a new role must register.

A union web page about ISA can be accessed at http://www.unison.org.uk/professionalservices/isa.asp

UNISON Evidence to NHS Pay Review Body

Following the survey of UNISON Health members conducted during July / August, 1,756 responses were received. These responses have now been analysed and written up into the attached report that provides a comprehensive picture of the views and experiences of the staff who deliver our health service.

This report has now been submitted to the NHS Pay Review Body as part of the annual evidence gathering process whereby the Review Body assesses whether there is a case for seeking a remit from the Secretary of State for Health to reopen the multi-year pay deal, and will compliment the document that the NHS Trade Unions will submit as joint staff side evidence. The staff side document will give evidence on the wider economic context, labour market conditions, recruitment and retention and staff morale.

Both the staff side evidence (attached) and the UNISON survey analysis will support UNISON’s position that the multi-year deal for NHS staff should not be disturbed and that the pay rates scheduled to come into effect on 1 April for 2010 in the final year of the multi-year deal should remain as agreed.

The evidence submitted by NHS employers can be found at:2010/2011 Agenda for Change staff and the evidence submitted by the Health Departments at:NHS Pay Review Body: Review for 2010

UNISON evidence to the NHS pay review body - UNISON member survey 2009

Joint Staff Side’s evidence to the NHSPRB for 2010-11

CALL FOR EVIDENCE ON THE FUTURE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

The Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery is calling for evidence.The Commission in particular would like to hear your views on:

1. What are the knowledge, skills and attributes that nurses / midwives require to take a central role in the design and delivery of 21st century services?

2. What would you like to see nurses and midwives doing more of and/or doing differently in the future - whether in people’s own homes, in the community or in hospital?

3. What might be preventing nurses and midwives from doing this now?

4. How can these barriers be overcome?

For more details on the Commission, what it is asking for and where to send your views please click on the link belowCall for evidence(click here)

FLU PANDEMIC

The union has set up a new mini website on swine flu at http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/swineflu.asp