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Consultation Process

Summary of postings

Consultation Process	Cara Rees	23 Mar 05
Re: Consultation Process	Sandra Beale	24 Mar 05
Re: Consultation Process	Fiona Ouertani	6 Apr 05
Re: Consultation Process	Peter Cunningham	5 May 05
Re: Consultation Process	Rachael Lees	26 May 05

Details of postings

Consultation Process	Cara Rees	23/03/2005 11:10
My company may be looking to change the current shift pattern and obviously we need to consult to do this. What I am looking for advice on how to go about this consultation process. It will involve about 300 staff and want to know if it is best to start by doing the whole group of people then electing a consultation committee, or doing smaller groups and then the committee. Anyone who has experience of this who give some advice would be appreciated.

+ Re: Consultation Process	Sandra Beale	24/03/2005 16:57
Cara It is best to do the whole group of people first so that they get the same message then do individual consultations to complete the exercise. Sandra Beale
++ Re: Consultation Process	Fiona Ouertani	06/04/2005 12:14
Cara I had experience of doing something similar, and we spoke to everyone together in the first instance. We then used our current staff representatives (works council) to represent groups of employees and moved forwards into the consultation process with them. If you don't have staff representatives, you gould get the group to elect some for the consultation process. You didn't mention whether or not your organisation recognises a union - if this is the case, you will need to get them involved as well. One point though, don't rush the process. You will need to leave enough time for the reps to report back to staff and take comments to the next meeting. We found it helpful to circulate points in writing a week or two prior to the next meeting to give people a chance to discuss and gather comments to bring to the next meeting. Hope this is useful Fiona Ouertani
+++ Re: Consultation Process	Peter Cunningham	05/05/2005 14:24
Cara: I agree with Sandra and Fiona, this is a change to a leagal contract with all that entails; explain the general suggestion to the whole group first, then negotiate specifics through elected representatives. Take your time and make sure everything you do is seen to be "above board"; be prepared to spend time on individual worries and gripes if need be. Trying to push through issues like this without taking account of reasonable concerns or objections is a good way of ending up with a demoralised and distrusting workforce and/or a costly and damaging fight on your hands.
++ Re: Consultation Process	Rachael Lees	26/05/2005 11:10
I have completed many consultation processes, and have found for large nos it is best to elect a committee or committees to represent specific groups of individuals as their concerns/requirements all differ. I seek agreement with this committee for the selection criteria and then commence individual consultations, hlding reg meetings with committee for general thoughts/fedback, NOT dealing with specific individual queries