2/24/2010 - I'm disgusted with the British Government

Evidently I'm still dealing with issues with the British government on a high level. I'm quite disgusted with the whole mess:

from Barrett, Jon J.Barrett@ljmu.ac.uk
to russellcm@parliament.uk,
millera@parliament.uk,
"Barrett, Jon" J.Barrett@ljmu.ac.uk
cc @googlemail.com (Yes, this is you.) Learn more,
jasonvrcab@googlemail.com
date Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 3:17 PM
subject Recent corrrespondence
mailed-by ljmu.ac.uk
hide details 3:17 PM (20 hours ago)

Dear Christine,

Thank you for your correspondence of 23rd February. Please excuse my replying by e-mail but this is a quicker and easier way to address this issue and draw it to a satisfactory conclusion for all parties but first and foremost the people we serve.

As I am certain you are aware I have had an exchange of correspondence with Andrew regarding this matter and I am sure he will not mind my copying to this e-mail response to the initial concerns that had been raised with him by way of setting some important context.

I am very concerned by the contents of your letter and in particular that you have received a number of calls from constituents being advised by our advisers at the Chester office 'we cannot see you for six weeks, get in touch with your MP'. This horrifies me and suggests that that those people who come to our organisations for help are being used as pawns to serve other people's agendas.

In Andrew's last letter he recommended a review of the changes and the impact thereof as well as suggesting a meeting between yourselves and representatives of our organisation.

I can confirm that it has always been scheduled to review the changes and that this review is set for April. I suggest that a meeting between ourselves has a greater urgency than that and would welcome such as soon as is mutually convenient. I have copied Michael Brennan (Director of Bureaux Services) and Jason Bishop (Community Services Manager) and by copy am asking them to liaise with Andrew and yourself to arrange a suitable time to meet.

I look forward to meeting as soon as possible and ensuring that all parties are appraised of the complete situation here and comfortable that the people we help come first as far as funding permits.

Should you wish to discuss any matter more urgently please do not hesitate to contact me at any time on 07968-422558.

Many thanks,

Jon

Jon Barrett
Commercial Director
Liverpool John Moores University
j.barrett@ljmu.ac.uk
0044-7968-422558

Michael, Jason,

Andrew and Christine can ordinarily only make Fridays, I will be abroad until Mon 15th March but could make 19th, 26th Mar or 2,9th Apr on all four occasions from 5pm onwards. I suggest arrange the meeting for the five of us and then we can see if Val and another trustee can join us - Les or Wendy might be obvious choices due to the initiation of the volunteer forum and the involvement in the Chester issue respectively.

Thanks,

Here is the text of a letter that was attached to the e-mail:

Mr Andrew Miller MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
20th January 2010

Your ref: BP/APMILLER

Dear Mr Miller,

Thank you for your correspondence of 7th January. My apologies for the delay in responding, unfortunately the letter took some time to make its way back to my address.

I am very disturbed by your letter and the e-mail to which it refers. I too provide my services on a voluntary basis as do all of my fellow trustees and many others within Cheshire West CAB.

A small group of volunteers at the Chester bureau raised concerns to the management team and to me directly about proposed changes to service delivery in August last year. These concerns were treated very seriously by the management team, the Board and NACAB representatives. The proposed changes were entirely in line with National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) policy and in the best interests of those who use the CAB service.

NACAB representatives met with the staff (paid and volunteer) to explain the proposed changes and to listen to all views. I also arranged an open meeting with the entire management team and Board at Chester where all views could be expressed and considered.

NACAB, the CWCAB Board, the management team and the vast majority of paid staff and volunteers fully approve of the changes and fully embrace them.

A small group of volunteers in the Chester bureau have continued to object to the changes.

Sadly there has been some unacceptable behaviour by a few during this episode and that has been the subject of formal procedures – there are still some potential issues outstanding. You will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to discuss these in this letter.

I would be very happy to discuss the e-mail you have received in more detail on the telephone at a time to suit you. My contact telephone number is 07968-422558 (if you wish to contact me again by letter please have no hesitation in using my home address: ‘Cobwebs’, Woodlands Close, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9DU.

Yours Sincerely

Jon Barrett

Chair Cheshire West CAB Ltd

2/17/2010 - I might be gay...

Ok,this comes from "Susan Campbell", but is signed "love and XXXX Harry", so I'm not sure, but I might be gay and getting kisses from Harry. Who knows.

Also, if I lived some place where I didn't see the sun for a month, I think I would move:

from susan campbell susan.campbell21@btinternet.com
to @gmail.com (Yes, this is you.) Learn more
date Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 1:21 PM
subject hi
signed-by btinternet.com
hide details 1:21 PM (13 minutes ago)

hello Michael...Noelene, greetings from very sunny but freezing Scotland...I don't mind because I have not seen the sun for over a month. not back at the coal face but rather the wood face...six door frames to strip plus skirting boards and rail bannisters etc etc...! ! !..hopefully will be completely by next christmas...one never knows .

spoke to Diana and Keith...they enjoyed their stay in spite of the weather and I will be visiting them on my return to London..sorry it has been so cold for you both plus being inundated with pesky visitors..give them all our best.plus gros XXX for the ladies..

concert tomorrow with our piano pupil friend..Veronique.. she is from the town of Metz in Lorraine..but has been living in Scotland for the last 22 years teaching ..what else..but French.

Saturday another concert with a neighbour Helen...so quite a social life in our little village.

well ...all for now ..till the next time...love and XXXX Harry

2/15/2010 - It's a Reunion!

Woot! I am so totally going to this reunion! All the beer I can drink for $25.00, chicks that think I'm someone else, just have to check and see what Bail might be if I get arrested for PI. Here I go!

from Michele Verdi genevamulti@yahoo.com
to maunusmarie@yahoo.com,
mbillias@mac.com,
mcarrel@windstream.net,
mefixum@yahoo.com,
mferron@ccan.org,
mgalumni@hotmail.com,
@gmail.com (Yes, this is you.) Learn more,
michele.brearley@gmail.com,
michellemontesanto@vzw.blackberry.net,
mikeandkateplus5@yahoo.com,
mj0918lmt@yahoo.com,
mjwford1@gmail.com

date Mon, Feb 15, 2010 at 3:15 PM

subject reunion

mailed-by yahoo.com

signed-by yahoo.com

hide details Feb 15 (1 day ago)

2/11/2010 - People are still using AOL

An AOL message from a Blackberry. That is a little like getting your HDTV delivered by a horse & buggy.

from ballardml@aol.com
reply-to ballardml@aol.com

toMichael Brennan @gmail.com

dateThu, Feb 11, 2010 at 10:47 AM
subject Check out AP Mobile News
mailed-bysrs.bis.na.blackberry.com

hide details 10:47 AM (49 minutes ago)

Get news on the go with the Mobile News Network. Visit http://www.apnews.com to learn how to get it for your phone.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2/3/2010 - WTF? This is just confusing.

from Murphy, Val Val.Murphy@citizensadvice.org.uk
to J.Barrett@ljmu.ac.uk
cc @googlemail.com (Yes, this is you.) Learn more
date Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:24 AM

subject Stephen O'Brien and malcolm Henderson

hide details 8:24 AM (52 minutes ago)

Just to let you both know that MH and SO have written to the Chair of Citizens Advice John Galdwin and the CEO David Harker, raising concerns about gateway (SO) and gateway and volunteer representation on TB (MH). I have updated both on the changes implemented by management and trustees, the range of help and support from Citizens Advice and advised any response to be limited and supportive to CWCAB as the issues raised have been well aired and the progress continues to be reviewed by the TB and management team.

As mentioned Michael I do think having some PDF style document explaining the services CWCAB offers and how to access them will be useful particularly to circulate to councillors and CW and Chester Council officers. Interestingly I saw a pocket style promotional document prepared by Wolverhampton CAB on Monday - let me know if you are interested in getting a copy.

If you have any queries please let me know.

Val Murphy
Citizens Advice
North Area
P please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing information and advice, and by influencing policymakers. Citizens Advice is an operating name of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Information and Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk

For information about our campaigns, to volunteer or support us www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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2/2/2010 - Anton Endress sends out funny video links.

from Anton Endress anton.endress@gmail.com
to

dateTue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:48 PM
mailed-bygmail.com
signed-bygmail.com

hide details 12:48 PM (6 hours ago)


Probably shouldn't acknowledge having seen this, but you may find it amussing:

http://www.funnyjunk.com/youtube/18645/Fuck+Planet+earth/

2/1/2010 - Early Retirement

Damn, got all excited when I saw the subject line, but alas, I won't get to retire early, if ever...

RE: CWCAB - Retirement Age

Inbox X

Reply | Barrett, Jon to Helen, Val, me, michaelb
show details 3:10 PM (7 hours ago)


Helen

Thank you very much for this very helpful advice.

Michael – you can consider the trustee board fully supportive and crack on but taking Helen’s advice and ensuring we are covered on all bases (which I am sure we are).

Please do check anything with Helen as will I moving forward,

Thanks,
Jon

From: Simpson, Helen [mailto:Helen.Simpson@citizensadvice.org.uk]
Sent: 01 February 2010 15:57
To: Barrett, Jon
Cc: Murphy, Val
Subject: FW: CWCAB - Retirement Age

Hi Jon

Val just asked me to have a quick look and this and get back to you directly if I had any comments.

Obviously I'm not fully aware of the whole background, and I understand you do get legal advice from Abbey Legal, but I just wanted to raise a couple of questions in case you haven't covered it with them.

Were the statutory retirement procedures followed before these 2 people reached 65? If not then you should still be using the outline of the procedures to retire them now i.e. giving them at least 6 months notice of retirement, allowing them to request to stay on, having a meeting and then retiring them. I couldn't tell from your email whether you were intending to do this, but was a bit concerned that if you were going to persuade people to resign rather than retire you could risk unfair dismissal claims. If you call it retirement but you haven't actually followed the statutory retirement procedures the employees could also claim compensation of up to 8 weeks pay.

I don't have an issue with you retiring these 2 employees (although as you have said, it is good practice to allow people to stay working after 65 if they want), but i just wanted to check you were aware of the procedure that should be followed and any risks of not following it if you choose to do so.

More than happy to have a chat with you about this if you feel it would be helpful. I apologise in advance if you have already got advice from Abbey about this.

Regards
Helen Simpson
HR Specialist - National Consultancy Services
Tel: 0113 224 5860
Mobile: 07970 990 421




From: Murphy, Val
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2010 12:50 PM
To: Simpson, Helen
Subject: FW: CWCAB - Retirement Age





From: Barrett, Jon [mailto:J.Barrett@ljmu.ac.uk]
Sent: Fri 29/01/2010 12:37
To: Barrett, Jon; John McLintock; RICHARD WOOD; Wendy Steel; cathyboyd@strategicpartnershipsconsultancy.co.uk; lesedwards681@btinternet.com; Graham Carrington; Murphy, Val
Cc: michael brennan
Subject: RE: CWCAB
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

I was trying to keep any specifics out of this but can understand that the way I have presented this has probably given the wrong impression.

The current state of play is that employees can request to continue working beyond 65 and it is at the employers discretion whether they agree. Historically the approach to this has varied through the bureaux.

As Les points out there is much discussion and I believe proposals to alter this (I suspect the pending election will impact on this as well).

As an organisation I believe (and I know the management team do) that we should be encouraging people to work on as long as they are capable and happy to.

We have a very difficult situation currently with one member of staff who has given many many years of loyal service to the bureau. Despite a considerable amount of effort, resource etc by the management team this member of staff is a capability scenario and a risk to the organisation. The member of staff would never resign and we currently have no choice but to go down a capability route which would be very sad for all concerned. We have one other member of staff who is over 65 who Michael is confident would accept resigning.

It is therefore our view that the kindest option currently is to retire the person concerned which of course can only be done if this is accross the piece ie both.

There is no need to change any contracts as the current law leaves acceptance of continued working at the discretion of the employer so this does not become a standard irrevocable policy.

Moving forward this is an area that we need to be guided by changes in the law but in the interim we are following the letter of the law.

I should emphasise this will be a painful and emotive decision for the person concerned and the management team carrying it out but it is the view of the management team, Richard and I that this is the kindest route. I should also emphasise that Richard and I are aware of the history of this person as they are from the old Vale Royal bureau.

I apologise for not providing a fuller explanation last night - it was a long day!

I did reply to Cathy last night who is now happy with this but can I start again and ask anyone who still objects just to let me know for close Monday - if anyone does object then obviously we will not go forward.

Thanks,
Jon

________________________________________
From: Barrett, Jon [J.Barrett@ljmu.ac.uk]
Sent: 28 January 2010 21:40
To: Barrett, Jon; RICHARD WOOD; Wendy Steel; cathyboyd@strategicpartnershipsconsultancy.co.uk; lesedwards681@btinternet.com; Graham Carrington; John McLintock; John McLintock; Val Murphy
Cc: michael brennan
Subject: CWCAB

Michael and the management team have proposed imposing complusary retirement for paid staff over 65 - this currently only affects two members of staff and suits business need. The management team feel that one of the members of staff would be more than happy with this and in the case of the other it is very much in that persons best interests.

Richard and I are fully supportive but out of courtesy wanted to ensure the board had an opportunity to comment before the management team implemented with these members of staff.

As there is some urgency could I ask that should anyone feel strongly against they let me know by say close Monday so the decision can be taken Tuesday,

Many thanks,

Jon

P please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing information and advice, and by influencing policymakers. Citizens Advice is an operating name of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Information and Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk
For information about our campaigns, to volunteer or support us www.citizensadvice.org.uk

NOTICE: this e-mail originates from Citizens Advice, an operating name of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (Charity Registration Number 279057, VAT number 726 0202 76, Company limited by guarantee, Registered Number 1436945 England, Registered office Myddelton House, 115-123 Pentonville Road, London N1 9LZ). It contains proprietary information, some or all of which may be legally privileged. It is for the intended recipient only. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this e-mail, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, distribute, copy, print or reply to this e-mail (other than for the reason stated above).
This footnote confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for Content Security threats, including computer viruses