This follows negotiations betweeen the parties and an exchange of letters. The DFC letter is here and the PSA response here.

In summary, the key points of the agreement reached with the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) are:

• DFC has committed to consulting with the PSA in accordance with Clause 22 of the Parity Agreement. This means that consultation is to be genuine and the PSA and members' views taken into account before implementation occurs for DFC's preferred Service Delivery model;

• The PSA will be able to comment on Departmental publications such as 'Fulchat' prior to their distribution. This has already happened;

• Agreement has been reached as to selection processes to be used in the context of restructure. Details of the process and the associated matrix are now on this site.

• The PSA will ensure that any decision by DFC to externally advertise beyond agreed selection processes will be met by an immediate resumption of the Notice of Dispute; and

• It is agreed that selection processes will be aimed at maximising ongoing employment.

19 September 2007