On Monday 28 July 2008, Public Service Association representatives attended a meeting of the Shared Services SA (SSSA) Workforce Consultative Group (WCG).

The following items were discussed;

GROUP 1B TRANSITION
Transition of Group 1B employees is well underway. Shared Services SA has committed to seek feedback from agencies on service delivery following transition. The PSA will be consulting with affected members regarding this.


INDUCTION SESSIONS
The PSA will be involved in the induction program for Group 1B employees.

SSSA POLICIES
The PSA queried the status of current internal Shared Services SA policies such as flexi time. SSSA Representatives advised that no Shared Services SA specific policies will be finalised until they have been subject to appropriate consultative processes, including
meaningful consultation with the PSA.

OHS&W
In relation to the transition of payroll to Wakefield House, the PSA will be conducting an OHS&W inspection.

EMPLOYEE BRIEFING SESSIONS
Further briefing sessions for Group 2 employees will commence this week for those affected employees who are due to transition to SSSA in September 2008. PSA will attend these forums and be available to speak to individuals about any issues or queries they may have.

In relation to Group 3, briefing sessions are currently being programmed.

RISK MANAGEMENT
The PSA again raised the matter of risk management. It is essential that a well prepared contingency plan is established in the event of services not being delivered (eg payroll) due to various failures. Shared Services SA has advised that such plans are being developed.

Shared Services SA intends to meet with major public sector unions shortly to further discuss this matter, including the PSA.

TRANCHE 2 DISCOVERY
The PSA raised concerns regarding future "in scope" tranche 2 functions. Major functions such as Human Resources, Injury management, Information Technology and Recruitment transactions have all been identified as potential future functions that will transition across to Shared Services.

In relation to Group 3 employees (ie Health), the PSA will shortly be conducting work site visits to consider membership response to outstanding matters.

The PSA remains committed to no member being disadvantaged through the introduction of Shared Services.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact PSA Senior Industrial Officer Simon Johnson at spj@cpsu.asn.au or on (08) 8205 3261