The PSA Industrial Officers for CYFS, the Housing Group and Disability Services attended the recent inaugural Industrial Liaison Committee for the newly realigned Department for Families and Communities (DFC).  Minister Jay Weatherill and Chief Executive Sue Vardon attended the meeting.

Minister Jay Weatherill spoke about 'Connecting to the Future', the strategic agenda for the DFC 2005 to 2008 and briefly answered questions.  The PSA raised concerns about Disability Public Sector areas being under resourced, especially in the community teams and stated there needed to be additional funding allocated to address the already overloaded Options Coordinators, and agencies unmet needs (immediate and in the future).  Especially with the recent announcement by the Minister that 150 clients will be moving into Community Housing and out of Strathmont Centre.

The Chief Executive of DFC, Sue Vardon, gave a brief overview of the alignment of DFC and structure, Senior Appointments and Security.  Security is an ongoing issue for the PSA and more emphasis needs to be placed on staff safety in the community.  Discussions for the future are Workforce Planning, Shared Services, co-locations and single assessments.  Training and development, career progression and movement between departments also needs to be encouraged.

The PSA has agreed to work with DFC on reviewing Psychologists.  Looking at workforce requirements, structures, career paths, classification, recruitment and retention issues.

PSA members who have any concerns or issues can contact: