Page 24 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov2017 Final_Neat

Invaluable advice at Family Matters

he next Family Matters event is being DS Trudy Gittins who will be attending. http://intranet2/hq_departments or from
held in the Lord Knight’s Suite at Tally In order to encourage contact with Customer Services.
THo on Tuesday 10 October 2017. employees who are on leave, Digital Services If you would like to attend or you would
The joint PPU and FCID event, which runs have created a form to record contact from like more information, please email Trudy
from 10.30am until 1.30pm, is for officers notification of pregnancy right through to Gittins, PPU at t.gittins@west-midlands.
and staff who are either pregnant or on returning to work. This is available at pnn.police.uk
maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
It will be hosted by PPU Commander
DCSU Claire Bell and DCI Sarah Burton from Feedback on the last event
FCID who will answer questions about
issues of concern or refer them to the “The Family Matters event is a great was paying my bank £10 for the same
relevant department heads, many of whom opportunity for new parents to get insurances. Therefore I have now reviewed
will also be represented at the event. together and discuss their challenges and my bank account and saved £120 a year!
“This is an informal support group to offer advice and support to colleagues. “She also explained our pension and
make sure that staff feel valued, empowered, “There are key departments how things work should the worst happen
knowledgeable and not forgotten while they represented at each forum from Shared to one of us. We have taken on board that
are pregnant or on a form of parental leave. Services, the Police Federation, UNISON and information and are now looking into a
We appreciate that people can feel isolated Police Mutual and there are opportunities will and protecting our mortgage in case
while away from work so we hope these to discuss key milestones from arranging of illness or death. We cannot recommend
events help alleviate those feelings,” says childcare (Sodexo), KIT days, flexible Caroline enough and the information that
DCSU Claire Bell, PPU Commander. working plans to making the return to she can give.”
“We also aim to ease any anxieties they work process as seamless as possible PC Victoria Betts
have about other issues such as how (passwords/training) and the right people
pensions are calculated, the availability of are in the room to answer your questions. “The meeting with Caroline was really
childcare vouchers, Federation subscriptions, “There is a great atmosphere at the informative, putting our financial matters
flexible working and annual leave forums and all are welcome. From what into perspective especially now we have
entitlements. In short, we want to make this started as a local support group (I have two young children. She contacted the tax
time as stress-free as possible!” attended the last two forums), the growth office on noticing our tax codes didn’t look
Partners, babies and toddlers are also has been exponential highlighting the right. We are now awaiting tax refunds
welcome at the event. need for support at what can be a and the codes have been adjusted.”
The last Family Matters event was challenging time for new parents. The “It’s really good to know that this kind
attended by around 30 police officers and team should be proud of the amazing work of networking exists for women on
staff. that has had a positive impact on the lives maternity leave, and that people are so
Attendance at the next session will form of our employees and their families. As a willing to put themselves out to offer
part of four hours (including travel time) of a UNISON representative we are on hand to support and information.”
KIT day for those currently on leave. answer any queries staff may have in DC Grace Longden
Supervisors should make staff on relevant relation to maternity rights and related
leave aware of the date and time and advise matters, we also usually have a supply of “I found it to be informative and relaxed. It
goodies to distract little ones for a short was a comfortable environment which
period!” meant people were happy to speak out
Liz Curnew and ask questions and give advice.
The topics covered were very good and
After a meeting with Caroline Harris, answered a lot of questions I had. Covering
financial welfare specialist: the computer shares scheme was very
“We found the meeting really helpful and handy and it was relayed simply.
managed to save some money. Caroline Being able to take children was a great
who works with the Federation explained help and great to meet the other mums
what we were getting through the Group and those expecting.”
Insurance Scheme and made me realise I Emma Jones

24 federation October/November 2017 www.westmidspolfed.com