Your union and local delegate Matthew Wunsch recently met with the Building Commissioner, members of the Senior Leadership team and Industrial Relations for the inaugural Building Commission (BCNSW) Consultative Sub-Committee of the Peak Joint Consultative Committee.

The following matters were discussed:

Psychosocial Risk

It was agreed that this is a Department of Customer Service (DCS)-wide issue.  The Building Commission was established a year ago and is still in settling down period.  The People Matter Employee Survey results are not where the Building Commissioner wishes them to be.  Leaders formed working groups to identify and address the main issues, and work on solutions and have reported back to him.

It was noted that DCS is developing a Psychological Safety Strategy which will be rolled out in BCNSW when available.

Learning and Development

BCNSW are putting Foundation training in place.  The Building Commissioner noted the high turn out for the Black Dog Institute mental health workshop which all staff were invited to attend.

So far, no requests for learning and/or development opportunities have been turned down.  BCNSW has instigated a secondment program called View From Another Desk, with staff able to volunteer to try other roles.  This would be for roles at grade in the same or other areas. Staff are also being given the opportunity to do training to get a white card.

Building Bills

It was noted that the government is looking at harmonising legislation.  Staff have submitted views.

Consultation, Communication, Rewards and EAP Drop-In Days

It was noted that Branch Meetings are not the same as Town Hall meetings.  The PSA is requesting more regular communication and consultation with employees through Branch Meetings.  While some areas do it well, others have only had one meeting this year.  It was agreed that more regular, possibly bi-monthly meetings, should occur in all areas.

BCNSW is working with Police, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Australian Skills Quality Authority, Fair Trading and SafeWork to establish and develop relationships which should provide greater support for the work of BC NSW employees.  This includes having developed Memoranda of Understanding with both Police and SafeWork.

A member of People and Culture (P&C) sits  with BCNSW staff at the 4 Parramatta Square location and is able to talk with employees without them having to raise a ticket.  The Building Commissioner is also dropping in to sit with teams and visit employees in 4 Parramatta Square as often as he can.

The Building Commissioner also commented on a new increased rewards and recognition plan he wants to implement. He is meeting with Indigenous groups at DCS and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) initiative where, for the month of June, there will be a drop-in day one day a week with someone from EAP in attendance.

We were advised that Toolkits have been uploaded, an asset register has been created and Inspectors have now been provided with Badges/IDs.

An Investigations Policy is being developed which will be consulted on in due course.  Standard Operating Procedures are being drafted for Investigators which should be available in the next month.

A monthly dashboard is also being developed which will provide data which BCNSW hopes will make it easier for certain employees (eg licensing team) to work from home. There will be more to come on this.

Recruitment

Leadership roles are being filled, including those appointed prior to current Building Commissioner’s appointment. BCNSW confirmed that recruitment is compliant with the GSE Act and all recruitment will be managed by DCS P&C.

P&C are doing an overview of BCNSW for legal recruitment.  The temporary staff in Digital and Strategic Programs are not BC NSW employees, they are on loan from DCS and are involved in the digitising of PINs.

There will be a 1 – 2 month training program after onboarding for new employees including new starter online learning modules.

360 Deg Feedback

There are 16 leaders involved in the Hogan 360 Deg Feedback.  Staff will be advised in advance when a feedback form is being sent to them.

The PSA found the meeting to be constructive and looks forward to continuing to progress member matters with the new Building Commissioner.

We will advise members when further meetings are due to occur and encourage you to speak with your delegate about matters that can be raised there.  Please note that consultative committee meetings are for collective matters only.  Individual concerns should still be logged with member support on membersupport@psa.asn.au or 1800 772 679