UNISON’s Role in the EMAS Rostering Review

In September 2024, the trade unions were invited to join a working group tasked with developing new rota and rostering principles for EMAS, with a focus on staff welfare and safety. This represents one of the most significant changes to rotas within EMAS in many years.

We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the rota and principles working group. Throughout this process, our priority has been to ensure that our members’ welfare and equality remain at the heart of any decisions regarding these new principles.

At the core of our involvement is the recognition of our responsibility to represent the best interests of our members. We will continue to engage with the working group, providing constructive feedback, raising concerns, and asking the necessary questions. However, it is important to stress that as we enter the next phase—the engagement phase—our actions will be guided by the views and instructions of our full membership. This ensures that our decisions reflect the needs and preferences of those we represent.

We are committed to maintaining open channels of communication throughout the process with both our members and EMAS. Our members’ voices will remain central to our involvement. As always, we encourage feedback, and we will continue to raise concerns through the working group and the usual communication channels.

This review is a significant step towards improving how we work at EMAS, and we are hopeful that it will result in positive, meaningful changes that benefit both staff and patients alike.

Your Voice Matters – Get Involved!

As we continue with the rostering review process, it’s crucial that we hear from you – our members. Your feedback is essential to ensure that the new rostering principles meet the needs of staff while prioritising welfare and equality. We encourage all members to take the following steps to engage and share their thoughts:

Communicate with Us at UNISON EMAS

We are here to represent you and your concerns. Your feedback guides us as we work through the review process. Here’s how you can connect with us:

  1. Share your views with UNISON: We want to hear from you directly! Whether it’s questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to us. For more information and to contact your local reps, visit our website: unisonemas.org.uk. You can also use the Contact Us page for easy access to our contact details.

Feedback Directly to EMAS

Additionally, it’s important that all staff – particularly UNISON EMAS members – provide feedback directly to EMAS through the communication channels briefed on Enews. These avenues ensure that your voice is heard within the official review process:

  1. Conversation Cafés: EMAS has scheduling numerous Conversation Cafés, where staff can discuss the new rostering principles and share their feedback. Keep an eye out for the scheduled dates and make sure to participate.
  2. Rostering Review Survey: The survey is an essential tool for providing your feedback. It’s been circulated via Enews (Issues 452 & 453), and your responses are vital for influencing the final outcome of the rostering review. Don’t miss the chance to have your say!
  3. Workplace Group: We encourage members to join the Workplace Group for the Rostering Review. It’s another space to ask questions and find the latest updates. 
  4. Workplace Account Reactivation: If your Workplace account has been deactivated, please contact IT to have it reactivated so you can fully participate in the review process and engage with EMAS.
  5. Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The FAQs are constantly being updated with questions received from other staff members, so your query may already have been answered. Topics currently within the FAQs include:
  • Relief resourcing levels
  • Flexible working
  • Estates and meal breaks
  • Rest periods
  • Shift durations
  • Previous local rota reviews
  • Annual leave
  • Crew resourcing
  • Roster types versus roster patterns

You can find the FAQs in the Enews (Issue 453) and within the Workplace Group.

Get in Touch

Your participation matters at every stage of this review. Whether you’re providing feedback to UNISON or engaging directly via EMAS channels, make your voice heard.

For UNISON specific enquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or contact your local representatives.

Let’s work together to ensure the rostering system changes reflect your needs and support your well-being.

Posted: 13th February 2025

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