Note: This post is for Nottinghamshire division only. Your local division may differ from the below information.

We recognise that relief planning in Nottinghamshire has been a significant concern for some time for our members, with challenges in adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures and providing adequate notice for shifts over an eight-week period. This lack of clarity has understandably caused frustration among our colleagues, affecting your ability to plan both work and personal commitments effectively.

In response, Greg Cox, the Divisional Management Team, and trade union representatives have collaborated to address these issues. A series of immediate, medium, and long-term measures have been identified to improve the experience for staff on relief.

Immediate Actions

1. Guaranteed Rest Days (GRD)

Relief staff will now receive GRDs on a rolling eight-week basis. While this does not fully resolve the issue of shift notice, it will provide clarity on rest days to help with planning.

2. Volunteer Rotas

Over the next week, Nottinghamshire division will seek 40 volunteers (20 in the North and 20 in the South) to pilot a team-based working rota for six months. This will provide selected relief staff with a structured rota including earlies, lates, and nights.

3. Resource Team Recruitment

Recruitment efforts are underway to fill temporary gaps in the resource team, whose current staffing levels have impacted their ability to plan shifts effectively.

Medium- and Long-Term Goals

1. Rota Review Group

A dedicated rota group, including trade union colleagues and other volunteers, will explore solutions to support relief staff, students, and all colleagues impacted by rostering decisions.

2. Shift Planning Assurance

Processes will be reviewed to ensure that shifts planned 8 weeks in advance remain appropriate closer to the time.

3. Station Manager Involvement

Station managers will play a more active role in addressing rostering issues, reviewing shift allocations, and making practical changes where beneficial for individuals and stations.

4. Improved Student Placements

The feasibility of placing students as a third person on crews will be evaluated to reduce the need for crew splits.

5. Avoiding Crew Splits and Single Shifts

Nottinghamshire division will assess the possibility of avoiding planned crew splits and single crew shifts to improve confidence and team cohesion among staff.

Collaboration is Key

We are committed to working together with all colleagues to make your work-life balance as manageable as possible. If you have questions or suggestions, please reach out to your trade union representatives, Greg Cox, or any member of the management team.

Your input and feedback are invaluable as we move forward to create a better working environment for everyone.

Together, we can make a difference.