Project Olympus FAQs PDF
What is Project Olympus?
Project Olympus is the process of change that your union is going through.
To ensure that we provide the best possible services to you, Project Olympus is:
· Introducing new Benefits and updating current Benefits,
· Restructuring our Regional Offices in order to provide an even better service,
· Setting up a Service Centre to respond quicker and to communicate better,
· Revamping the Magazine and Website,
What will the Service Centre do for me?
The Service Centre is a multi-functional communication and information facility, designed to support the needs of all our members in the workplace and in the community:
Your Service Centre will provide:
· Advice, support & enquiry mechanism for lay officials & members
· On-line/interactive forums for convenient communication
· On-line education
· Provide bespoke support, services & communication
· On-line membership application
· National & regional polling of member opinions
· Mass communication by e-mail & text message
When can I use the Service Centre?
The Service Centre will launch limited operations at the end of January and will be fully functional by June 2008. It will begin as a 9-5 Monday to Friday service but we are looking at extending coverage to 8-8 Monday to Friday, with some weekend coverage for our members working night shifts or weekends.
What increased benefits will I get?
Community is launching two fantastic new benefits which are active 1 January 2008 – the Child Benefit Scheme and the Benevolent Fund. The Child Benefit Scheme will provide support to member parents and children up to the age of 16, and the Benevolent Fund will exist to provide support to members experiencing extreme financial difficulty. Bereavement Benefit has been significantly enhanced, and Convalescence and Strike and Lockout Benefits continue to be developed. Members also have access to learning and development opportunities through Communitas, and to a range of offers and discounts through partner organisations. We hope you’ll agree with us when we say that this is the best package around!
What are the benefits for non-working members?
All Benefits are available to all members with the exception of Convalescence Benefit. After all, Community is the union for life!
What is Communitas and how do I access their services?
Communitas EU Ltd was established by the union in 2000 as a wholly-owned subsidiary (then SPT Ltd) in response to widespread redundancies in the British steel industry. Community is the only union to have such a subsidiary. Communitas is the education and training arm of the union and a not-for-profit company, and accesses Government and European funding to provide members with the best in lifelong learning opportunities and advice and support services. Opportunities available include courses in reading, writing, numeracy and IT, and we have re-trained members made redundant in everything from plumbing to horse dentistry!
To access Communitas services visit http://www.communitas.eu.com/ or contact Communitas Head Office on 01562 749170 or speak to your Union Learning Rep, Branch Secretary or Regional Office for further details.
Alternatively, Communitas regional contacts are:
England: allansharp@communitas.eu.com 07801 253218
Scotland: geraldinedonnelly@communitas.eu.com 01698 304567
Wales: vernonlewis@communitas.eu.com 01495 306329
How do I know what the union is doing?
The Union produces the Magazine and newsletters throughout the year, but for up to the minute information visit our Website http://www.community-tu.org/
Once your Service Centre is fully operational we will be using new technologies like email and texting to keep members up to date. Once it is up and running when a problem occurs, members will be able to interact with the union when they need to, in a way that is convenient for them.
But I don’t use email. How will I know what is going on?
Email is only one way that you can contact your union. You will be able to interact with your Service Centre in a number of different ways including phone and texting, but we are not abandoning traditional methods of communication. We still be producing your Magazine and the Website and Branch Secretaries and the Regional Offices will still be able to help you with your enquiries.
Did I get the last issue of the Magazine?
Community mails your union Magazine to every member, but you can always ask your Branch Secretary or contact your Regional Office if you want extra copies for your colleagues. We are currently reviewing the size, shape and content of the Magazine to keep it relevant to you. If you have anything you would like to contribute to your Magazine, please contact the editor:
Email: editor@community-tu.org Phone: 020 7239 1230
Why couldn’t I find what I was looking for on the Website?
Community is currently revamping the Website. When it is finished the Website will be easier to use and will contain the information you need to get the most out of your union. There will be information and applications for benefits, news of current negotiations and reports on Community’s involvement in your local area. We are also working on a Frequently Asked Questions page and up-to-date information on relevant workplace health and safety and employment legislation.
Why don’t you have on-line forums and member only areas on the Website?
Community plans to trial on-line forums and member only areas in 2008. We hope that members will find them to be a powerful resource that allows them to share experiences, ask for advice or just chat with new friends. Members will be able to get up to the minute information on the issues most relevant to you.
How can I found out more?
If you want to find out more about anything the union is doing you can always talk to your Branch Secretary or Regional Office, look on our updated Website at http://www.community-tu.org/ or use your Service Centre.