February 2007
Dear Colleague,
As promised last month, a summary of the survey’s findings are given below:
• 96% were satisfied with the newsletter’s content and receiving it once a month;
• 91% thought CIPD HQ should return a higher percentage of your membership fees to finance branch events (if sponsorship/advertising stopped);
• 26% would be prepared to pay to attend a branch event;
• 96% believed the Branch Committee is acting in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct.
Michelle Hall’s questionnaire was the first one opened, so she has won two free tickets to the Awards Dinner on Tuesday 6 March 2007. Discussions are ongoing with CIPD HQ about we can resolve the problem of including insertions with the newsletter.
The Small Business Group is a special interest group of our Branch, which was set up for all members of small HR or management development consultancies. It next meets on Thursday 15/02/07 at Entrust, when Juli Campi (HR consultant) will discuss how to maximise the image of a small consultancy to potential clients. Refreshments will be available from 5.30pm. If you are interested, please contact Ian Lepingwell (Group Leader) at ianlepingwell@progresspersonnel.com.uk or by telephone on 01665 574 081.
I am pleased to announce that Wendy Gibson will host our inaugural Awards Dinner on Tuesday 6 March 2007 at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel. Tickets and tables are available from Kirsty Tarn (Events Manager - ncjMedia & Gazette Media Company) on (0191) 201-6072 or via e-mail kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk. The dress code is formal i.e. black tie/cocktail requested. If you wish to book a room at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on Tuesday 6 March 2007, I have been advised that you can ring their Central Reservations number (0800 22 12 22), and quote reference 'CFSP' - which is the conference attendees rate of £99.00 (bed & breakfast or £109 for a couple). This avoids any cancellation charges incurred for rooms booked and then released if not needed/required.
Our next event will be an “Employment Law Panel” on Tuesday 13 February 2007 at the Vermont Hotel. Simon Loy and Paul Ball from Eversheds' employment law team will answer your questions about employment law issues, recent cases, legislative changes and discuss their practical implications. It is a superb opportunity to pick their brains. This event has been sponsored by Solutions Recruitment. Please note another similar event (see below) has been arranged specifically for students only.
Caroline Patterson (O.D. Manager at Gateshead Council) will be talking about “Transformational Leadership” on Tuesday 27 February 2007 at the Vermont Hotel.
Both events are from 6 pm when a buffet will be available with the main event starting at 6.30pm at the Vermont Hotel Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please also note that the event planned for Wednesday 28 March (Delivering Change by Individual Development” with David Skipsey) has been cancelled.
CIPD Student Night Special -Wednesday 21 February 2007
(Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Room NBA LT1, Northumberland Building Annex, Northumberland Road, Newcastle on Tyne)
Employment Law Panel run by Eversheds - 6.30pm – 8pm
Eversheds are a major law practice, experienced in all areas of employment law, having worked in most sectors of business and industry. Their approach is unstuffy and they deliver advice in a straightforward and effective manner that is practical, commercial and tailored to business requirements.
Special Upgrading Workshop for CIPD students - 5.00 – 6.00pm
Did you know that some CIPD students can automatically upgrade to Chartered Member on graduation? This workshop is designed to explain how students can do just that!
Newcastle Business School is a licensed CIPD Upgrading Centre, and their licensed staff will be available at this workshop to help students apply.
The workshop is essential for ambitious students who already have (or will have at graduation) experience of HR operational practice (3 years of management experience of which at least 2 years is in a HRM&D role) and hope for a fruitful career in HRM&D.
Can course tutors please contact Emma Jobson (emma.jobson@unn.ac.uk) to let her know how many students intend to attend either the Employment Law Panel or the Upgrading Workshop, or both?
Finally, if any members are interested in joining the Branch Committee please contact either me or any of my Branch Committee colleagues (via our website at www.cipd.co.uk/branch/neast) for further information.
Yours sincerely,
A.Leather
Tony Leather – Branch Secretary
Email: tonyleather@mentalhealthconcern.org
Directions to the Vermont Hotel
From the north:
Follow A1 past Morpeth onto Western Bypass. Pass signs marked for Gosforth Park on left, then look for signs A167 Newcastle City, as you pass Tesco Extra on your right, take the next slip road and take the first exit on to A167. Go straight ahead at next three roundabouts. At the fourth roundabout, keep in left filter lane, passing KFC on your left. Follow the central motorway until you see signs for A695 Blaydon. Take that slip road and as you approach the roundabout and traffic lights, stay in the middle lane. Take the third exit off the roundabout for Blaydon and Central Station. Go straight over at the next set of lights. As you approach the Cathedral on your left, follow the road round to your left on the inside lane through the set of lights. Head straight for the High Level Bridge, but turn left before reaching it (it is closed till May 2008), passing the Bridge Hotel Pub on your right. Go straight ahead through the black gates and the hotel is on your left.
From the west:
Leave the A69 and join A186 towards City Centre. You will pass a crematorium on your left. Continue on A186 Westgate Road, passing shops, Newcastle General Hospital, motorcycle shops, Tyne Theatre (on your right) and Gala Bingo (on your left). Go straight ahead at the lights and pass under an office block. Then get into right had lane as you approach next set of lights. Follow the road round to your right (passing the Cathedral on your left) and join the inside lane through the set of lights. Head straight for the High Level Bridge, but turn left before reaching it (it is currently closed), passing the Bridge Hotel Pub on your right. Go straight ahead through the black gates and the hotel is on your left.
From the south:
Leaving the A1M, join the A1 for Gateshead and pass the Angel of the North on your right. Look for sign for A184 slip road off A1 and follow this road across the Redheugh Bridge over the River Tyne into Newcastle (passing a casino on your left). Stay on St James’ Boulevard in the outside lane until turning right (just after the Discovery Museum on your left) onto A186 Westgate Road. You will pass Tyne Theatre (on your right) and Gala Bingo (on your left). Go straight ahead at the lights and pass under an office block. Then get into right had lane as you approach next set of lights. Follow the road round to your right (passing the Cathedral on your left) and join the inside lane through the set of lights. Head straight for the High Level Bridge, but turn left before reaching it (it is currently closed), passing the Bridge Hotel Pub on your right. Go straight ahead through the black gates and the hotel is on your left.
Parking at the Vermont Hotel
• Free parking is available immediately in front of the hotel reception area.
• Additional free parking is available just between the hotel gates and The Bridge Hotel, marked out by a surrounding brick wall.
• Further parking is available on the cobbled areas just outside the hotel gates. This is free after 6pm.
• Alternative meter parking can be found either on the local streets surrounding the Vermont or at the NCP car park on Dean Street.
Free demonstration of experiential training
‘roleplaynorth communication skills’ is a well-established company of highly professional roleplayers and trainers. It offers unique expertise in the planning and delivery of personalised, cost-effective communication skills training.
Originally set up to provide support for medical education, ‘roleplaynorth communication skills’ has recently developed and expanded to provide training to both medical and non-medical clients nationally. The skilful use of well-briefed and experienced role-players creates a learning environment which is dynamic, effective and thoroughly enjoyable.
There is now an opportunity to see a demonstration of these skills and how they can be used to enhance your customer care training. The focus of this demonstration will be “Poor customer care – what is it costing you?”
• When: Wednesday 21 February 2007 from 12.00-2.00 pm.
• Where: Culture Lab, Grand Assembly Rooms, Kings Walk, Newcastle University (next to Campus Coffee opposite Northern Stage, Haymarket).
Keynote speakers are Dr Ray Lowry and Ingrid Henderson, Newcastle University’s National Business Manager. Lunch will be provided. To book your free place or find out more, contact Margaret Curry, Business Manager on 0191 246 4529 or email Margaret.Curry@ncl.ac.uk