About...the Care Quality Commission
This section covers: Hot news | The big picture | The reps | Recognition | History | Structure
This page was last updated: 27 December 2009
hot news!
- Recognition
It's been a long, drawn-out process but recognition was finally agreed earlier this month for UNISON, RCN, Unite and Prospect, with discussion continuing between the management side and PCS. We had been functioning in an informal status while we worked through the pay deal and now have a raft of measures (eg job evaluation) that need urgent attention. Michael Brown was elected by the TU-side to be the TUS Secretary and we look forward to working closely with him over the next 12 months. A fuller update will follow in the New Year.
The big picture
As we move into an election year, both principal parties have set out their intention to cut back public spending. How this will directly affect our members still remains to be seen but organisational budgetary restrictions across the public sector is to be expected. In addition, the introduction of the new NHS Pension Scheme (2008 Section) will present members with a choice of whether to move to the new scheme or remain in the former (now called the 1995 Section). Fuller details will appear on the 'Campaigns & Events' part of this website.
representatives
There are four categories of representatives: steward, health & safety rep, union learning rep and workplace contact. Please refer to 'The Basics' tab on your right for more information.
The following list sets out the representatives by location within the Healthcare Commission:
| Representative: Name | Representative: Type |
|---|---|
| Ian Horrigan | Steward |
| Darren Smith | Steward |
| Chris Wood | Health & Safety Rep |
| Representative: Name | Representative: Type |
|---|---|
| John Crofts | Steward |
| Representative: Name | Representative: Type |
|---|---|
| Michele Golden | Steward - Welfare Officer |
Thought about being a rep?
The union is founded on its members and we always encourage lay members who are interested in becoming a representative - even if they only want to distribute information locally as a workplace contact. This is especially the case in those regions/ offices where we currently do not have representation. It certainly need not be onerous and you'd be helping to make a difference in raising the profile of UNISON. So if you work in the South West or Central regions then we would especially like to hear from you although additional interest from within Finsbury Tower and the North region would be highly appreciated.
Recognition
For the purposes of bargaining, the Care Quality Commission recognises UNISON, RCN (Royal College of Nursing), Unite and Prospect (and are still in discussions with PCS). Stewards of these unions represent staff on the Joint National Negotiating Committee (JNNC) on all issues relating to pay and to terms and conditions. The Care Quality Commission is not part of the Agenda for Change programme.
Organisational history
The Care Quality Commission was established under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and came into being on 01 April 2009. It is the primary regulator for health (NHS and independent) and adult social care in England (Ofsted covers adolescent social care).
The Commission’s functions include much of the work previously undertaken by the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and the Mental Health Act Commission although one key difference is the responsibility for health and social care registration.
Organisational structure
In addition to its London-based head office, there are additional offices in Bristol, Nottingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester and Solihull.