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Church committee presents annual Central Services report

The report on the year at the Church of Scotland’s central offices in Edinburgh will be presented to the General Assembly.

The report from the Central Services Committee will confirm that the Human Resources Department is now well established under its new title. The new Human Resources manager has met with all managers and as many employees as possible to discuss their expectations of the HR service and a range of possible improvements so that staff are better equipped and supported in delivering the Church’s mission.

The Assembly will hear that from 8 December 2006 the trade union Amicus became the recognised consultative and negotiating body for Central Services Committee employees. Consequently all matters relating to terms and conditions of employment will now be negotiated with the trade union. As a result of the trade union recognition, the role of the Consultative and Advisory Group, which met regularly to provide a link between employees and the Central Services Committee, has been superseded.

Following the decision of the General Assembly 2006, the Central Properties Department (CPD) was established in June 2006. The new unit was formed by integrating the former National Mission Property Department and the World Mission Furlough Housing Department. The main priorities of the CPD are the general management of the Church’s property portfolio and the management of a property development programme.

Recycling targets at 121 George Street for the period July to December 2006 have been exceeded and staff continue to support initiatives to improve recycling and the reduction of waste materials.

The report concludes with reference to the continuing work carried out by the Media Relations Unit. The Assembly will hear that the unit’s staff continually strive to raise and enhance the Church of Scotland’s public profile. The Unit offers 24 hour support to journalists seeking the Church’s view on a wide range of current issues.

Full story at the Church of Scotland.