The Fire Brigades Union West Sussex FBU

1. The Fire Brigades UnionWest Sussex FBU

2. Session Aims • Refresh Knowledge of FBU National And Regional Structures • Outline Standard Branch Organisation • Improve Knowledge of Membership Benefits • Improve Understanding of Branch Administration (Form Filling Etc)

3. THE MEMBERSHIP The Fire Brigades Union Structure The Branch (any workplace with FBU members) Branch Officials Brigade Committee Brigade Officials and an Official from each Branch or Section (Via Divisional Committees where appropriate) Brigade Sectional Sub-Committees Retained, Officers, Control B&EMM, Women, G&L Regional Committee Regional Officials / EC member and an official from each Brigade & Section Regional Sectional Sub-Committees Retained, Officers, Control B&EMM, Women, G&L National Sections Retained, Officers, Control B&EMM, Women, G&L Executive Council One EC member for every Region and Section Head Office President, General Secretary, AGS, National Officers

4. Branch Structure H&SRep Usually samePerson Delegate to Committee

5. Benefits of FBU Membership • Negotiate Pay, Conditions & Working • Practices (nationally and locally) • Represent you in Discipline & Grievance • Promote your Health, Safety & Welfare • Represent you in Medical Appeals • Represent you in Pension Appeals • Lead campaigns to promote and defend • your life-saving service

6. Additional Benefits FBU Accident & Injury Fund Free Access to Legal Services Life-long Learning opportunities Discounted Insurance rates

7. Accident & Injury Fund • An FBU Fund Exclusively for FBU Members • Independent of, and in addition to, employer sickness and pension provisions • Detailed provisions and definitions to cover illness, injury, disease, loss of sight, loss of limb and death

8. Accident & Injury Fund(AIF - Rule 30) • If an AIF member is injured and off sick as a result they may be entitled to benefits under Rule 30. • Lump sum payments are also made to nominees in cases of death and permanent disablement to member or dependants. (Death means any cause of death) • In the past few years the FBU, has paid out over £600k annually to FBU Members

9. Accident & Injury Fund- what is covered? • Temporary disablement- on or off duty • Permanent disablement- (total loss of sight in one eye, permanent loss of the use of one or more limbs) • Death benefit • Death of a dependent

10. Accident and Injury Fund- Rates • Temporary disablement = £163 per week • Permanent disablement = £14,099 • Death of a member’s dependant = £5,570 lump sum. • Death of a member payment is lump sum of 100% W/T FF’s annual salary = £28,199 + £5,639 per dependant child.

11. Accident and Injury Fund - Definitions • Injury- Any physical injury resulting in disablement. • Illness- Any illness or disease contracted as a direct consequence of fire service duties

12. AIF How much does it cost? contributions 76p per week Or £3.29 a month The Accident and Injury Fund it is financed by members contributions Covered in the FBU Rule book Rule 30

13. Basic AIF fund Rules • Death benefit claims must be made within 12 months • Disablement claims from date of injury – 24 months on duty, 18 months off duty (No exceptions) • Off-duty injury paid out after 6 month pre-qualifying period • On-duty injury paid out after 12 month qualifying period • 52 week maximum benefit period for temp. disablement • Rule 30 para 7(d)- reduction in benefit for subsequent claims within one year

14. Legal Services - Thompsons • The Fire Brigades Union offers its members the best possible legal protection in their work and lives through its unique partnership with Thompson's – the UK’s largest and longest established firm of specialist personal injury and trade union lawyers. • The firm has offices in major cities throughout the UK.

15. Thompsons Legal Service • Free pursuit of personal injury claims – for FBU members and their family(on or off duty) • Holiday injury cover • Clinical Negligence Service • Free Will Service • Free legal advice - (outside your employment i.e. neighbour disputes, debt claims, defective goods, matrimonial disputes etc • Free legal advice arising from your employment – (contact your FBU Brigade Official first)

16. How do I access the legal advice? • Legal Aid Network (LAN): 0808 100 6061 • Via the website www.fbu.org.uk • Written application forms - available online, from FBU Brigade Official or the FBU office

17. Other Phone Numbers • Criminal Helpline:0800 587 7530 to be used should a member be arrested and taken to a police station for interview under caution • Free Will Service:0808 100 6061 for a free will pack from Thompsons Solicitors • FBU Confidential Helpline: 0800 783 4778 Free phone helpline for all members at any time

18. EDUCATION • FBU and TUC Training and educational courses for Officials and Members • Life-long Learning for all Members and Officials

19. FBU Lifelong Learning • Government sponsored initiative to promote learning and skills at work • Only Available through Trade Unions • Wide range of skills and courses • FBU have trained workplace Learning Reps • Languages, IT skills, Skills for life etc.

20. Insurance • Home Insurance 30% off • Travel Insurance 5% online discount • Car Insurance • Pet Insurance Visit UIA website for a quote or call UIA on 0845 842 8421

21. Membership Application Form Change of Details Form Variation of Nomination Form Accident and Injury Fund Forms (3 types) Legal Assistance Forms (3 types) Out of Trade Membership Application Will Questionnaire (FREE Will Service) Important Forms

22. Website • National Website www.fbu.org.uk • West Sussex FBU Website – www.fbuwestsussex.org.uk

23. Confirm Learning Outcomes Demonstrate Knowledge of; • National and Regional Union Structures • Branch Organisation • Branch Admin And finally • Membership Benefits and how to access them

24. THE END