QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

Employee forums update

Issue raised

Description

Action taken

Addressing the gap in information and communication, particularly human resources procedures, guides, information and other resources that are available across a range of topics.

HR News articles are now being sent to all employees in QAS to ensure that everyone receives important updates and information first hand and at the time of release. A more appropriate process driven by the QAS to better recognise service and achievements is being implemented. As an initial step, the QAS has revised its QAS HR Procedure – Flexible Work Arrangements. Further work will occur in this area and will be a key issue of review for the Implementation Group. As an immediate measure, the Commissioner issued a directive advising all LASNs that access to single day AT leave is available, subject to operational requirements being met. Updated and new resources, including links and information about the ‘get healthy’ program, are now available on the QAS portal via the QHEPS website. Further work has begun in this area and will be progressed through a joint union and management Fitness for Duty Working Group .

Communication of policy and procedures

Employee recognition process

Employees having to apply for their own recognition of service medals.

Employees reported concerns with shift overruns, and achieving work-life balance via flexible shift arrangements.

Workforce flexibility

Employees reported inconsistencies across LASNs in relation to the accessing of single day Accrued Time (AT) leave.

Single-day Accrued Time (AT) access

Employees wanted more information, support and resources to help better manage health and wellbeing and to manage the impacts of shift work.

Health and wellbeing

Employees commented on the complexities of the complaints management process, particularly that many employees do not understand the process and how it is managed; additionally, there were concerns about complaints not being managed appropriately. Employees were concerned about the lack of recognition of staff acting in higher positions, in particular the inability of the employee acting to wear the epaulettes for the higher position during the period of higher duties.

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The Commissioner issued a specific communiqué to all employees regarding the Complaints Management procedure and how to access procedures to lodge a complaint.

Complaints management

In June 2017, the Commissioner issued a communiqué advising operational staff that they can wear the rank of an acting position while acting in a higher position, effective immediately. A review of the process was undertaken and compassionate transfer requests have now been centralised for Paramedic, Patient Transport Officer (PTO) and Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) roles. Information can be found on the Human Resources page on the QAS portal.

Recognition of employees acting in higher roles

Employees raised concerns regarding the consistency and transparency in decision making related to compassionate transfers.

Compassionate transfers

Employee engagement forums will continue in 2018 on the back of their success this year and there will be further opportunities for participation from employees in these forums. In the meantime, employees are welcome to submit their views, ideas or suggestions to: QAS.Commissioner@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Summer 2017–18