Oxfam's What if....

Today is the day for change. Because today, you can be among the first to join the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF Campaign, the biggest call for change this generation has seen. This campaign is uniting more than 100 organisations, including Oxfam, all focused on one goal: to end global hunger and save millions of lives. Hunger is the greatest scandal of our age. More than two million children die every year because they don’t have enough food. And millions more people are going hungry. It’s unfair. It’s unjust. And it’s totally preventable. IF we act together we can change this. With so many men, women and children suffering – and dying – because of hunger, we need your help. We need your voice.

Please share the IF Campaign film with your friends and family today.

ACTION: You can help end world hunger IF you join us today.

ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE - it's not wishful thinking. Not IF we work together. Together we'll be too loud for our governments to ignore. We can make 2013 the beginning of the end for the global hunger crisis. But only IF we unite to make our leaders tackle the four big IFs:

	we give enough aid to stop children dying from hunger and help the poorest families feed themselves
	we stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries, so that millions of people can free themselves from hunger
	we stop poor farmers being forced off their land and we grow crops to feed people not fuel cars
	governments and big companies are honest and open about their actions that stop people getting enough food

Dear UPS

Will you be contributing?

Why not adopt a poor nation and help it develop?

Beyond Belief 4 - The development of Mecca

Very interesting programme on Greed surrounding the development of Mecca.
(There seems to be a lot of threads coming back to greed these days)

Development of Mecca

It may surprise you to know that the world's tallest hotel is in Makkah. The Clock Tower which is part of the same complex is the world's largest clock tower. None of this would be all that important were it not for the fact that these building are metres away from the Grand Mosque which, for Muslims, is the world's holiest place. In order to create the space for this expansion, large residential districts have been demolished and the residents evicted; many examples of traditional urban architecture have been destroyed. What is behind this programme? Is it cultural vandalism? Or rampant capitalism? Or does it reflect a legitimate theological concern on the part of the Saudi authorities to prevent idolatry? Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the potential destruction of some of Islam's Holy Sites are Yaqub Zaki, Visiting Professor at the Aga Khan Foundation at Harvard University; Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Irfan Al Alawi, Executive Director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation.

Beyond Belief website

Download Podcast

Another CIPD cock-up

Marianne:
Let's grab a minute to discuss this briefly at some point. Although I think I've got most of it from trawling through his blog.

Everyone else:
I've read his blog at length, so you don't need to. He is a disgruntled employee at UPS, and in the course of his lengthy disgruntlement has made Code of Conduct complaints about three HR (I assume) employees there. (He's also written to HSE BIS and various others). If you feel you need to know more, let me know.

Rob

Dear Mr Whitehead,

Apologies for copying you in error in to my internal summary of your concerns.

As per my comments in the email below, I will discuss your blog posting with Marianne Wyles on Monday. I can see from your blog that you have been in contact with her previously, and as such you will know that she is the appropriate person at the CIPD to handle the issues you are raising.

Thank you for sharing your blog.

Kind regards,
Robert Blevin

Matt Stevens Update

Thanks loads to everyone who has paid for downloads this week, it means a lot to me. 

Today is the last day to download my albums and pay any amount, including free. A few people asked me why I was stopping. 

So here it is:

• Because I've done that. The whole idea was to use "pay what you want" to build an audience. 6000 downloads later we've done that. 3000 email address make make it easier to reach the audience for the next album. 
• The music is all on Spotify and Bandcamp to listen to free anyway. There is no barrier to discovery. 
• It's no longer remarkable. PWYW has been done. It doesn't feel fresh anymore. 
• There will always be a free offer on my site - whether it's a sampler or just a few tracks. I believe you need to give something away to gain an audience. 

So that's it :) 

All downloads will be £3 - £5 (minimum) from tomorrow so why not grab one for free now? 

http://mattstevens.bandcamp.com/

Thanks loads for all your support :) 

Matt

PS What do you think?

Unite - The Union

Considering that the Union "lost" my paperwork (Do I detect a theme?) and they decided that they couldn't help me. How come I've got a membership card, I'm still on the mailing list and I receive e-mails from them.

Albert Graham the Union Convenor stated in an e-mail that UPS were bullying yet the Union have taken no action.

I say no action because, having spoken to a number of UPS drivers recently, the practice of bullying continues.

Yesterdays missive.....

Unite is calling for a Leveson style inquiry into blacklisting, as part of our campaign to bring an end to the scandalous practice and secure justice for those who’ve been wronged.

Yours in solidarity,

Len McCluskey

Unite General Secretary 

Hey, Len. Maybe a Leveson enquiry into Unite - The Union
There's definitely some integrity issues there, & didn't someone comment on backhanders being paid to the Union?

CIPD Update

Anonymous26 January 2013 11:08

Just that this organisation seems to lose paperwork often.

Good luck!

ReplyDelete

What evidence/knowledge do you have?

Lance UPS Armstrong

Finally got a chance to finish watching the Lance Armstrong interviews.

I find Lance more credible as a liar than when he was trying to be honest.

He seemed to be too careful with his answers, his answers were considered when I'm sure he knew what was coming.

Floyd Landis on the other had wasn't very convincing as a liar.

Lance said that there were other things that were a little shady. Why didn't he divulge?

Lance sued people when it was he who was lying, cheating and bullying.

He sued people when they were telling the truth.

He just got caught up in it, he betrayed people who supported and believed in him.


The final moral - The truth will set you free. I hope it does Lance.


I had a picture of D. Scott Davis sitting with Oprah, with his fingers crossed, saying yes we'll change, yes we'll go back to our core values. 

Lets see what comes out with both Lance & UPS

CIPD Tuesday

CIPD press release

22 January 2013  Business leaders and HR are united on short term priorities but different things keep them awake at night Senior HR and wider business leaders are both clearly focused on the short-term business priority of cost management. The challenge for HR is to balance the tension between responding to short-term cost imperatives and keeping longer-term people issues firmly on the agenda, as these are what will really make the difference to sustainable performance.

They've got no chance. 


Costs win every time.

Here's a cost saver. Get rid of HR in UPS

CIPD yesterday

What keeps HR professionals awake at night?

According to our new HR Outlook survey report, 64% of business leaders and 71% of HR professionals cited cost management as their top priority. But, when it comes to what keeps them awake at night, HR is more likely to be worrying about longer-term people issues. Most notably, leadership development and talent development. The challenge for HR is that many business leaders remain unconvinced about HR's contribution to business performance, with almost a fifth saying they don't know what HR's role is.

It certainly won't be their conscience.......Boom tish

Mind you, in UPS's case they cannot be described as professional

CIPD Comment from Anonymous

Anonymous24 January 2013 18:07

Did you say the CIPD lost emails which you sent them?

ReplyDelete

Indeed I did.

I contacted them to find out if 3 UPS employees were members and what the procedure was re complaints against them.

I was told that an individual complaint must be made against each member.
The CIPD confirmed that all 3 were members.
I submitted 3 complaints and waited for an answer..........and waited............and waited.

When I chased for an answer I was told that my paperwork had been lost.

I re-submitted my complaints, to be then told that 2 of the members weren't actually members, someone had made a "mistake". It just so happened the 2 non-members were the 2 that had dealt with my grievance hearing.

No meeting held, no appeal offered, yet the CIPD took no action.


Just out of interest.......Why do you ask?

CIPD Today

Is data the holy grail for HR professionals seeking to influence business decisions?
CIPD HR Analytics Conference and Workshop, 19-20 March 2013, London

More than half of HR leaders believe HR data informs business decisions, but just one in three business leaders agree. That's according to a survey of more than 400 business and HR leaders conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) launched earlier this week.

Most HR teams have access to more data than ever before, from employee performance to organisation absence rates, but only by measuring the right things, applying the right analytical techniques and effectively interpreting and communicating data to stakeholders, can HR truly help organisations make informed business decisions.

It might be the right way to go, but if you are as dishonest as UPS's HR..........then NO way José

20023

& counting. In 68 countries.
Didn't expect this amount of interest in what was really just a way of trying to get some of my facts organised.

Thanks for reading. I hope to be able to provide you with some interesting updates shortly.

Watch this space.









Or this one if you prefer.

The Tangent

THE TANGENT's record label, InsideOut Music, have released the following news on their forthcoming new album "Le Sacre Du Travail".

This, their seventh studio album, is expected to be released in the summer of 2013.

Ten years on from the debut album "The Music That Died Alone" THE TANGENT will release their 7th Studio Album "Le Sacre Du Travail" for Insideout Music in the summer of 2013. Their new album is an electric symphonia by Andy Tillison. 

Inspired by Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite Of Spring", Tillison's look at the world he lives in 2013 is as usual pertinent, attacking, wistful and sometimes outright funny. "I have never had any desire to sing about The Hobbit. I live in a semi-detached house, near a little supermarket and a Comprehensive School" he says, "and the things I want to write about have always taken place in this world, be they for good or for ill. As for the band line-up, I'm just used to this flexibility now. Bob Fripp's had the same take on it since the 60s. I know how he must feel. However, the line-up for this album has offered me a chance to work with the best of the best. That's an inspiration in itself."

Returning guitarist/singer Jakko Jakszyk of King Crimson association and Level 42manship, already a veteran of 2 Tangent albums, joins up with Andy & Theo and the celebrated Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison. Jonathan Barrett loved by Tangent fans for his distinctive liquid fretless bass playing returns for a 3rd consecutive album with the band. As if that were not enough, this unit will be joined by David Longdon of Big Big Train who will be lending considerable vocal support to Andy - it's likely there will be three main vocalists on this album!Outlandishly Prog, full of orchestration and Hammond, this album dares to return to the idea that electric musicians with long hair can still stick fingers up at other musical establishments and knock out an album packed with content, melody, excitement and interest. "I knew Roine was right when he said we're "Back In The World Of Adventures" - That title remains an inspiration to me. Let's hope we can make this album just that."

THE TANGENT Members 2013:Andy Tillison, Theo Travis, Jakko Jakszyk, Gavin Harrison, Jonathan Barrett & David Longdon.

Rebus

Is back.

Another belter from Ian Rankin. What a series of books this is. I may have to go back to the start and read them all again, which is something I rarely do. I'd forgotten about all the non-Rebus books as well. However, I have a few Peter James to read which will take some time. Same genre, Brighton instead of Edinburgh, gives Ian a run for his money, as does John Connor, whose books are set around here, so they are an added bonus for me.

And there's maybe a Lee Child on the pile as well.

Chameleon or Flamingo?

The subject of today's sermon.

As a Supervisor for UPS I should have been a flamingo. I tried. I'm still trying.

Maybe it's the brown colour. Everybody tries to look right, to blend in.

Employees alter to match the background of deceit and dishonesty. Manager's came with high reputations for doing the right thing. It rarely lasted long.

Whenever I was asked to do something that was wrong, I always made a point of following up the instructions with the Manager at the time. Most of these issues are small internal audit anomalies. Some aren't. Some involve defrauding the customers.

There's a limit to the number of times that you can bang your head against the wall.

Flamingo predators? Vultures.

There's too many of them around, especially within UPS.

Time to re-deal the cards. I know I've still got a winning hand.

Lance Armstrong again

Dear Lance

You cheated
You lied
You deceived

You repeatedly lied, cheated and deceived for many years.

You had the opportunity to come clean the other night, but you are still dirty.

I can see a comparison with UPS.

Twin Towers I-phone 5 style

All I can say is look closely.

My eyesight is poor but better than the phone

More twin towers

Castle Hill & Emley Moor transmitter, from the Bilberry

Both previously destroyed, not by UPS bomb plots or terrorists, but wind & developers

Beyond Belief 3 - Women in Sikhism

Women in Sikhism

The fundamental message of Sikhism appears to be simple; God is one and all people are equal. But are some more equal than others? If the Sikh scriptures are consistent with a feminist agenda, why do some Sikh women feel that they are second class citizens?

Joining Ernie to discuss the position of women within the Sikh tradition are Navtej Purewal, Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Manchester University; Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Education in the University of Warwick; and Nicky Guninder Kaur Singh, Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Colby College Waterville Maine in the USA.  

Website 

Download Podcast

UPS & TNT

This has rumbled on for years & years and years. Probably about 5 or 6, maybe even longer. One of those rumours that used to keep surfacing.

I never expected it to happen, it's just been a long publicity stunt.

Beyond Belief 1 - Apocolyptic

Webpage

Apocalyptic

AVAILABILITY:

If you get to listen to this programme, it's because the Domesday scenario - according to which the world would end on December 21st - did not happen. The interpretation of the Mayan calendar that arrived at this date was derided by most Mayan scholars, but this hasn't stopped the media camping out in the French village of Bugarach, identified as the only village on earth which was to be spared destruction.

Apocalyptic ideas about the end of the world, as we in the West understand them, have their roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions. The popular imagery - the Mark of the Beast, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Whore of Babylon - feed the imagination of film makers and writers, who draw upon Biblical imagery.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the nature and role of apocalyptic ideas on western religion and culture are Dr Philip Alexander, Professor of Post Biblical Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester; Dr Stefan Skrimshire, lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds; and Rev Dr Steve Jeffrey minister of Emmanuel Evangelical Church in North London.

Download Podcast

And now Blockbusters

Hardly surprising really when there are pirated copies of films available for a couple of quid. But that's an acceptable part of the world these days.

HMV

Didn't hear anything mentioned on the news this morning about Piracy being the cause of HMV's downfall.
I would have thought that had a huge influence on their performance.

Leigh Griffiths - racism

Strange comment this one.

Leigh, according to Wiki you were born in Edinburgh. Now correct me if I'm wrong but the last time that I checked, Edinburgh was in Scotland. 

You are a Wolves player, though I suppose not, as you haven't played for them.

The full name of Wolves is Wolverhampton Wanderers. I know they play in Wolverhampton, at Molyneux because I've been. I also know that Wolverhampton is in England, not Scotland.

Explain how you can tell anyone to "F*** off back to your own country."

Wolves, why can't you discipline him, he's still your player.

Leigh, what's your view on Usain Bolt or Lionel Messi? They are foreigners.

Hibernian's on-loan striker Leigh Griffiths is to be investigated by Edinburgh police amid claims that he sent a racist tweet.

Griffths, 22, who is on loan from Wolves, allegedly told a man to "f*** off back to your own country ya clown'' during an angry online exchange on the social network site.

The Scotland international, who has almost 13,000 followers, posted the comment on Thursday night. The tweet has since been removed from his Twitter page.

Lothian and Borders Police have confirmed that they started carrying out early enquiries after they were made aware of Griffiths' alleged comments.

A spokesman said: "We have been made aware of this matter, and we are carrying out initial enquiries.''

Griffiths was responding to a tweet from a Twitter user believed to be based in Livingston, West Lothian, who had questioned his looks. The striker later insisted he was not a racist and apologised for his comment.

A Hibs spokesman confirmed on Friday that the club will be taking action against the former Livingston and Dundee man.

He said: "Hibernian FC today confirmed that it had spoken to player Leigh Griffiths about exchanges on a social media website. The player had realised that despite the provocation, the language he used was totally unacceptable and had already apologised for what he said. The player has closed access to the account.

"The player supports the club and the whole of Scottish football in its stance against racism, bigotry and anti-social behaviour. The player will be subject to a disciplinary process which will be a private matter between the club and the player.''

A Wolves spokesman added: "Wolves are aware of an alleged racist comment made on Twitter last night by Leigh Griffiths. The club condemns such comments in the strongest possible terms and are extremely angry and disappointed.

"The player is currently on loan at Hibernian FC and is likely to remain there for the rest of the season. He is, therefore, subject to the disciplinary procedures of Hibernian FC and those of the Scottish Football Association. However, Wolves are in dialogue with Hibernian and are making their feelings known on the matter.''

Griffiths' Wolves deal expires at the end of the season but the club have an option to extend it until the summer of 2014.

URC News

A little extract

Our churches need to be oases of light.

They need to shine with honesty, courage and truth.

They need to embody Christ’s glory through their compassion and prophetic action. In many places that is exactly what they are seeking to do and it is inspiring to see. We need to love one another as he loved us, stranger as well as friend. Then the light will shine and people who see it will recognise that something unusual, something very special, is happening right in their midst.

Bahrain pops in

Welcome to No.68

Festooned I say, positively festooned with flags

Steve Hackett- Genesis Revisited

Having seen a couple of excellent Steve Hackett gigs at the Picturedrome, I too purchased Genesis revisited.

Mouse sums it up far better than I can, though I probably like the album slightly more than he does.

I did note that the addition of Genesis to the next tour has increased the size of venues that he will be playing and therefore excludes the Picturedrome. I'm sure the tour will be a damn sight better than the album

Mouse's review

Yesterdays CIPD missive

Of course UPS HR Dept haven't the balls to stand up to their own business leaders

11 January 2013

Business leaders want HR Business Partners who are not afraid to challenge them

CIPD HR Business Partner Conference, 13-14 February 2013, London

HR needs to increase its visibility and have the courage to effectively challenge business decisions, according to a survey of business leaders due to be released by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) later this month*. Given their unique position within organisations, HR Business Partners may provide a pivotal role in meeting these objectives, a theme that will be discussed at the CIPD HR Business Partner Conference.
During the conference Mike Cooke, Chief Executive of the London Borough of Camden and former HR professional, will explore how HR can be seen as 'mission critical' and the central role of HR Business Partners in achieving this.
HR Business Partners provide a crucial link between an organisation's overall goals and its people practice. For this relationship to be successful, HR Business Partners need to understand the strategic focus of their business, stay aware of external factors, and be able to build strong links between departments.
Throughout the HR Business Partner Conference and Workshop, other senior business leaders will provide best practice examples of how HR can enhance its strategic insight and keep abreast of industry changes. Highlight sessions include:

• Results Driven HR: adding business value with HR - Martin Kirke, HR Delivery Director at Transport for London will explore how HR business partners can be successful drivers for change.
• Creating an impact: repositioning HR for maximum strategic impact - Simon Lanham, HR Transformational Director, and Rachel Bennett, HR Business Partner from Grant Thornton will look at how HR can maximise its impact as a strategically-aligned business function.
• Moving from Transactional to Transformational HR - Tanya Sinclair, HR Transformation Project Lead, Balfour Beatty, will be delivering a case study on how to build a HR team focused on strategy development rather than just service delivery.

*The next CIPD HR Outlook report, based on a survey of more than 400 business leaders and senior HR professionals, is due to be published later this month.

More from CIPD

Why not explore...

CIPD Intermediate Certificate in HR Management

The perfect platform to further develop your HR career, and the knowledge needed to work towards professional membership of the CIPD.

Develop your ability to evaluate the effectiveness of different HR models and practices, and increase your understanding of the external factors that impact upon HR activities and organisations.

Start dates and locations

The next programme starts on 6 February in London.

Fees

£3,999 + VAT

Book now to avoid missing a place on this popular programme.

Find out more about this qualification and book on the February start date!

So...let me see if I've got this right.

You pay 4 grand to be taught how to close your eyes.

What were their standards?

[4.2] In the public interest and in the pursuit of its objects, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is committed to the highest possible standards of professional conduct and competency.

To this end members:

[4.2.1] are required to exercise integrity, honesty, diligence and appropriate behaviour in all their business, professional and related personal activities.

[4.2.2] must act within the law and must not encourage, assist or act in collusion with employers, employees or others who may be engaged in unlawful conduct.

Beyond Belief 2 - The Unification Church

One of my favourite radio programmes has returned, almost sneaked under the radio. Probably because I don't listen to a great deal of radio.

Beyond Belief website 

Interesting programme about the Unification Church, (with no mention of the Moonies)

Download podcast

UPS Customers win sometimes

DHL, like UPS, are always looking for new accounts.

At the time I started working for DHL (sort of) the prices for International were much cheaper than UPS's. This meant that I was able to bring a lot of business from UPS to DHL.

UPS have now started undercutting DHL, which means that the old UPS customers win. They are getting the same service as they were before, much cheaper.

However, they do stand a chance of being cheated out of their money back guarantee by UPS.

Bulgaria

I see they're in stealth mode again,

Where's my flag?

Economics lesson - UPS Style

Driving around today I saw these 2 vans parked up.
Thinking I'd know the drivers I had a closer look, then realised as they came fully into view that there were no decals on them.

Nothing strange about 2 ex-ups vans being sold off I hear you say.

Except these are both 57 plates, both drivers that I expected to see, drive vehicles that are at least 10 years old.

Scott, who cocked up and sold these vans off when they had many more years service in them?

Or did someone have a dash of common sense somewhere?

Somebodies economics are wrong....sack them for wasting money

.

Twin Towers - Update

A few pics from the Bilberry today, hence the quality (lack of)

 

Still no mention of UPS bomb plots, terrorists etc etc

Dave.......where are you? - Update

Good news & Bad new's

The blog's still down, but the website's back up again.

Celebrating 100 years of the CIPD!

In 1913 some extraordinary and enlightened people came together to form what is now the CIPD and we think that is worth celebrating. In this, our 100th year, we're proud to be
working with you to drive the transformation of business. Together we've already delivered so much - just think what we can achieve in the next 100 years! Find out what we've got planned for our centenary, including how you can get involved.

We're kicking off the new year with a look at what to expect in 2013 both in terms of HR challenges and the economy. How do you feel about what the next 12 months may bring? Vote in our current poll. And to help you stay organised, don't forget that the 2013 Diversity Calendar is now available to download for free.

Results from the last poll of 2012 reveal that almost three-quarters of you were planning to spend time with family over the holiday period whilst 11% were going to be working or catching up with work.

Alison Gilbertson
Editor

100 years of looking the other way

Sometimes you just have to go there, SatNav or not

Trying to raise the dead

Genuine sign from the Morgue at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

I kid you not

The SatNav genuinely tried to send me up here

Merry Christmas from Garmin

Twin Towers

Huddersfield style

With typical January Yorkshire weather

Can you tell what they are?

There has to be a UPS, twin towers, bomb plot, Al Qaeda, terrorist link somewhere to be had......but I can't think of one.

See what I did there?

Dave.......where are you?

Have they got you?
Doubt they've been able to shut you down.

Scott, if you want to make me an offer......

Bentley v Davis

News from those denizens of integrity PM daily, the mouthpiece of the CIPD.

Has Phil Bentley done anything dishonest?
Is it just the fact Gas prices have rocketed?

I don't remember PM Daily or CIPD commenting on the level of remuneration that Scott Davis received and UPS are stealing from their customers.

Multimillion payoff for departing British Gas boss sparks anger

But it's politicians, not unions, protesting at the golden goodbye

British Gas boss Phil Bentley is set to leave the company with more than £10 million in shares, bonuses and pensions, according to reports.

The 53-year-old, who has been managing director of British Gas since 2007, and who took home a salary of £681,000, is said to be stepping down due to a disagreement with chief executive Sam Laidlaw about the future of the company.

Bentley’s financial interests include almost two million Centrica shares worth at least £6.5m, and a £3.6m pension pot. He is also expected to receive a year’s salary.

Surprisingly, British Gas’ biggest union doesn’t begrudge Bentley’s pay, and they have gone out of their way to praise his relationship with workers during his tenure.

Commenting on the managing director’s term at the head of the organisation, the GMB said “things are much better under the Phil Bentley regime than in years gone by”.

The union also raised concerns about the timing of the exit. Gary Smith, national secretary for energy and utilities at the GMB union, said: “I have spoken to a lot of people and there is a concern about the way Centrica is handling this, and that it is damaging morale in the middle of winter, which is the busiest time for the engineers.”

However, Labour’s energy spokesman, Tom Greatrex MP, reacted angrily to the terms of Bentley’s departure.

“British Gas customers, who have seen their bills soar on Phil Bentley’s watch, will be astonished at the level of his pay-off,” he said. “It will strike many as an obscene level of reward.”

A former Diageo and BP executive, Bentley joined British Gas’ parent company Centrica in 2000, as a finance director.

He presided over the firm during a turbulent time, overseeing huge energy price hikes for customers, while facing increasing pressure from the government and campaigners.