How much facilities time you need

Factors influencing facilities time

The amount of facilities time needed to fulfil your role varies and cannot be defined in fixed hours or days.

Factors influencing facilities time requirements include:

• Number of members in the workplace.
• Number of different sites and their distances.
• Number of reps at each site.
• Introduction of new equipment or working practices.

Negotiate flexibility

To manage your duties effectively, negotiate for flexibility. Options include blocking off specific periods weekly or fortnightly, or agreeing on a number of hours you can use as needed, known as 'protected time'. Remember, asking for time off benefits both your employer and CSP members. Figuring out how much facilities time you need involves looking at several factors:

• Consider workforce dynamics, including size, diversity and the range of issues typically encountered.
• Reflect on the frequency of union activities needed, such as member meetings, negotiations and training.
• Account for organisational changes that might temporarily boost the demand for more intense union involvement.
• Regularly assess these aspects to ensure your facilities time allocation remains appropriate and justified.