Fórsa have achieved a major win for members working in children’s disability services following discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

A set of serious and significant proposals were agreed related to the Roadmap for Service Improvement 2023 – 2026, Disability Services for Children and Young People. As a result, the union instruction of non-cooperation was withdrawn with immediate effect on Friday 26 January 2024.

The proposals include a commitment to deliver a workforce plan for disability services by June 2024 and the recruitment of Interim Discipline Managers for the 6 professions (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Dietetics, Psychology) in the model by the 1st March 2024 in each of the nine Community Health Organisations (CHOs).

Both of these have been longstanding asks by Fórsa. The detailed proposals can be read in full here.

In addition, there were significant commitments made on prioritisation and clinical governance reviews – a core concern of our members. There will also be a review of the Children’s Disability Network Manager role and job description.

Finally, it was agreed that Fórsa representation will be part of the Service Improvement Programme Board level and within all 5 working groups of the Roadmap.

Fórsa National Secretary Linda Kelly said: “We instructed our members not to engage with the development of the Roadmap back in October because we knew that staffing concerns would make implementation impossible. In addition, our members, as well as service users, were excluded from the initial development of the Roadmap, which was unacceptable.”

“Following negotiations, we are now pleased that our members will be part of the roll out of this new approach to the provision of disability services for children and young people. The commitment to hire Discipline Managers across the six professions represents a real step forward that will be of tangible benefit to our members.”

A national meeting for all workplace representatives working in children’s disability services will be held in the weeks ahead, details will be shared shortly.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.