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<p>From the outset of the pandemic, my senior officials have engaged extensively at
a national level with the Departmental Trade Union Side (DTUS), which includes the
Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), consulting on policies and processes necessary
to make the estate safe, and to maintain access to justice for those who need it.
This collaboration, alongside engagement with Public Health agencies, representatives
of those using the justice system and others, has helped the department to ensure
its ways of working are as safe and effective as possible.</p><p>Regular dedicated
Health and Safety meetings have continued to ensure that there is active communication
and consultation between employees, the DTUS, judiciary, contractors and other stakeholders
in respect of security, health and safety procedures and responsibilities.</p><p>Since
the first lockdown in March 2020, my senior officials have scheduled an extensive
programme of meetings with the DTUS to ensure safety concerns are properly considered
and addressed. This has included, not only dedicated weekly DTUS Covid-19 meetings
and regular scheduled meetings with senior leaders, including the HMCTS CEO, the Chief
People Officer, HMPPS Director General and the Permanent Secretary, but also a series
of business-specific DTUS meetings with the appropriate Directors to discuss Human
Resource policy issues and operational changes necessary to ensure safety.</p><p>Wherever
possible, joint risk assessments are conducted with trade union Health and Safety
representatives and, in addition, my senior officials at a regional level have continued
to hold regular meetings with regional trade union representatives, where safety and
security matters are raised and discussed.</p>
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