Forest Research And The PSA Partnership

Developing Partnership For Quality - Forest Research And The PSA

The Crown Research Institute, Forest Research, and the Public Service Association (PSA) have reached formal agreement for a shared working future based around the PSA’s Partnership for Quality (PFQ) approach.

The agreement contains details of the understanding, objectives and approaches of PFQ and was signed by both parties at Forest Research’s offices in Rotorua this morning.

“The fundamental element of the partnership is the agreed commitment to quality and to high levels of performance” PSA organiser Barry Jones says. Through partnership, Forest Research will provide high quality services to clients through a quality working environment for employees, the agreement says.

“This sits alongside the already operating and ‘overarching’ Values and Ethics framework at Forest Research. The agreement recognises the PSA as the accepted representative of its members in the workplace and details how the partners will demonstrate leadership and maintain high levels of democratic and participative organisation.”

The scope of PSA involvement in Forest Research practices is detailed with management committed to be being ‘inclusive in style, providing leadership and real opportunities for members to participate both at a change-management and strategic level.

Recognised and agreed issues in a ‘quality working environment’ are fair pay and conditions; health and safety; staff recognition and security of employment.

“The PFQ agreement provides a useful framework for interacting with the PSA,” says Forest Research Chief Executive Bryce Heard. “It is consistent with both the Forest Research strategic direction, and the Employment Relations Act.

“The PSA represents a sizeable section of Forest Research staff, many of whom have wide experience and good ideas.

“Forest Research would like to tap into those ideas, and this agreement opens the way for us to do so. Under its terms, PSA members have agreed to adopt a positive attitude towards the resolution of any issues that may arise, recognising that in the long run, the best interests of both parties depend on the continued effective and efficient provision of services to our clients.”

For further information and comment contact Barry Jones (PSA Organiser Phone 025 306012) or Glenn Purdon (Human Resources Manager, Forest Research, Phone (07) 343-5702)

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