To the Prophet of Doom, the answer is yes to both his questions.

Hop onto 'be grateful for your lot' in the free discussion of the forum.
OK I posted it on the wrong page, but I'm not typing it all again. As we are early implementers, it may interest some of you.
Bye Bye. Ed.

Posted on Edgars behalf

Edgar Carnoustie here. (not my real name).
As an early implementer site, we've evaluated our own jobs and come out ok. That doesn't mean to say however that I don't think that we could possibly be turned over.

But for the sake of the pessimists, the whole point of AFC is that once evaluated, you will be scored on the role that you actually do. Hence, if you meet all of the requirements for a specific score (as detailed in your job description, person spec and evaluation/matching panel)then you will be placed on a specific band. If not, then you won't.

If your job entails more, then you should land on a higher band. If the job entails less, then you will possibly end up on a lower band.
However, the point of AFC is supposed to be that we are graded according to the work that we actually do. Once again, whilst I would not be supprised if they tried to down-band us, the point is that we will all be given a score which relates to a specific band. Once the score has been given, there will also be an evaluation sheet clearly describing where the score came from, detailing exactly what they feel our job entails.

If however this evaluation sheet does not score people for something that they clearly do, then I would guess that the powers that be (the evaluation panel) dont feel or necessarily expect aforementioned Techs to carry out some areas of work.

eg:- If you take the evaluations currently doing the rounds, criteria 16 (working conditions) evaluates an electronics tech as a score of 2 or 3. (dust, noise etc).
Now maybe I'm reading things wrong, but does'nt the H&S at work act say that electricity is a hazard. And doesn't an electronics tech deal with live equipment on a regular basis. Hence, doesn't said technician meet level 5. My point is that if the evaluations floating around were imposed, then I would guess that if Electronics techs were not going to be exposed to hazards (as indicated in this instance), then not much work would actually be carried out. I should think also that this scenario would apply to all 16 criterion.

I have filled in the job evaluation form to see what Grade I could be placed in. I have pushed my luck, told little white lies and taken on extra duties. After all this I will be earning at least £500 less. So I am going to be working more for less money - great! Is it possible to have a poll please to see just how many of us think if we are going to be winners or losers.
I am getting prepared for November 04 and any suggestions such as Edgars about electricity being a hazard under the H&S act will be greatly appreciated - that added a few extra points.
Remember - what do points make - Prizes

Edgar,
you say that you come out okay on your own evaluation on the afc. Would it possible to share with us how you scored in each criteria.
You made a good point about working with electricity being a high risk.
Should we not be sharing our ideas on how to score these criteria. There must be others who have seen a different way to evaluate the various criteria and a combined effort would be advantageous to us all.

Ken

I agree totally with you and would very much appreciate the information being made availabe.
we are the test site for the NHS in Scotland, and would hopefully have the ammo to evaluate ourselves to a standard which will help fellow colleagues.

As for hazards guys... don't some of us still work with Mercury, COSHH and all that?. That being the case would instantly qualify us as a 4 in the working conditions catagory.

Hey Everyone,
All we hear about Afc is Doom & Gloom. I’ve tried to stimulate you all into giving positive arguments to justify yourselves and been disappointed with the response. Heaven help any of you who have to stand before the trust board to fight for your jobs!
It’s about time we were more positive. Just remember, we are educated professional people doing a specialised responsible job. The early implementers are not sat on their backsides drinking (joking Huw), they are actively involved in the fight to evaluate our jobs fairly. When the official grades are announced I am sure most of us will be OK, though some will lose out (I’d be worried if I was on an MTO5***). Deep down every individual knows if they are worth their grade. Don’t sell your children to slavery just jet, sit tight and don’t be surprised if we end up better off financially.

Would be interested in your views now POD.