Public and Commercial Services Union

Efficient management of cases is essential Each PCS group, bargaining unit or national branch has an established system for dealing with personal cases.

These are regularly updated and published to representatives.

All PCS reps should be aware of the appropriate personal case handling system for their workplace. They contain important information such as:

• Who do I contact for advice?
• Who do I refer more complicated cases to?
• Where do I get legal advice?
• Which types of case am I expected to deal with?
• Where can I find details of similar cases?
• Reminders to help representatives with deadlines
• Bring forward (B/F) systems

Because of pressure at work, keeping up with timescales and deadlines attached to personal cases can be a real problem.

Your group personal case handling system can help with this, so long as they are aware of the case you are dealing with.

However, it is important you devise your own method of reminding yourself when deadlines need to be met.

You can do this manually, using a file with appropriate deadlines attached to your cases. You may wish to devise an electronic system.

Whatever you decide, a system of reminders will help you enormously in your role, and cut down on much of the stress that comes with dealing with personal cases.

Personal cases form - PC1

PCS has produced a form - PC1 - for use in all personal cases. You should complete it together with the member.

You can download the form and find guidance for its use in the legal toolkit.

The form should give you all the detail you need to progress the case. It also includes important information for monitoring purposes.

Refer to your group specific procedures for details of who to copy the form to if it becomes necessary. Otherwise please ensure that you keep PC1 forms confidential.

The guidance on completing the PC1 form includes instructions on completing the form as well as information about the support members can expect from PCS.