Notes from Thursday 19th July, 2007, 10.30 to 12.30
Sebastian Barnes
Carl Mawdsley Wolverhampton Grand
Carl Philips Palace Theatre Redditch
Joe Wallace Central Theatre Supplies
John Grisswell Central Theatre Supplies
John Pitt Rep Apprentices
Louise McCoy Selecon
Paul Edwins Palace Theatre Redditch
Tim Mackrill Palace Theatre Redditch
Sebastian Barnes mac
Apologies:
David Central Theatre Supplies
Ian Knight Central Theatre Supplies
Ian Roberts Solihull Arts Complex
1. Tallescopes; The Palace Theatre, Redditch doesn't use these.
There was no mention of changes in current practices from other
venues. Research leading to possibly revising safe practice is
continuing. Ladder use; often training is mandatory, particularly in
schools. Some companies are still called by schools to do their
working at height. It was agreed that we should all continue to
conduct suitable Risk Assessment of Tallescope use.
2. Work Experience; The Palace Theatre, Redditch, offers regular
placements. They keep to a maximum of one per week, for a maximum of
one week, have a formal application process. Most placements come
from schools, 14 to 19 years old. They have many applications to sort
and consider this a good investment. Support from the schools varies,
with some providing guidelines for employers. It was noted that we
should expect Risk Assessments to be done for each placement, they
shouldn't replace core staff, and may involve extra staff time. The
Rep Apprentices were initially feared by staff, but these were
dispelled once the scheme had begun. It is intended these apprentices
are paid once competent.
3. Midlands Training Consortium; The creation of this organisation is
continuing, with help and guidance from CC Skills. A vision document
has been drafted, describing the main aims and objectives. This will
be used to seek more support from arts organisations, training
providers and colleges. There are currently about 20 organisations
involved. It is expected that CC Skills will have a response, from
the government, to their business plan in October this year. It is
still hoped the MTC can be a part of the National Skills Academy.
4. Radio Mic Frequencies; Ofcom have published a 75 page response to
our industries concerns over the selling frequencies we currently
use. This response includes our sector's comments, and recognises the
particular issues for West End venues. Andrew Lloyd Weber has been to
the House of Commons on this issue. John G agreed to summarise this
response and post on the forum.
5. Non Core Staffing and the Wolverhampton Grand; It was noted that
this theatre has been closed since July 1st for refurbishment, due to
re-open in September 2007. Many non core staff are left without work
usually available in a busy summer season, unable to claim
unemployment benefit as work should be available in September. We
agreed to post this separately on this forum to help open
opportunities for these staff.
6. Next Meeting; Thursday 21st September, 10.30 - 12.30, venue tbc.
7. We offered many thanks to Central Theatre Supplies and Selecon for
jointly hosting this meeting.