23 December 2008

UNIFORM DESIGN & STANDARDS

You would all be aware that there have been a number of reviews undertaken over recent years of the custodial staff uniform.

The latest review which CANZ have been involved in with the Department commenced around May 2008 and the project team came up with a list of design specifications that have resulted in 2 design concepts being created that will be presented to focus groups around the country during the first half of 2009 for their input prior to a final decision being made.

Concurrent with this the Department will launch a web page which will incorporate photos and design details of the 2 options with a survey attached which staff can access and respond to.

PS have recently indicated to us that once a new design has been agreed upon that there will some delay in the introduction/implementation of the new uniform because of the current economic climate and PS have asked CANZ what their views were in regards to a phased implementation i.e. (site by site,) over an extended period of time.

Our response to this has been no, it is our view that a implementation date should be set that sees the new uniform introduced through out the country on a given date so we can gain the maximum public exposure on the launch.

As the project has unfolded it appears that the Department has also decided that the reference group would revisit the Uniform Standards that would be introduced in conjunction with a new custodial uniform and a copy of the draft policy document is attached for your information. There are a number of concerns that CANZ has in regards to specific sections/aspects of this paper which we shall be responded to and we invite your responses to this draft document.

We will continue to keep you informed of progress and any questions and feed back you have should be directed to Elvin Brooking (elvin.brooking@corrections.govt.nz) who is the National Officer representing CANZ on this project.

National Officers