DC Site Services

Post 2009 AGM Feedback

17 Mar 09

The below are some key points from the minutes of the 2009 DC Site Services Ltd AGM. Many of these changes will affect your future employment with DCSS so please do take a minute to read the below. For further details or clarification of any point please contact us.

• Matt Hettle and Dick Collins gave brief outline of new structure of DCSS. Dick explained the history of his stroke last year and thanked everyone for their support and hard work throughout the 2008 season. Due to Dick's stroke there will be a 2 year transition as Matt Hettle takes over the running of DCSS.
• Matt & Lynn Hettle will take over all Human Resources, Applications, Administration and Payroll. Please bear with Matt and Lynn as much is new for us all in 2009.
• Due to legislation and increasing pressures put on the employer; DCSS has reviewed some of its processes. Changes will mainly effect the way payroll is run and may have an impact on regular staff that are used to the way DCSS has done things for many years. The new payroll system will operate on a timesheet only basis and monthly payments will be made by BACS or cheque. No payments will be made without an authorised timesheet being received by the Peterborough office.
• No cash will be available for staff on-site for any reason. This due to the new payroll system and money laundering legislation.
• Increasing opportunities for Supervisors and Project Managers: DCSS has expanded substantially over the past ten years and it is now critical for further selection and recruitment of Supervisors and Project Managers to support and oversee contracts on-site. It was discussed that current and rising Supervisors and Project Managers would very much like to be involved in the planning of contracts prior to arriving onsite, although are in need of some training to enable this. Pre-event planning will include arranging in conjunction with Matt Hettle staffing via PAAM - supporting this through the forum and email communications. Also a good understanding of the event spec will be required - what is expected when onsite - thus being prepared for any onsite negations including additional fees required. Supervisors and Project Managers will be given a pack including event spec, terms and conditions, new payroll structure and time sheets to support them with this role and incentive schemes are being considered to reward those who meet deadlines and remain within budget. Those wishing to apply for a supervisory or managerial position should email a CV to Admin@DCSiteServices.com. The first training day is planned for late April.
• Legislation, current trends and news are making it difficult for non-UK residents to work in the UK.  It was discussed that our regular Polish workers must complete WRS before they arrive. Unfortunately DCSS is not in a position to support the fees attached to this scheme and believe that this will have an impact on many of the Polish staff base.  It was agreed that Dick would discuss this issue with Roman who should select a smaller team and assist all in the process of obtaining WRS home office approval before arriving in the UK.  It is recognised that the current state of the economy and unemployment levels may have an impact on 2009 recruitment - the expectation is an increased demand for positions.
• It’s becoming increasingly difficult to source suitable crew catering providers. Matt has started to look into this and welcomes any suggestions. Matt is considering tendering small firms that can provide a van style operation feeding all DCSS staff at least two basic meals a day. This needs to be looked at very carefully as there are many legislative and site rules to maintain.
• Mark Hatchard discussed the split of DC Site Services Ltd and Hotbox Events CATs. This should aid both organisations as the rapid growth of the CATs at the Latitude Festival, Reading Festival and Leeds Festival made 2008 very confusing for many applicants; many not being able to figure out the difference between DCSS and HotBox Events CATs; applying for the wrong position; then requesting a transfer either pre-event or onsite.
• Janet Collins advised that DCSS can accept 16 and 17 year olds for work on litter events.  A parental consent form will be available to download from the DCSS PAAM Application.

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