Hi Linda, My previous employers were a multi-site retailer. They had an employee rep group which was elected (one group per store) and a separate Fire Health & Safety Officer. The FHSO wasn't elected but did report to the rep group at monthly meetings. Lizzie

I understand your problem. Then again, no-one should have infinite tenure. There may be other able candidates out there. Make it open, make it honest, give the existing reps the same opportunity to canvass as everyone else. Be expected for a low vote (such is life) and most, if not all existing reps to be properly elected and unopposed!

We had similar discussions in our organisations....we haven't concluded them! So I watch with interest. My personal opinion is that the reps in place already didn't sign up to be RES's and may not want to do it, also those in position on the council may not be trusted by other staff to do it. In the first place, I would talk to the reps about the situation you're in and ask for feedback, would they be willing to take on the safety element? Those discussions might mean you go to new elections. Then I would ask the workforce, are they happy for the current reps to take on the safety aspect, or do they want someone new? If the reps were happy to take it on. If your organisation is anything like us it's so difficult to find RES's, and current reps are so enthusiastic, that it will probably be very simple. Also, when I discussed it with a colleague they felt that the election process was "always" interpreted quite loosely. For me, it's important the workforce have their say. But no final answer I'm afraid :(

Thank you one and all for your replies; for your interest we have decided that we will communicate the situation with our current reps and notify to staff that we will be holding elections and that both present reps and others may put themselevs forward. Linda