As a member of the senior management team, I am responsible for building a mutually respectful relationship between my employer and the Executive Management of Standard Bank, the largest financial institution in South Africa, and leading a negotiating team in all aspects of collective bargaining. Key functions include:• Consulting and negotiating on terms & conditions of employment and HR policies, salary increases, and restructuring and retrenchment policies & procedures• Promoting healthy and professional relationships between employer bodies and the Union• Studying and interpreting all new and existing labour legislation• Ensuring that agreements, policies and internal dispute resolution mechanisms comply with relevant labour legislation• Preparing and releasing of accurate media statements • Liaising with the media and participating in interviews to ensure appropriate publicity for the organisation• Serving as a member of a job evaluation committee, namely Peromnes and Hay • Serving on the Management Committee and being party to strategic decision-making processes regarding the future growth and financial stability of the organisation• Serving on the Board of the Bank Sector Education and Training Authority (Bankseta), as Deputy Chairman and Chairman, and Chairperson of its Finance Committee, from 2000 - 2011• Serving on the Bankseta subcommittee of Investors in People and e-Learning• Serving on the steering committee of Bankseta in order to arrange an international conference • Serving on the Board of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (Inseta), and on its Finance subcommittee• Representing employers on the National Employment Equity Forum • Representing employers on the Training Committee • Negotiating time slots for the Union to give presentations at internal induction courses at Standard Bank• Project managing a stress survey amongst Union members• Conducting a national survey to ascertain Union loyalty and expectations

My most recent role between 1995 to June 2000, prior to my promotion to Assistant General Secretary, was that of Regional Secretary. Tasked with ensuring the growth of the client base within my areas of responsibility, and fulfilling the role of Regional Educator, my duties included:• Managed an office with five IR consultants and one administrative staff member• Oversaw the general management of the office• Led the recruitment and selection process through objective staff performance evaluations, and identification of training needs• Negotiated with smaller institutions in respect of all terms and conditions of employment, including salary negotiations• Ensured that the team of organisers provided a consistent and professional service to Union members• Ensured that members received fair representation at internal disciplinary and grievance procedures, as well as external dispute resolution forums• Dealt with collective dispute resolutions• Advised clients collectively and individually on work related issues• Facilitated the training of clients and members in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, and related matters, in my role as Regional Educator