improving our partnership (a branch guide to the new mou)

Improving our Partnership(A Branch Guide to the New MOU)

Improving Our Partnership

A Branch Guide to the MOU

INTRODUCTION

Partnership means mutual understanding between partners and using negotiating skills in difficult situations.

After all, we all share a common interest in a highly successful Sea Cadet Corps.



The MOU and responsibility matrix clearly delineate areas of responsibilities and partnership commitments.

Proactive and positive approach Places Cadets first

INTRODUCTION



STARTING POINTS

Branch Vice President - Sea Cadets - Liaison between the Branch and the Corps - Clear Terms of Reference

Procedure for Corps CO to make representation to the Branch

Corps representation at Branch meetings when Sea Cadet matters are discussed



CADET INSTRUCTORS CADREAttraction and Retention (Matrix: 1.1, 1.2 and 1.6)

Make recruiting of officers a periodic feature of your regular meetings.

Ensure that the recruiting and retention of officers and CIs are part of your VP Sea Cadets’ terms of reference.

At the beginning of each training year, agree on a recruiting strategy and share it with the Corps officers so that they can play their part in the bargain.



CADET INSTRUCTORS CADRETraining (Matrix 1.3)

Dedicated and well trained leaders are the key to a successful corps

Support the CO’s efforts to get his officers trained

Notify Division of critical shortages



CADET INSTRUCTORS CADREKey Appointments (Matrix: 1.4)

Work towards a mutual agreement

If there is no agreement, present your recommendations to RCSU and Division

Succession planning with the outgoing CO



CADET INSTRUCTORS CADRECivilian Instructors (Matrix: Section 2)

Civilian Instructors are recruited for a specific purpose

Under Contract with DND

Branches should give same care to recruiting and retention as for CIC



BRANCH VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers used in cadet activites must be screened

A National Volunteer Database must be maintained

Volunteer Screening is a League Responsability



Identify and recruit volunteers

Start the screening process immediately

Once approved, make the volunteers available to the Corps

Follow their progress.

BRANCH VOLUNTEERSBranches must therefore do the following:



SEA CADETSAttraction and Retention (Matrix: 4.1 and 4.2)

Establish recruiting goal

Conduct joint campaign

Assist with processing new recruits

Discuss retention strategies

Contact with the parents



SEA CADETSAdministration and policy (Matrix 4.3 and 4.4)

Responsibility of the Corps

Discuss any issues with Corps CO

Corps to provide Branch with Cadet/Parent contact info

Refer continuing difficulties to Division



SEA CADETSRank Appointments (Matrix: 4.5)

Co-operative effort

Clear selection criteria

Branch Participation



SUMMER TRAINING & EXCHANGESSelection (Matrix 5.1 and 5.3)

Co-operative effort

Consult with CO on how to promote opportunities

Promote the employment of senior cadets and CIC officers as staff

Participate in the selection process as determined by the course



SUMMER TRAINING & EXCHANGESTraining (Matrix 5.4)

A DND/CF Responsibility

Refer any issues to the Corps CO or to the Division



SUMMER TRAINING & EXCHANGESCeremonies (Matrix 5.5)

Branch Members are encouraged to attend Parades and Ceremonies.

Any chance to show support for our cadets must not be missed.



SUMMER TRAINING & EXCHANGESQuality of Life, Materiel and Support Services

(Matrix 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8)

A DND/CF Responsibility

Refer any issues to the Corps CO or to the Division



CORPS (LHQ) OPERATIONSTraining Programs (Matrix 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)

The Branch should:

Meet with the Corp to discuss the training program

Ask for a proposed budget

Seek mutual agreement

Allocate funds to the various activities

Inform the CO of the Budget so that he can plan accordingly.



CORPS (LHQ) OPERATIONSAdministration (Matrix 6.4)

Be organized

Be administered according to NLOC By-laws

Maintain Close Liaison

Cadet Administration is a Corps responsibility, however Branches must:



CORPS (LHQ) OPERATIONSAccommodation and Training Areas

Must balance need with available resources

Maintain close liaison with CO

Provide Maintenance,

Ensure Safety

Acquire appropriate insurance

Work with corps to establish rules for use

A Branch Responsibility:



CORPS (LHQ) OPERATIONSMateriel for training activities (Matrix 6.8 and 6.9)

Ask CO to identify requirements

Support any reasonable request

Maintain inventory

A Branch should:

“The Corps must account and properly care for any Branch equipment on loan.”



CORPS (LHQ) OPERATIONSCorps formation, Probation and Disbandment (Matrix 6.10 to 6.12)

Be aware of existing rules and procedures

Receive support from both Division and RCSU

Co-operate fully to address problems

Seek mediation for local conflicts

Remember that the welfare of the cadets and the viability of the Corps are the most important factors

A Branch should:



FUNDINGAccounting

All Corps funds must be kept in one Bank account, controlled and administered by the Branch

Provide CO with Petty Cash

Follow Budgeting Process and Accounting Procedures

Provide CO with statements

Ensure Corps applies for DND/CF Grants (Contingency and Band)

Corps funds come from two sources: - Public (CF) and Non-Public (Branch)

Branch to organize fund raising

planning should be concurrent with the budget negotiations

Corps required to support Branch in fund raising

Fair and reasonable demands

Should not interfere with training



FUNDINGFund Raising



CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Branches to follow national conflict resolution process

Always try to resolve at lowest possible level

Keep calm, be understanding, use common sense

Seek Division help if required



INSURANCE

Insurance coverage is manditory

Accidents reported to National Office ASAP

Corps CO to seek authorization for all activitiesManditory – RCSUOptional - Branch

Corps to report any accidents/incidents to Branch ASAP



COMMUNICATIONS AND PR

Joint PR Committees at all levels

Close Cooperation required

Identified spokespersons



CONCLUSION

“A good partnership is the result of mutual

respect and understanding, a

positive attitude and a genuine desire of all

concern to solve problems and resolve personal conflicts.”

improving our partnership (a branch guide to the new mou)

Documents

branch guide

mou branch volunteers

branch meetings

branch corps representation

mou introduction partnership

new mou slide

branch volunteers branches

division slide