This was, however, supplemented by an active training programme drawn up by the Training Committee in consultation with the Department of Finance. The files are designed as a core resource for providing a general information service to employees and are widely used in researching replies to information queries. A broad category encompassing a wide range of issues e.g. workloads, nature of work assigned, difficult working relationships, sexual harassment, communication difficulties, anxiety about level of performance, bullying, appropriate workplace behaviour, transfers, jobsharing, career breaks etc. Resolution may involve consultation with line managers, personnel section, medical advisor etc. Work in this area will invariably involve liaison with GPs, Consultant Psychiatrists, Chief Medical Officer, Counsellors, Social Workers.
Cases are generally complex, protracted and require support on an ongoing basis.
Consultation is generally necessary with medical personnel, the Chief Medical Officer and Personnel Section. Issues involve care of young children, ageing parents, difficulties in raising adolescents, family illness, sexual orientation, marital breakdown, domestic violence. Information may be required on protection, barring and maintenance orders and legal resources in general. Liaison may be necessary with Credit Unions, Banks, Building Societies and other financial institutions. A large part of the work in this area involves submitting reports to the Public Service Friendly Society in support of individual applications for assistance.