According to Network Rail, Q12 is a staff survey, conducted once a year, "which all employees are invited to participate in, of individual's opinions which helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement within the person's team". Q12 was developed by the Gallop Organisation who administer the survey on behalf of Network Rail.

At a meeting with the company last year the union's representatives were given assurances that completion of the survey is an entirely voluntary matter. I am therefore concerned at reports I have recently received, from both Ops and maintenance members, indicating that pressure is being put on individuals by managers to complete the survey.

For example, a manager in the Lancs & Cumbria Area circulated a memorandum stating "I do not consider this to be a voluntary survey and I am asking each of you to complete and return the form". At another location maintenance staff were told to return to their depot early from the track to complete the survey. All staff who completed the survey were allowed to leave 2-3 hours early while those who did not had to remain on site until their booked time. It has been suggested to me that managers have been instructed to boost the percentage, not only of surveys returned, but also of favourable results recorded in the survey.

I have taken up this matter with the company and in the meantime would remind members that completion of the survey is entirely a voluntary matter for each individual.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary