Changes to Business Advisor & Mortgage Specialist Roles - Bank of Ireland Group - ROI

BOI 27/26

Many members have been in touch with us about the Bank’s plans to replace the Business Advisor role with two new Band 2 roles (Senior Business Development Advisor and Senior Customer Advisor), change the geographical patches of Mortgage Specialists in Areas WMNE and South, and introduce 10 new Affluent Team roles. These changes will have a significant impact on a number of members, and we have been engaging with the Bank regarding the implications of its proposals.

While the Bank has highlighted the creation of a new Band 2 role in branches as a progression opportunity for newer entrants, members have raised significant concerns about the proposed redeployment of existing Business Advisors and Mortgage Specialists into the new structure. We share many of those concerns and have challenged the Bank to explain and justify aspects of its proposals, particularly where members believe there is a mismatch between responsibilities, expectations, and grading.

Our union raised your concerns directly with the Bank, sought clarification on a number of issues, and challenged aspects of the proposals where we believe further justification is required. The Bank’s responses to the questions raised by members are set out below.

1)  Why is the Senior Business Development Advisor role not a Band 3?

We challenged the bank on the grading of this role. The Bank’s position is that the role is advisory rather than managerial and should therefore remain at Band 2. We are not currently satisfied that this explanation fully addresses members’ concerns and have requested further detail on the Bank’s job evaluation process before reaching any conclusion on whether the grading is appropriate.

2) Will redundancy be made available?

The Bank has confirmed that it does not intend to offer voluntary redundancy as part of this process at this time.

3)  Can role holders be redeployed far from their current location?

The Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the FSU Transferability Agreement, which states that Band 1 and 2 staff cannot be transferred more than 30 miles from their current location. Anyone who is concerned about transfers should contact their FSU Sector Committee representative.

4) What are the benchmarks for the SBDA and SCA roles?

The Bank has advised that performance benchmarks for these roles have not yet been determined. It states that these will be developed with managers and role holders after appointments are made. We have highlighted members’ concerns about being asked to express an interest in roles where key performance expectations have not yet been finalised.

5)  If covering a few branches, where is your base branch?

The Bank has advised that the base branch will be confirmed on appointment and will form part of the local cluster. It is likely to be the largest commercial location within the cluster, although the Bank has indicated there may be some variation.

6)  If you do not put in an Expression of Interest, what happens?

The Bank has advised that employees who do not submit an Expression of Interest will enter the Strategic Resource Centre redeployment process, where they will be matched against suitable alternative vacancies.

Before making any decision, we strongly encourage members to seek clarity from their managers in 1:1 meetings on the practical implications of each option and to contact their FSU representative for advice specific to their circumstances.

7)  Where will the work that Business Advisors get now (i.e. charity ACs, mandates) be moved to?

The Bank has stated this is under ongoing review, and that charities, mandates, and securities are included as part of the planning process for the new operating model. We have emphasised the importance of ensuring that responsibility for these activities is clearly defined before the new structure is implemented.

8)  The Senior Customer Advisor role mentions cash – does that mean doing the cash or assisting in balancing machines, etc.?

The Bank has advised that the SCA role will work across sales and service activities and may, where required, undertake cashier services in line with normal business needs.

9)  What will the impact be on the number of Mortgage Specialists if they opt for the new roles, given the current pressure they are under?

The Bank was unable to provide an answer to this question at this stage, stating that the outcome will depend on the level of interest in the new roles through the Expression of Interest process. We have emphasised members’ concerns regarding existing workload pressures and the potential impact on service delivery and remaining staff resources.

We recognise that many members remain concerned about both the process and the future shape of these roles. We will continue to challenge the Bank where members’ concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Your Sector Committee representatives remain engaged with the Bank on these issues and are available to discuss your individual circumstances, your options, and to accompany you at 1:1 meetings should you wish to be represented.

Caitleen Desetti

Industrial Relations Organiser

BOI Sector Committee: