Did you know that your Branch Secretary, Rob Birch, is also a member and elected to the National Executive Committee of UNISON sitting in the West Midlands General Seat.
In that role he represents all members of UNISON in the West Midlands in all the various public sectors in our union.
These include the Health Service, Police, Probation and CAFCASS, Local Government, Further Education, Higher Education, Schools, Energy, Water, Environment, Transport and Community.
The NEC are the senior decision making body of the union in between the annual national conference. The NEC has the full power and authority to act on behalf of the union for every respect and every purpose falling within the objects of the union. Its members have wide-ranging powers to ensure that the union’s income, property and funds are safeguarded and our objectives achieved.
Much of the work of the NEC is carried out by the committees who make decisions that are then agreed by a full meeting of the Council members. Members of the NEC are required to represent the interests of the constituencies they represent, including at external events and to other organisations. An example is lobbying politicians on behalf of members to ensure their interests are taken into account when legislation passes through Parliament. The NEC lead on national campaigns and manage the assets and staff of the union.
Members of the NEC are elected to their posts every two years and there are a number of different bodies they represent. Rob represents the members in the West Midlands Region but there are sector specific reps like Maureen Le Marinel and Phil Williams who represent Police, probation and CAFCASS members specifically.
There are representatives for Black Members and Disabled Members as well. Some of the seats are also reserved for Females and those who are low paid. Seats are reserved for these groups to ensure there is representation for the demographic that makes up the majority of our members across UNISON. It is important to note that any UNISON member can stand for election to be on the NEC and it is not in any way reserved for people who hold positions in a branch.
Our union has a number of representative and self-organised groups for members to participate in. In order to take part you should be someone who fits into the description of the group itself but there are no other criteria. There are Young Members for those aged of 30 and under and Retired Members for those who have moved on from the world of work. There are self-organised groups for Black Members, LGBT+, Women and Disabled Members.
As an NEC member Rob Birch is invited to all the Regional meetings including the Self Organised Groups.
As such Rob attended the last Disabled Members meeting on Saturday 7th December. He saw how it brought together members from across the region who wanted to discuss matters of interest to them and which impact them in the workplace and their personal lives. They are a great place to connect, to share experiences, identify problems and solutions, and if you fit into the description of one of the groups you too are welcome to attend. The groups meet regularly both online and in person with hybrid options for in person meetings. They have their own conferences which you could attend as a delegate and organise their own social events to build friendships and support networks.
You can find out more about the groups by contacting the Branch Office.