- Conference
- 2002 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 25 February 2002
- Decision
- Carried
Exploratory work has been undertaken to meet the requirements of Motion 162 from National Delegate Conference 2001. This has involved a review of research into the causes of stress and consultation with regions and activists on the effects on those lay members dealing with stressful situations arising from their trade union duties.
Conference notes that the Services to Members Committee of the National Executive Council has overseen and received update reports on this work programme and is able to recommend specific actions to take it forward.
Conference therefore agrees that:
1)A confidential independent telephone counselling service for lay activists be introduced on the basis of a 12 month pilot scheme starting in September 2002;
2)This pilot scheme is evaluated and a report submitted to the National Executive Council in November 2003;
3)A survey of activists is carried out in 2002 using a questionnaire and focus groups to further evaluate the effects on lay members of dealing with traumatic and stressful situations that arise from trade union duties;
4)A programme of activities are undertaken to encourage activists to attend the stress management course, Stress and the Activist, offered by UNISON Learning and Organising Services (LAOS).