- Conference
- 2011 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 7 September 2010
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference notes that since vesting day the National Black Members Committee (NBMC) have consistently elected from within its own committee, representation to National Delegate Conference (NDC). This is despite nominations from regions being submitted for consideration.
This Conference believes that this course of action denies the wider membership of the National Black Members Conference the opportunity to gain experience develop skills and knowledge of UNISON as a trade union movement.
We therefore call upon the NBMC to ensure an election for nominations to NDC and service group conferences is held at every Conference from 2012, including candidates’ hustings, in the interest of democratic accountability.
Once elected the NDC delegate who is not an NBMC member should be co-opted to the NBMC up until the NDC as an observer with no voting rights thereby enabling them to attend the 2 NBMC meetings which shall include the Policy weekend so that they can gain the same experience and training as the newly elected NBMC members, The costs to be met equally between the national union and the delegates own region. After attendance at the NDC the delegate’s position as an observer shall be withdrawn.
This will ensure that the person elected can obtain the maximum support from the NBMC who will act as mentors thereby enabling the elected delegate to best represent UNISON Black members at the NDC having had the opportunity to capacity build their skills with the support, guidance, knowledge and experience of the full committee of NBMC.
The two Women delegates who attend the NDC representing the National Women’s Self Organised Committee are elected at their Annual National Women’s Conference. This democratic and accountable process works for the women in UNISON so can also work for Black members in UNISON.
Conference this motion will ensure we are more effective in succession planning and also ensure that new Black activists can be properly supported and play a positive role in our union.
Conference therefore asks that:-
1.The NBMC produce a standard set of guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of the delegate representing National Black Members Conference at the NDC and other service group conferences;
2.This guideline shall be produced regularly in the National Black Members Annual Report starting in January 2012;
3.The delegate will be required to provide a comprehensive detailed report for the Annual Black Members Conference.