Improving the implementation of motions carried by the retired members conference

Back to all Motions

Conference
2015 National Retired Members Conference
Date
17 June 2015
Decision
Carried

Each year, Conference carries many worthwhile motions and it is important that they are followed up and implemented to the best of UNISON’s ability.

Unfortunately, much Conference time is also spent debating motions which, while not necessarily identical, are often very similar to those carried in previous years. Whilst this is helpful in keeping issues alive, it is felt that the rather limited time available to Conference would be better spent in helping to move the original motions forward.

To this end, it is proposed:

1. that there be greater dialogue between the National Retired Members’ Committee, Regional Retired Members’ Committees and other retired members on progress in implementing motions; and

2. that, in turn, Conference, Regional Retired Members’ Committees and other retired members provide greater support and assistance to the National Retired Members’ Committee in implementing the actions required of them.

It is recommended that the role of the National Retired Members’ Committee be to manage the implementation of actions. For example, to establish sub-committees or working parties to carry out the actions, to agree terms of reference for those sub-committees and working parties, to support and monitor their progress, collate their reports, etc.

It is also recommended that much of the detailed work be carried out not by the National Retired Members’ Committee, unless they have a particular interest or area of expertise, but by the vast resource of other retired members, many of whom would welcome an opportunity to become involved and who often have enthusiasm and expertise to bring to the table.

To initiate greater dialogue, it is proposed that the National Retired Members’ Committee prepare a quarterly report on progress against motions beginning with those passed at this Conference. It is proposed that the report be distributed to Regional Retired Members’ Committees and Retired Members’ Secretaries. The reports should include but not be limited to:

a. requests for sub-committee or working party members;

b. honest and frank descriptions of any obstacles to the implementation of actions required by motions, e.g. lack of time, funds, or other resources; and

c. details of where to submit any comments, suggestions or offers of help.

In this way, Conference will be able to follow the progress of motions and there will be less likelihood of duplication. However, a healthy debate will continue around the issues and, also, around the practicalities of actions to address those issues.

Conference, therefore, instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee to:

i. prepare and distribute a quarterly written report on progress against all motions commencing with those passed at this Conference and to include the information described above;

ii. focus on managing the implementation of actions required by motions and to seek assistance from the members in the form of sub-committees or working parties to implement those actions, as described above; and

iii. carry out monitoring to assess whether the above actions have been successful.