Community seminar on Friday the 3rd of March

A speech by Nye Commonetti of the resolution foundation gave us details about social care workers and enforcement of employment rights in the sector. The speech was interesting and in the question an answer section at the end a lot of questions were asked about statistics of women in the sector and other minorities, The research was unable to answer these questions, but it will be noted that more statistics will be sought next time. The speaker on organising and recruitment strategy project, Jo Galloway, was encouraging and gave me motivation to redouble my efforts to recruit union members. I will look at joining up with Herefordshire NHS contacts in the union and other care companies such have union members or representatives.

I attended later how procurement works in local authorities’ session. Several speakers including Paul bell Niall McCarroll and Kevin Russell Gave the audience a lot of information on how local authorities work and guides on how to ensure that the local authority makes apriority of workers’ rights in the companies that tender. It is government guidance that at least seven percentage of tenders must include measures that ensure workers’ rights are retained, about 60% only should just be on the price and lowest price for the authority.

 

Community Conference on Saturday the 4th of March

I was pleased that again I had been given a comfortable swivel chair with a table as I had asked for in the adjustments online. It was brilliant to see so many people of differing abilities, sexuality, race, sex and other minorities attended the conference. Many of these also stood up to speak in favour of the motions throughout the day. A few new delegates also got up the courage to speak four motions during the day. I notice that Gloucester Shire district health and community had put forward a couple of motions, I will see if I can make Connexions with them. Some of those who stood out that day were Graham Ellis, who supported a few motions along with Toby Morrison. Both of whom could really give an insight into lived experiences of Disabled people in the motions being passed.

Another highlight was our treasurer Clive Giving a brilliant rendition of a song he had written to illustrate the tough life of being a carer or community worker. It seems that last year’s year of the disabled worker focus will continue.

The bucket collection raised to sixty-seven pounds for the president’s charity.

After an intense but extremely motivating and positive day I attended the team building get together at the hotel we were staying in. It was great to really get to know all those that were from our branch -Sonia, Temitope, Clive, James, David, Rebecca, Bob, Debbie, Claire and Lynn. I also got to know better Malcolm Gray Who is on the community service group executive. We all had a brilliant time chatting and we also went out for food together so had plenty of time to get to know each other. You could not find a better group of individuals who are professional informed fun crazy supportive and caring I hope we will all work together for a long time to come.

This conference really has renewed my commitment to support any union member at my workplace and to support all my colleagues when their rights are threatened. I look forward to the NDC conference which will take place in June at Liverpool.

Jude Rogers