the CWU's Annual Report for 2006-2007

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5.7 REGIONAL LEARNING COMMITTEES In 2006 we have been continuing with the invaluable work on incorporating ULR’s into the CWU’s structures and supporting regional strategies for lifelong learning through the introduction of properly constituted Regional Learning Committees. We currently have a total of six Regional Learning Committees supporting regional strategies for lifelong learning in the following Regions: Eastern, Midlands, Scotland, North West, South West, and South East. 6. FUNDING BID APPLICATIONS 6.1 UNION MODERNISATION FUND BID APPLICATIONS The CWU ‘Reaching Out’ Project was designed to assist us develop and pilot new forms of communication with members and activists in the CWU through the introduction of new and innovative ICT solutions and through the development of regional resource centres which will become ‘hubs’ in the delivery of the CWU communication strategies. The six pilot sites for the UMF Round 1 funded ‘Reaching Out’ project have now been agreed. The six successful applications came from Gwent Amal Branch, North Lancs and Cumbria Branch, Coventry Area Branch, Merseyside and SW Lancs Branch, London City West Branch and the North East Region. We will shortly be entering into the process of purchasing the equipment that has been agreed as part of the six pilot sites bid applications, so as to facilitate the delivery of the aims and objectives of the project. Additionally, following the interview and recruitment process, we are pleased to report that the Researcher for the Reaching Out project has been appointed to carry out an evaluation. We are currently working closely with Simon Sapper and the Youth Advisory Committee and the Equal Opportunities Department in preparing bid applications for the UMF Round 2 funding process. It is anticipated that the two UMF Round 2 bid applications we are working on will be submitted to the Policy, Education and Training Committee for their perusal shortly. 6.2 TUC INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT/DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND We are currently working closely with the International Officer in the preparation of bid applications for DfID funding in order to continue the excellent work we have previously carried out with regard to international development and international development education providing assistance and solidarity to trade unionists from other countries. It is anticipated that an outline of the two draft bid applications we are discussing with the International Officer will be submitted to the Policy, Education and Training Committee shortly. 7. RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION PROJECT WORKING GROUP The NEC in August agreed that a report should be produced into the feasibility of the long-term retention of the Elstead Hotel and Alvescot Lodge, and that the income generated from the Elstead should be used to develop Alvescot Lodge to an acceptable level as an education centre. It was also agreed that there should be a re-evaluation of timescales and necessary works to Alvescot Lodge, and that in periods of low occupancy, the Elstead should be utilised to provide education/training events. Additionally, it was agreed that it was necessary to have a fundamental review into the most appropriate and efficient way of managing the Elstead Hotel, in the short and long term, in order to maximise the benefit to the CWU. Based on this, a document, which was subsequently agreed unanimously by the December 2006 meeting of the NEC, was prepared by Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary and Trish Lavelle, Head of Training and Education. As the conclusion of this preliminary study may lead to a change from the existing Conference policy on Education and Training, it was agreed to issue LTB 870/06 to keep Branches up to date with developments in advance of the closing dates for motions to Annual Conference 2007. FINANCE, ORGANISING & STRATEGY FINANCE 1. THE ROLE OF THE FOS COMMITTEE This includes the previous responsibilities of the former F&A Committee; these responsibilities have not changed and are as follows. To be responsible for: • The finances of the union in relation to budgets and control of Union income and expenditure. • The control and administration of union funds. • The control and administration of union investment and properties. • The location and funding of Union Conferences. • Overall strategic management responsibility for the operation of the Union’s Headquarters. • Overall strategic managerial responsibility for personnel issues within the Union. 2. UNION FINANCES The financial improvements seen in the past few years have continued throughout 2006. As a result the surpluses posted for the past 2 years will be achieved once the accounts for 2006 are finally known. This has primarily occurred as a result of our continued reliance upon the budget system that allocates monitors and therefore controls CWU HQ expenditure; once again we will come in under budget. As has been previously reported a number of different courses of action will be required to ensure that the union continues to operate within budget and continues to produce year on year surpluses. The ability to reconcile income with membership records will come under particular scrutiny this year. This will begin with implementation of the decision taken by the FOS in 2006 to replace the membership records system. The process for this will take place throughout the first half of 2007, it is currently anticipated that the project will be complete by Summer 2007 however migration issues arising from the state of the current system have yet to be assessed. The FOS has also determined to undertake a complete review of membership subscription rates. Primarily this will be focused on ensuring that our attempts to increase membership levels, 10 l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007
particularly in the ‘non-core’ sectors are assisted by setting appropriate rates. During 2006 the FOS also conducted the first 6 monthly review of the budget allocation. As the budget performance was on track at that point the FOS determined that no remedial action was necessary. In setting the 2007 budget the FOS and NEC have determined that such a review clearly assists in the continuous process of keeping expenditure under control. Significantly with regard to planning and building a CWU structure for the future 2006 saw the CWU spend the entire 12 months in the black at the bank, the first time we have been able to operate without use of an overdraft. This position allowed us to pay off the balance of the mortgage on 150 The Broadway, thus resulting in a saving on interest payments. These initiatives will allow us the opportunity to take a longterm view of the CWU Finances throughout 2007 and introduce our rolling 5-year plan. The objective clearly to be securing the future of the CWU. 3. UNION EMPLOYEES 150 THE BROADWAY Full time Officers: Appointed 10 Elected 14 Clerical Secretarial & Admin Employees (Appointed) Full & part-time 149 Ancillary Staff Full & part-time 15 ALVESCOT LODGE Clerical, Secretarial & Admin Employees (Appointed) Full & part-time 2 Ancillary Staff Full & part-time 12 4. NATIONAL WELFARE FUND We have continued to administer the National Welfare Fund in line with the rules of the Union. For 2006, donations received totalled £13,659 and along with commissions received this contributed to a total income of £139,816. £60,150 was paid out in benefit payments. The Welfare Fund is operated on the basis of an objective that states, “For the purpose of providing, at the absolute discretion of the Fund Trustees, assistance to paid up members of the Union or their dependants, who have met with adversity including bereavement, sickness, incapacity from injury or illness or other personal misfortune”. 5. ANNUAL CONFERENCE (a) CWU 12th Annual Conference The 12th CWU Annual Conference was held at the refurbished Bournemouth International Centre from the 20th to 26th May 2006. The union will continue to review all costs associated with annual conference to ensure that savings achieved in previous years are maintained in the future. (b) Conference Guide We produced a 20 page, colour conference guide that gave delegates details of everything happening during the week. Thanks to adverts and greetings placed by branches, regions and affinity partners the guide was self-financing. (c) Fringe meetings 16 Fringe meetings were held during the week, this is an increase on the previous year when 14 were organised. This shows the continued popularity of these events and that more delegates and visitors are prepared to give up their lunch and early evenings to discuss important issues that affect our daily lives. (d) Exhibition Area The Exhibition area of conference was again a great success and was visited by many delegates and visitors to conference. New exhibitors were attracted and the exhibition allowed the union to showcase headquarters departments, our campaigns and good causes. (e) Future Conference venues The 13th Annual Conference will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 3rd to 8th June 2007. At the time of producing this report the SDGS was drawing up a document to determine the venue for 2008. The options for this will take cognisance of the policy previously determined by Conference. ORGANISING 1. RECRUITMENT IN THE POSTAL SECTOR At the start of 2006 our Membership levels were steadily increasing. However, despite our continued high levels of recruitment, the job losses in the business eventually led to a downturn in membership density as the year progressed. At the time of writing this report however Membership levels have again picked up and the Union’s campaigns in Romec and Quadrant as well as the core businesses have continued as have our recruitment drives in the traditional areas. We are also planning a recruitment week which will take place at the Birmingham Business Post HQ early in the New Year. As well as this we have had some success recruiting members in FedEx in Coventry. We produced specific material and Lynn Browne Postal Recruitment Organiser has visited and assisted the Branch on a number of occasions. There has been a meeting of all the members involved at a local venue. Progress is being made and consideration is being given to making FedEx in Coventry a bargaining unit. If progress continues it is hoped that it will be possible to approach the CAC in the early part of 2007 to take the first steps towards recognition. Whilst the efforts of the Branches and all those concerned are admirable, we still have a long way to go if we are to maintain membership levels that will enable us to effectively represent our members. It is envisaged that 2007 will be just as challenging if not more so than previous years in terms of recruitment. The National Executive Council has also agreed an awards scheme similar to the recruiter of the year award that will take place at Annual Conference. Publicity regarding this will be circulated to Branches in the New Year. 2. RECRUITMENT MATERIALS We are in discussions with the Communications Department with the aim of producing a recruitment pack that will incorporate a DVD giving an introduction to the CWU. l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 11
Page 1: 2006-2007 lThe communications union
Page 4 and 5: Welcome to the CWU’s Annual Repor
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Page 14 and 15: changes during the year, with the r
Page 16 and 17: their publications. This has includ
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Page 24 and 25: 16th-18th May. SDGS Tony Kearns spo
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