in UNISON

Joint working
The committee also recognised that a many of the motions to national women’s conference
referred to joint working with other SOGs. Uniquely, the women's committee has
representatives from all the other SOGs and the national young members' forum, but it was
agreed there was a need to improve the links between the groups where there were issues
of common concern, or where work overlapped.
Measures were agreed - including joint training, better clarity on roles, review of training
offered, an annual joint seminar - as well as an annual equality survey, to address the issues
which arise from the SOG conferences and NYMF.
Motions not reached
A number of motions were not reached at conference in 2015. The programme for 2016
conference has been carefully considered to maximise debate time, and it is hoped that this
situation will not occur again. However, where possible, and where the unheard motions
were within existing UNISON women’s conference policy, the committee has taken on board
the spirit of the motion in their workplan.
SUB-COMMITTEE 1
1.1 Encouraging women’s participation in the union
Motions 1 to 4 were referred to the service group liaison committee (SGLC), and to
individual service group liaison committees where they exist, with a request that service
groups take on board these issues in communications with branches, and actively work to
improve the representation of low paid and young women in UNISON’s structures.
Motion 1 : Modernising our union
Recognised the need to recruit more young women into membership. Called on the NWC
and regions to work with student bodies; improve access to branches including via social
media; work with the NYMF.
Motion 2 : Encouraging more young women to be active in UNISON
Recognised that there are barriers to young women’s involvement. Called on the NWC and
regions to develop mentoring schemes; improve communication with young members;
work with outside organisations and NYMF.
AIM
To increase the
number of young
women recruited
and involved in
the union.
UPDATE
Motion 1 was selected as one of the women’s conference motions to
national delegate conference. It then formed part of composite A,
which was carried, and the work therefore became the responsibility of
the NEC.
Regional women’s committees and networks were asked to take action
on relevant points within their own annual workplan. Each region has
reported on their activities in section 3 of this report.
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