NORTH WEST CONVENORS REPORT

The last Executive Meeting was held on 23^rd and 24^th January 2007 at which a report was produced.

Activity since the last Executive Meeting.

1.      The Local Joint Forum met on 7^th March with Sue Hayes as the Chair.  Minutes once agreed will be placed on Livelink.

2.      The surprise news in the Region is that Sue Hayes, the Regional Director, is retiring this summer.  She has agreed to remain in post until her successor has been identified.  She has held the position of Director for 15 years and has always had a positive relationship with Barnardos UNISON even prior to recognition.  So it is with sadness and some anxiety that we wait to see who her replacement will be.

3.      Sue Hayes has allocated one of the 25 places the Region was given for the Regional Convenor to attend the National Staff Conference.  This has been accepted as the Conference will launch Martin Narey’s “ambitious three year Corporate Plan.”

4.      A Regional Staff Conference is planned for 2^nd July to cascade the messages from the National conference to staff in the North West.  Barnardos UNISON has been invited to put a stall up as part of the event.

5.      Pensions Roadshows in the North West were well attended by staff with over 100 signed Tipping the Balance postcards completed.

6.      Two new Stewards have been nominated who are interested in becoming more active in the region.

Casework 

We continue to support individual staff with telephone advice and support or through active attendance at meetings to best represent their issues.

Report compiled by Sandra Robinson, North West Convenor

22^nd March 2007