Influential friends in high places

Bob Woods, your Branch Secretary received the accolade of branch organiser of the year at the TUC conference in September.

He received the award from Gordon Brown, and was able to have a ten minute chat with him prior to the presentation. Gordon thought that it was a tremendous step forward for the voluntary sector that Barnardos now recognised UNISON and congratulated all those who had contributed to the success.

So all those who have worked so hard for the branch, consider yourself patted on the back by the Chancellor!

We also met up with Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, who added his congratulations to the branch. Dave is going to visit the Barnardos Branch Executive in early February to meet the officers.

Whilst at the conference Bob Woods met up with officers from national association of Probation Officers, who have been dealing with Barnardos new Chief Executive , Martin Narey in the recent past. Their views were interesting but we will keep an open mind and look forward to meeting him in November as part of his induction into Barnardos.

So as you can see, this branch has influence and contacts in high and interesting places!