Vince Barton is our new Branch Chair

It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the new 'Interim Branch Chair'.  I was fortunate to have been elected by the Branch Committee following on from Sandra Robinson sadly resigning her substantive position within the organisation (as a Deputy CSM) and as a result having to relinquish her position as Chair of UNISON Barnardo's. Sandra has moved onto a more senior role within the NSPCC & wishes us all well. I know that Sandra thoroughly enjoyed her time as 'chair' and will be a hard act to follow but I am up to the challenge, enthusiastic & willing to learn.

I have worked for Barnardo's for the past 17 ½ years at High Close School, Wokingham, LEASE, and am currently a CSM (Unit Manager) working with Children and Families.  I became active as a Steward in April 2007, following on from the 'Pension's Road Show' in 2006 where I expressed my interest in becoming a Steward to Bob Woods, the Branch Secretary.  Although I have not been active very long, I believe that I have the necessary skills, experience & drive to support the Branch in it's future development along with Bob, Harry Lister, the Officers / Stewards & of course you, the members.

This is a time of 'change', and UNISON is at the heart of things, working hard trying to improve the terms and conditions for it's members (Cost of Living pay award, the End Child Poverty campaign, Equality & Diversity issues, the Four Week Joining rule, to name but a few areas).

The recent events affecting the national & global economies have had an impact on all businesses / organisations and of course Barnardo's is not excluded from this. This is a time of uncertainty throughout the regions and nations, where Branch activity has never been as high. Being a member of UNISON may provide the reassurance that there will be support for you if needed during these challenging times.

The membership has grown steadily & significantly since recognition, along with the number of active stewards/officers working within the Branch as highlighted at this years Stewards conference, but we would welcome members becoming active in many areas either as work based representatives, stewards or supporting the branch in anyway possible.

I hope to repay the trust and faith that has been afforded me by the branch and look forward to working on your behalf over the forth coming months.

Kind regards