De Montfort University UNISON Branch Constitution
CONTENTS
1. NAME
2. UNISON RULES
3. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
4. AIMS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH
5. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS
6. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STEWARDS
7. DIVISIONAL GROUPS
8. DIVISIONAL VICE CHAIRS
9. THE BRANCH EXECUTIVE
10. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
11. AGGREGATED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
12. ELECTION PROCEDURE
13. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES
14. PROPORTIONALITY AND FAIR REPRESENTATION
15. AFFILIATED POLITICAL FUND
16. EXPENSES
17. HONORARIA
18. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
19. ALTERATION OF RULESAPPENDIX 1
FUNCTIONS OF BRANCH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH CHAIRPERSON
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF DIVISIONAL VICE CHAIR
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH SECRETARY
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH TREASURER
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF EQUALITY OFFICER(S)
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF WELFARE AND PENSIONS OFFICERAPPENDIX 2
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
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UNISON ACTION GROUPS:-
PROPORTIONALITY
SELF ORGANIZATION
FAIR REPRESENTATION
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This branch of UNISON shall be called "De Montfort University Branch".
The Branch accepts the Constitution and Rules of UNISON, together with any subsequent alterations as agreed by National Delegate Conference. It is accepted that should any alteration of UNISON rules supersede those of the Branch, the current national rules will be observed.
The Branch shall be open to all employees of De Montfort University and other associate bodies of De Montfort University. Members will accept both Branch and UNISON rules and will pay the appropriate subscription rates.
4. AIMS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH
The Aims and Functions of the Branch shall be to promote the values of UNISON:-
4.1 To campaign for better pay and conditions for UNISON members
4.2 To recruit and retain the highest possible level of membership
4.3 To inform members of all entitlements and benefits of union membership, as well as local and national bargaining issues
4.4 To represent members in matters relating to their employment, both individually and collectively and to seek to advance the interests of UNISON members at all times
4.5 To attend JNC and JCC meetings and to seek to agree methods and procedures of implementing local agreements between management and the union
4.6 To actively encourage all members of the distributed Branch to participate in Branch activities.
4.7 To encourage maximum participation in Branch activities and to ensure accountability of all Branch Officers
4.8 To enable and empower all members and activists through education and training and to support colleagues wherever possible
4.9 To promote the best practice in Health and Safety throughout the University
4.10 To ensure equality of treatment for all members and to actively work for the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability or any other issue
4.11 To promote the interests of UNISON members in the community and to represent their voice on matters outside the work place
5. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS
5.1 National and Regional information
5.1.1 All members will receive a free copy of the national union journal which should be mailed to their home address.
5.1.2 Sufficient copies of all appropriate publications will be made available as widely as possible within the work places.
5.1.3 All Branch members will be entitled to request and receive union publications from their steward, Vice Chair or Branch Secretary.
5.2 Branch Information
5.2.1 The Branch will provide regular written information on local bargaining and other local developments within UNISON.
5.2.2 This information should be received in good time for members to participate before decisions are made.
5.3 Advice to Members
5.3.1 Information on who to contact will be included in the Branch leaflet on joining and amendments issued when necessary.
5.3.2 A member contacting their Branch representative with an enquiry should receive an appropriate response for action to be taken. The Branch will draw up time limits by which members should expect a response, these will be publicized to members in the Branch. Case records will be completed by the steward representing the member.
5.3.3 Responses to members' enquiries will be in understandable language with the minimum use of jargon. The Branch will aim to give a clear explanation as to why the particular decision or advice is being given.
5.3.4 The Branch will make arrangements for members to have the opportunity to receive advice from an officer of their own race or gender when appropriate and if available.
5.4 Confidentiality and Respect
Branch representatives will respect members' rights to confidentiality and treat members in a considerate and courteous manner.
5.5 Members' Complaints
Any member who feels that they have been treated in an unacceptable way or not received their rights or benefits, as specified in the current rule book, will have the right to refer their complaint to the Regional Secretary and ultimately to the General Secretary for consideration by the appropriate Committees. Members are expected to take the matter in the first instance to the Branch.
5.6 Getting Support and Getting Involved
5.6.1 Members should be actively encouraged to meet and discuss matters of interest and concern. Stewards should facilitate this through regular contact and visits to work places. The Branch will negotiate suitable time-off facilities with employers to make this possible. Meetings should be held when appropriate.
5.6.2 Meetings should be conducted in an enabling way to achieve maximum participation.
Problems and issues should be debated in a language that members understand. Stewards should consult members regularly on the time and place of Branch, Divisional and Workplace meetings to ensure that members in all grades, occupations and with different hours of work have the opportunity to become involved.
5.7 Members' Responsibilities
5.7.1 Information
Members are responsible for advising the Branch if they change their name, home address, telephone number, employer, workplace, occupation/grade or any other relevant information. This is necessary to ensure that members are kept informed and involved. Members are also responsible for supplying information to their steward on problems and issues that occur at their workplace.
5.7.2 Debate
Members should use every opportunity to widen debate! Talking to others and gaining support is a very important part of Union activity. We recognize how we can be given greater strength when the debate is widened and other members, users of services, the public in general and politicians support our Campaigns.
5.7.3 Development
Members will receive information about UNISON Education and Training and will be encouraged to take the opportunity to develop their own education programme within the Branch. Education in UNISON is geared to help all members learn about their Union and issues that affect them at work and at home. Education should be simple, enjoyable and accessible to all members.
5.7.4 Support
Members should recognize that UNISON's success and growth depends on a wide variety of individuals who give time and commitment to the Organization. Members should recognize the contribution made by others and provide consideration and support to those who take up union responsibilities on their behalf. Members should also recognize the collective benefits of participation and seek to play an active part in Union activities.
6. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STEWARDS
6.1 The role of the steward in UNISON is vital to the success of UNISON. Stewards can expect maximum support and assistance to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.
A UNISON steward should seek to:-
Be the first line of general service to members;
Play a key role in informing members;
Motivate members;
Recruit new members;
Represent members with the employer;
Represent members within the Branch Committee;
Be answerable to the members they represent.
6.2 In order to achieve the above a UNISON steward should aim to:-
Respond to queries from members within a reasonable time;
Meet regularly with the members they represent;
Distribute written information promptly;
Listen to members' views and ensure they receive an appropriate, confidential and sympathetic response;
Take part in stewards' and/or Branch Committee meetings;
Meet with managers to represent members both individually and collectively
Involve members in identifying and achieving solutions to problems;
Explain and justify their activities on behalf of the membership in an appropriate fashion;
Uphold the policies and practices of UNISON.
6.3 UNISON recognizes that it requires a great deal from those members who are prepared to be Stewards. In return Stewards have rights, in addition to those of members. This will ensure that they are able, and willing, to undertake the task of UNISON Stewardship.
A UNISON Steward has the right to:-
Maximum assistance, encouragement and support from the Branch and paid officials to enable the Steward to carry out their responsibilities effectively
support, encouragement and respect from Branch officers, other Stewards, members and paid officials;
Clear advice from Branch officers and paid officials quickly and understandably.
regular, clear information from UNISON nationally and regionally, including a regular Stewards' bulletin and copies of relevant UNISON publications as they become available;
A prompt response to queries, appropriate to the severity of the problem, from Branch and paid officials;
Practical support in obtaining time off for Trade Union duties;
Share the load with colleagues, with practical assistance and support from Branch and paid officials;
Participate in the wider activities of the union through local, regional and national structures;
Proper notification and explanation of the activities of the wider Union;
Education and training activities to aid personal development, enhance skills and build confidence. These should be organized by UNISON locally, regionally and nationally at times and venues appropriate to individual circumstances;
Access to TUC and other external educational activities;
Clear information about, and prompt reimbursement of expenses incurred while fulfilling their role as Steward;
Consideration and support of individual needs in respect of domestic and caring responsibilities and work commitments;
Access to a range of administrative services and support to enable Stewards to fulfill their role.
7.1 The Branch Executive shall ensure the establishment of five Divisional groups.
7.2 Divisional Groups shall have the responsibility for:
7.2.1 Establishing an effective team of Stewards within the Division and Work Groups therein according to the perceived needs of the membership
7.2.Co-ordinating all consultations and negotiations within the Division and ensuring that members' views are represented as fully as possible
7.2.3 Reporting back to members on all Divisional issues and ensuring that maximum participation of members is encouraged and developed
7.2.4 Developing education and training programmes in conjunction with the Branch Executive Committee
7.2.5 Reporting on negotiations with DMU management to the Branch Executive Committee
7.2.6 Developing the principles of proportionality and fair representation through establishing a Steward structure which is fully representative of the membership within that Division. This should take into account the recommendations of proportionality and fair representation as laid down in the UNISON Code of Good Branch Practice.
7.3 Divisional groups shall nominate a Vice Chair as their representative at the Branch Executive Committee, in accordance with Section 10 of the Constitution herein.
7.4 Divisional Groups shall hold regular meetings which may be open to all relevant members in a voting capacity. It shall be for the Divisional Group to decide, subject to the approval of the Branch Executive Committee, what structure it shall take.
8.1 Divisional Vice Chairs shall be elected to serve as full and voting members of the Branch Executive
8.2 They shall represent the five main self-organizing divisions of the Branch:-
One from Bedford to represent the membership from Lansdowne and Polhill;
One from Leicester to represent the membership from Leicester, Scraptoft and Charles Frears;
One from Lincoln to represent the membership from Lincoln City, (referred to as Lincoln Art);
One from Lincoln to represent the membership from Caythorpe, Riseholme and Holbeach, (referred to as Lincoln Ag.);
One from Milton Keynes to represent the membership from Milton Keynes.
8.3 Divisional Vice Chairs shall be elected annually during the Spring Term along with the other Executive Officer posts by postal ballot. The postal ballot shall be from the membership in their local Division only. For example the Vice Chair from Bedford will be elected by those UNISON members working on the Lansdowne and Polhill campuses.
9.1 The Branch Executive shall be the body elected annually by Branch members to carry out the business of the Branch.
9.2 The Branch Executive Committee shall consist of:-
9.2.1 The Branch Secretary (this may be a job share between the three area Vice Chairs; DMU North, DMU South and DMU Centre), Chairperson, Treasurer, Health and Safety Officer and Equality Officer, whose functions shall be as laid down in Appendix 1.
9.2.2 Six Branch Vice Chairs. Five of these Vice Chairs shall be called Divisional Vice Chairs and shall be elected from each self-organized divisional group established by the Branch, i.e. one from Leicester to represent the membership from Leicester, Scraptoft and Charles Frears campuses, one from Bedford to represent the membership from the Lansdowne and Polhill campuses, (to be referred to as Bedford), one from Lincoln City to represent the membership from Lincoln City campus (to be referred to as Lincoln Art), one from Lincoln to represent the membership from the Caythorpe, Riseholme and Holbeach campuses (to be referred to as Lincoln Agriculture) and one from Milton Keynes to represent the membership from the Milton Keynes campus. The sixth Branch Vice Chair will represent the membership from the Student’s Union.
9.2.3 Membership Secretary, Welfare & Pensions Officer, Education & Training Officer, Staff Development Officer, Publicity Officer and any other posts agreed upon by the Executive Committee.
9.2.4 Representatives from any self-organized groups. (Women’s Group, Black Member’s Group, Disabled Member’s Group, Lesbian and Gay Member’s Group, any other selforganized group legitimated by the Branch).
9.2.5 Work group representatives as and when agreed.
9.2.6 The Branch may co-opt additional members for a specific purpose, where this is agreed by the Executive committee.
9.2.7 Executive Committee must retain the right to go into closed session when it votes so to do, usually to discuss confidential or sensitive issues. For this part of the meeting visitors will be asked to leave the meeting for the duration of the closed session.
9.2.8 Elected Stewards and Health and Safety Representatives may attend Executive Committee Meetings and participate in open voting if they so wish. Any person who has not been elected to office by the membership will not have the right to vote.
9.2.9 The Branch Chairperson or his nominated deputy shall preside over all meetings of the Branch Committee.
9.2.10 Members of the Executive Committee eligible to vote in a closed vote shall be the Branch Secretary, the Treasurer and the five Divisional Vice-Chairs. The purpose of limiting voting rights to the aforementioned Executive Committee members is to ensure that no Divisional Group can gain an advantage in decisions made on behalf of the Branch. The Branch Chair shall have the casting vote.
However, in order to facilitate maximum participation from committee members and to accelerate decision making there shall be two systems of voting a closed vote which involves only the Executive Committee members stated above and an open vote which shall involve all members of the Executive Committee present at the meeting when the voting is taking place. Ordinary committee members, including the Vice Chair of the Student’s Union, may not participate in a closed vote.
Before any vote is taken the Branch Chair shall ask the Divisional Vice Chairsif they are prepared to move to an open vote. This shall be signified by a show of hands. When the show of hands results in a majority consensus among the Vice Chairs then everyone in the room can vote. When the show of hands does not indicate majority consensus then the Closed Voting System shall be used. If any of the Closed voting members of the Executive Committee are absent from the meeting then a postal voting arrangement must be implemented.
It is important that when the Open Voting system is used all of the Closed voting members of the Executive Committee, whether present or absent from the meeting, are in agreement with the decision for an open vote. Therefore, after an open vote has been moved any Closed voting members of the Executive Committee absent from the meeting shall be informed straight away (within 7 days) by the Chair of the motion, that an open vote was moved and of the result. The absent voting members in question must reply immediately (within 14 days from the date of the meeting in question) to the Chair to signify agreement or disagreement to the motion being moved through an open vote. If there is disagreement from any of the voting members of the Executive Committee that the motion was moved through an open vote then the Chair will then implement the closed voting system in order to decide whether the result from the open vote should stand or whether the open vote should be rendered invalid and the motion be re-introduced via the closed voting system.
9.2.11 The Quorum for the Branch Executive Committee closed voting system shall be four. When the Closed Voting System is used all closed voting members of the Executive must be consulted and given the opportunity to vote.
9.2.12 The membership of the JNC shall consist of the Branch Chair, Branch Secretary and the five Divisional Vice Chairs. If any of the membership are unable to attend then an appropriate deputy shall attend in their place. Meetings will take place at least once per term and a pre meeting of the JNC precede the meeting with management. All issues of a global nature should be addressed via the JNC although it is expected, issues of Branch interest unresolved at Divisional JCCs will also be presented here.
9.2.13 Vice Chairs will be responsible for ensuring appropriate representation on local JCCs.
10. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
10.1 All members of the Branch will be entitled to attend Executive Committee Meetings. Such meetings will form the decision-making body of the Branch and decisions may only be overturned by the National Executive Council or by a body or individual empowered to act on its behalf.
10.2 Executive Committee Meetings will be held monthly and shall take place on any of the following Divisional locations as agreed by the Executive Committee Leicester, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Lincoln City (Lincoln Art) and Caythorpe, Holbeach and Riseholme (Lincoln Ag).
10.3 The Branch Secretary shall be responsible for giving notice of the meeting and distributing agendas and any other relevant documents at least 7 days prior to the meeting taking place.
In the absence of a Branch Secretary the responsibility shall lie with the Divisional Vice Chair in whose Division the meeting is to take place.
10.4 The Executive Committee Meetings shall be responsible for:
10.4.1 Acting upon democratically agreed decisions and ensuring that these decisions are implemented at the earliest opportunity.
10.4.2 Co-ordinating negotiations throughout the Branch through the effective operation of the self organizing Divisions.
10.4.3 Ensuring that the self organizing Divisions conduct annual elections.
10.4.4 Developing a training programme for Branch activists which will be agreed through Executive Committee Meetings.
10.4.5 Overseeing the administration of the Branch in consultation with Branch employees.
10.4.6 Maintaining a record of membership showing the pay group (APT&C or Manual) and the location (campus/site) in which each member is employed.
10.4.7 Formulating the annual budget for agreement by the Executive Committee.
10.4.8 Developing proportionality and fair representation within the Branch and setting clear targets by which this can be achieved.
10.4.9 Making an annual report to the Aggregated Annual General Meetings.
10.4.10 Electing Branch Officers as defined in Election Procedures, section 12 of this Constitution.
10.4.11 Electing two delegates to sit on the Regional Higher Education Committee.
10.4.12 Electing delegates to attend the Higher Education Branch Seminar.
10.4.13 Electing delegates to attend the National Higher Education Conference.
10.4.14 Electing delegates to attend the UNISON National Conference.
10.4.15 Electing delegates to any appropriate UNISON (or other conference) with the exception to conferences which would only apply to one Division.
10.4.16 Nominating Branch members to any other UNISON body.
10.4.17 Formulating Branch policy within the framework of UNISON's National Policy.
10.4.18 Responding to decisions on National pay bargaining.
10.4.19 Agreeing and implementing the Constitution of the Branch.
10.4.20 Amending the Constitution of the Branch, (except where such amendment is necessary to comply with UNISON rules and shall therefore take place automatically).
10.4.21 Approving locally negotiated agreements and receiving other policy documents.
10.5 The Branch Executive should ensure fair representation and may choose to rotate the representatives annually so that in a four year cycle each Divisional group within the Branch has had an opportunity to send a representative to the above mentioned committees and conferences.
11. AGGREGATED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
11.1 There will be three Aggregated Annual General Meetings one to take place in the Leicester Division, one to take place in DMU South incorporating Bedford and Milton Keynes and one to take place in DMU North incorporating the Lincoln Art and Lincoln Ag. Divisions.
11.2 The Date of the AGM will be as soon as is practically possible after the auditing of the Branch Accounts. The Aggregated Annual General Meetings for DMU Centre, DMU South and DMU North will take place as close to each other as is possible. Aggregated Annual General Meetings will be arranged on a date suitable for the Branch Chair to attend. In the absence of the Branch Chair, an appropriate agreed Officer will deputize.
11.3 The Divisional Vice Chairs will be responsible for notifying Personnel that the meetings are taking place.
11.4 All Branch members shall be notified annually of the dates of the Aggregated Annual General Meeting pertinent to their Division. Agendas shall be circulated through all representative and workplace distributors.
11.5 The Divisional Vice Chair shall be responsible for compiling the Agenda in conjunction with the Branch Chair and Branch Secretary. All items must be received by her/him at least twenty eight days prior to the meeting. The Branch Secretary/Vice Chairs shall circulate agendas to all members of the Executive Committee who will be encouraged to attend all Aggregated Annual General Meetings. Agendas will be compiled, placing members' interest at the forefront.
11.6 The presentation of the audited accounts must be an agenda item and be presented by the Treasurer. In the absence of the Treasurer an appropriate and agreed Officer will deputize.
11.7 The referral to membership of any Honoraria payments that have been proposed by the Executive Committee must be an agenda item. Proposals for any Honoraria payments will have been democratically agreed by the Executive Committee. Recipients of Honoraria are not entitled to vote in respect of accepting the proposed Honoraria payments.
11.8 In addition to the above, the agenda for the Aggregated Annual General Meetings should include confirmation of election of Branch Officers for the coming year. The agenda should also include confirmation of election and/or continuation of Stewards, Health and Safety Representatives and Workplace Representatives pertinent to that Division for the coming year.
11.9 The agenda must also include reports from the Branch Executive Committee.
12.1 Eligibility for Election to Branch Executive Office
Officers shall be in the employment of De Montfort University or other Associate/Affiliated body, have been a member for at least 13 weeks and are not in arrears with UNISON subscriptions.
12.2 The timing of the elections of Executive Officers, other Officer posts and Stewards, Workplace Reps and Health & Safety Representatives shall be staggered at the beginning of the year in order to allow continuity and give support to an incoming Executive.
12.3 Election of Branch Executive Officers
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for conducting Branch elections by postal ballot during Spring Term of each year for the following posts: Chair, Secretary, five Divisional Vice Chairs, Treasurer, Equality Officer and Health and Safety Officer..
12.4 Other Executive Officers Posts
12.4.1 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for conducting elections by Postal Ballot during the Spring Term of each year for the following posts: Membership Secretary, Welfare & Pensions Officer, Education & Training Officer, Staff Development Officer, Publicity Officer and any other posts agreed upon by the Executive Committee.
12.4.2 Nominations from Branch members should be sent to the Branch Secretary/Vice Chairs by the agreed date. If an election is required this shall be determined by a postal ballot of the membership. All these officers shall serve as members of the Branch Executive and may put proposals and advise the Executive Committee of matters of concern.
12.5 Stewards, Health & Safety Representatives and Workplace Representatives
12.5.1 The Divisional Vice Chairs shall be responsible for conducting elections during the Spring Term of each year for the following posts from their particular division: Stewards and Health & Safety Representatives.
12.5.2 The Divisional Vice Chairs will inform DMU management of the elected Stewards and Health and Safety Representatives and which committees they will serve on, i.e. APT & C and Manual JCC’s and Health and Safety Committees.
12.6 Workplace Representatives
The Divisional Vice Chairs shall be responsible for recruiting and subsequent appointment of Workplace Representatives where these are deemed necessary to support the work of the Branch Executive.
13. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES
13.1 Meetings of Health & Safety Representatives
Following the appointment of Health & Safety Representatives the local Vice Chair will call a meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be, where possible, to appoint a Senior Health & Safety Representative. Following this procedure the Senior Safety reps will coordinate the work of the Safety Representatives of that Division and will liaise with the Vice Chair when a safety issue concerns Welfare of a member, or when staff are expected to carry out safety recording or monitoring procedures which are clearly outside the scope of the post. These, and similar issues of a contractual nature will be addressed through the local JCC.
13.2 Meetings of Senior Health & Safety Representatives
Following the appointment of Senior Safety reps, a meeting will be arranged by the Branch Health and Safety Officer who will oversee all union Health and Safety matters across De Montfort University. He/she will call meetings, receive reports on inspections, accidents and all other considered concerns related to health & safety issues. (Meetings of this committee should normally occur at least every 10 weeks). Urgent matters must be dealt with via the University Safety Officer, unresolved matters must be placed on the agenda of De Montfort University Health & Safety Committee by the designated Branch Health and Safety Officer.
14. PROPORTIONALITY AND FAIR REPRESENTATION
14.1 These principles have been agreed by UNISON nationally as the cornerstones of equality within all UNISON structures, which will ensure that all UNISON members may play equal role and have maximum opportunity to participate.
In order that the Branch achieves these objectives, the following action will be taken:
14.1.1 An Annual Equality Plan will be agreed by the Branch which will set targets for the achievement of proportionality and fair representation
14.1.2 All Branch structures will seek to implement proportionality, and,
14.1.3 Fair representation wherever possible
14.1.4 All Branch Officers will play a full role as possible in working towards the achievement of the Branch equality plan
14.1.5 Training, support and all practical measures will be taken to encourage all UNISON members to participate
14.2 Self-Organization
The Branch commits itself to encourage and support the formation of the following self-organized groups: Women, Black Members, Lesbians and Gay Men, Members with disabilities.
The Branch shall make separate arrangements for political activities in respect of COHSE/NUPE Political Fund (APF) which is affiliated to the British Labour Party.
These arrangements shall ensure that:
15.1 All APF levy payers may meet separately to discuss such issues as:
15.1.1 Affiliation and the election of delegates to the Labour Party at all levels
15.1.2 Delegations to the Regional and National Political Forum
15.1.3 Motions to be submitted to the Regional Political Committee or Forum
15.2 All decisions of the Political section of the Branch may be passed on to the Branch Committee for information purposes only.
15.3 The Branch may also elect a Political Officer who must be a levy payer into the Affiliated Political fund. He/she shall be responsible for coordinating all APF activities within the Branch in liaison with the Regional Political Officer where appropriate. It shall be open to the Branch Committee to co-opt the Branch Political Officer to attend Branch Committee meetings for the purposes of information sharing.
All Branch Officers shall be entitled to reasonable expenses as laid out in the Branch Policy Book Expenses. These shall be payable when carrying out union work or attending Unison/Union training courses or conferences. The rate of expenses shall be reviewed annually at the time of the Branch Aggregated Annual General Meetings. The rates of expenses may only be changed upon a consensus of agreement by the Branch Executive and need not necessarily fall in line with UNISON's national rates.
17.1 Honoraria is a discretionary, one-off payment made annually by the Branch to its officers in recognition of the voluntary work they undertake fulfilling Branch Officer posts. It should only be paid where it can be justified, for example, where considerable branch work is carried out outside of paid facility time. If it is agreed that the financial situation of the Branch can afford to pay Honoraria then the Executive committee will democratically agree the amounts to be paid and which officers the said amounts shall be paid to. A proposal will be formulated and put to the membership for acceptance at the Annual General Meetings of the Branch. If the membership accepts the proposal payment will be made to the said officers after the AGMs and shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis where an Officer has not been in post for the full twelve months period.
17.2 Honoraria shall be reviewed annually before the Branch Aggregated Annual General Meetings.
18.1 The Branch will aim to ensure that all members feel equitably able to participate in UNISON Branch meetings and that no individual feels intimidated by procedures, jargon or the conduct of other members present. To this end, the following steps will be taken:
18.1.1 Meetings will be held at different times according to the perceived need of the members
18.1.2 Meetings should last no longer than ninety minutes. Any extension can be agreed by a majority vote of the members present
18.1.3 The Chair will ensure that meetings are conducted in an orderly fashion and that all members have the right to speak without interruption
18.1.4 No member can expect to dominate the meeting to the exclusion of others
18.1.5 The Chair shall ensure that the agenda is available to all and that the best possible use is made of the time available.
18.1.6 Members will be expected not to cause offence to others present and to conduct themselves in a polite and courteous manner. This means that discriminatory language or behaviour, as well as swearing, is not permitted. It shall be for the Chair to ask members to ensure that this is observed
18.1.7 Wherever possible, introductions will be made at a meeting. At the very least, this should include all Branch Officers and Stewards
18.1.8 Refreshments should be available wherever possible
18.1.9 While it is the responsibility of the individual chairing the meeting to ensure that the above provisions are observed, all Branch members particularly representatives, shall be expected to assist in this process
18.1.10 Special Branch Meetings may be called by the Branch Committee, or by requisition of 20 members or 5% of the membership, whichever is the greater. The issues for consideration must be specified when the meeting is called for. Special meetings are subject to the same procedures as the annual Branch Meetings. Members will be informed of the subject(s) for discussion when notified of the meeting arrangements.
This Constitution may only be altered if two thirds of the members present at the Annual Aggregate General Meetings vote in favour of any proposals put forward for change. No alteration may be agreed which is in contravention of UNISON's national rules.
APPENDIX 1
FUNCTIONS OF BRANCH EXECUTIVE OFFICER
In order that the Branch may make best use of the rule enabling Branch officer posts to be shared, 'job descriptions' for the core Branch Officer posts have been detailed separately. It is important that the Branch is aware that responsibility for a task does not necessarily mean personally carrying out the task. Each Branch Officer's post can, quite simply, be split into a number of discrete tasks and functions that can be shared by more than one member.
It shall be the responsibility of all Branch Officers without exception to support and assist the development of proportionality and fair representation within the Branch and to observe and support recommendations and agreements of the Branch and UNISON as a whole.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH CHAIRPERSON
To preside at all meetings of the Branch and Branch Committee or appoint an appropriate
deputy;
To ensure that Branch business is properly conducted in line with the UNISON national
rules, Branch rules and the Code of Good Branch Practice;
To advise the Branch Officers and Branch Committee in respect of matters relating to
procedure and interpretation of rules
TASKS RELATING TO DIVISIONAL VICE CHAIRS
Each division shall be a self-organizing group with responsibilities to:
Represent the interests of the divisional membership to the employer locally and on
local JCC’s;
Represent the interests of the divisional membership to the employer globally and on
JNC’s;
Represent the interests of the divisional membership to the Branch and to attend whenever
possible Branch Executive meetings;
Organize all UNISON union activities in their Division;
The dissemination of pertinent information to members through meetings, newsletters,
noticeboards and verbally;
Gather information from members with regard to workplace issues;
Conduct annual elections and inform DMU management of the results as defined/explained in
Section 12 herein through the Global Committee;
Arrange the Divisional Aggregated Annual General Meeting in consultation with the Branch
Chair;
Conduct case work, offering support to members in disciplinary and grievance issues;
Keep the Branch Chair and Secretary informed of Divisional matters and liaise with other
Executive Officers;
Keep up-to-date records of the Divisional membership and encourage recruitment of new
members;
Prepare a monthly report for presentation at the Executive Committee meetings;
Ensure that workplace issues involving Health & Safety are addressed in the correct
manner. If the matter appertains to the welfare of a member the issue may be taken to a
JCC meeting. If the matter appertains to policy and procedure then ensure the Health &
Safety Representative takes the matter to an appropriate Health & Safety meeting;
Initiate the satisfactory resolution of local issues whenever possible. If a satisfactory
resolution cannot be found or the issue has global implications then inform the Branch
Chair who will take the necessary action and/or deal with the problem through the
Collective Issues procedures;
To co-ordinate Health & Safety Reps and reporting procedures;
Advise the Membership secretary and/or the Retired Members Officer of any known deaths or
retirements.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH SECRETARY
To arrange and attend as far as is possible/reasonable all meetings of the Branch and
Branch Committee or arrange for an appropriate deputy should the need arise;
To arrange for the minutes of meetings to be kept in an appropriate manner and distributed
promptly to the members of the Executive Committee;
To arrange for Branch records to be kept in a appropriate manner;
To co-operate with UNISON head office in liaison with Region and the Membership Secretary
in keeping accurate and up to date membership records;
To communicate with the members of the Branch;
To communicate when appropriate with UNISON's Regional and Head Offices on behalf of the
Branch;
To ensure that the Branch is aware of opportunities to participate in the activities of
the wider union;
To support and encourage the stewards in the Branch on an individual and collective basis;
To ensure that members and stewards are aware, and take advantage, of educational and
training opportunities within UNISON;
To ensure that appropriate publicity activities are developed and coordinated by the
Branch;
To act as a spokesperson for the Branch when in contact with other levels of the union and
external organizations if appropriate;
To ensure that members receive the benefits, rights and services to which they are
entitled;
To co-ordinate all Branch negotiations and industrial relations matters;
To ensure, in conjunction with the Branch committee that the Branch observes the union's
rules.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF BRANCH TREASURER
To establish Bank Mandates for signatures on all Branch cheques. The normal practice
would be to have the Branch Secretary, Branch Chair, and Treasurer as signatories plus one
other in case of absence of one of the named Officers
To conduct the Branch's financial business.
To keep accounts in accordance with the rules.
To provide reports on the financial position of the Branch to the Branch Executive
Committee.
To provide a detailed financial report for the Aggregated Annual General Meetings.
To advise the Branch Officers and Branch Committee in respect of matters relating to
financial management and appropriate expenditure.
To provide an audited annual return of Branch income.
Appointment of Assistant Treasurer
The Treasurer may appoint an assistant who will be an ex officio member of the Executive
without voting rights.
Appointment of Auditors
The Branch shall annually appoint two Auditors to examine the Branch accounts prior to
presentation to the Financial Department of UNISON in March each year.
Audited Accounts and Financial Statement
The Branch Treasurer shall prepare a financial report for the benefit of information to
presiding Officers of the Branch AGMs. Prior to the AGM’s a copy of the audited
accounts and Branch annual report shall be sent to all Branch members not less than 14
days before the published date of the AGM.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF EQUALITY OFFICER(S)
To advise and support the Branch Officers and Branch Executive Committee in respect of
Equal Opportunities and collective bargaining issues.
To advise the Branch Officers and Branch Executive Committee on the development and
monitoring of the action plan to achieve proportionality and fair representation.
To advise and support the development of any Branch self-organized groups on behalf of the
Branch Executive Committee.
To develop and promote training opportunities for all disadvantaged members and activists
within the Branch.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER
To increase the awareness of members, safety representatives and Branch Officers of
Health and Safety issues.
To organize the information held by the Branch on Health and Safety .
To co-ordinate the activity of safety representatives, for example in planning quarterly
inspections.
To organize regular meetings of Safety Representatives to exchange information and
consider priorities.
To receive (in addition to the Branch Secretary) correspondence on Health and Safety
issues sent from regional and national level.
To advise the Branch Committee on Health and Safety issues arising in the Branch and to
recommend policies and priorities.
To act as link between the safety representatives and other Branch representatives to
ensure health and safety issues are treated as an integral part of the work of the Branch.
To report on Health and Safety issues at Branch meetings, Branch Executive Committee
meetings and Annual General meetings of the Branch.
To liaise with relevant Branch Officers about priorities for Health and Safety training,
campaigns and publicity material.
To maintain contact with the Region and the Higher Education Service group, for example
via the Regional Health and Safety committee.
To liaise with the Equal Opportunities officer(s) to ensure that Equal Opportunities
aspects of Health and Safety issues are taken into account and vice versa.
To liaise with De Montfort University Health and Safety Officers.
To ensure responsibility of attitude towards Health and Safety regulations.
TASKS RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF WELFARE & PENSIONS OFFICER
Pensions
To advise, represent and support members on welfare and pension issues, and newly
retired members on their pension rights, e.g.
1. The procedure used in cases of early retirement.
2. Early retirement on medical grounds.
3. To give an approximate figure of pension entitlements through employers and UNISON
superannuation advisers.
To advise members on the benefits of staying in the union as a retired member.
To co-ordinate campaigns and pension rights issues.
To represent UNISON members' interests in relation to pensions, both locally and
nationally.
Welfare
The officer should deal with all aspects of the members' welfare and the operation of
the welfare fund.
1. Advise and help members to fill in accident forms, accident benefit forms, welfare fund
applications and to pursue any benefits not being paid promptly.
2. To advise bereaved members next of kin on death benefits and aid in filling forms and
sending to Head Office for prompt action.
3. To be confidential and sympathize with members with financial hardship, and in the
likelihood that a member becomes seriously ill, and required help for adoptions etc., the
possibility of the Branch advancing a loan until benefits are forthcoming. Also to give
advice in conjunction with benefit agencies on social security payments.
4. To liaise with officers dealing with UNISON's welfare fund.
Redundancies
To advise members on their rights, have a sympathetic ear when needed and to advise and
aid in filling forms for benefit entitlements.
The duties of this post should be carried out with close support from the Branch
Secretary, Branch Treasurer and appropriate Vice Chair.
APPENDIX 2 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
1. Equal Opportunities
This Branch will adopt and follow UNISON rules in all aspects of Equal Opportunities. This Branch shall follow UNISON rules relating to membership of committees and working parties of the Branch and shall give equal membership to Women Officers. The Branch shall encourage Women from all interest groups within the Branch membership to be given encouragement and training to serve as officers at all levels of the Branch, and Regional and National organization of UNISON.
2. Women, Gay and Black Member Groups
The Branch shall recognize and promote Women members and Black and Gay rights members to participate fully in establishing common interest groups across all campuses of the Branch. Participation on Branch Regional and Nation committees will be encouraged and supported via the Branch Education funding for Regional courses and Conferences.
3. Disabled Members
The Branch shall encourage the work already established, in promoting the interests of disabled groups within the University. It will continue to encourage the University to consider the needs of disabled staff and students in design of buildings, lighting, public notices and correspondence. To develop strategies to encourage employment of all disabled staff including those with sensory disabilities. The Branch will, upon request, supply large print versions of all Branch documents.
Action: Equality plan to set the principles of proportionality and fair representation in motion.
1. To carry out a Branch Audit annually, with regard to how far we have to go to
achieve proportionality and fair representation.
2. To evaluate successes to see if they can be used as a model for future action and
planning.
3. Encourage respect for members.
4. Offer assistance to cover carers expenses.
5. Encourage more female participation by choosing safe, accessible venues for meetings.
6. To listen to female members with regard to any particular problems, which may prevent
participation
7. Aim for 50% overall gender balance of workplace representatives by 2002, with total
proportionality to be aimed for by 2004. To be reviewed annually.
8. Proportionality to be encouraged for all Branch Officers annually and if necessary
through promotion of job sharing for Branch Officers.
9. All women’s seats to be reserved and left vacant if unable to fill.
Action: Aim for 50% proportionality by 2004.
1. To carry out a survey of all members with regard to gauging interest in Self
Organized Groups. To identify any members wishing to take a more active part in such
groups.
2. For the Branch, as a whole to support the Self Organized Groups.
3. Offer assistance with carers expenses,
All self organized group seats to be reserved and left vacant if unable to fill.
All the above to be annually reviewed to see if we are obtaining targets and review dates.
Aim: To set up self-organized groups.
1. To encourage more participation from part-time workers. To promote the part-time
activists role.
2. To carry through facilities agreements for part-time workers and arrange this with the
employer. This to reflect adequate time off for active members.
3. To arrange times of meetings to enable all members to participate.
4. To make recommendations for increasing number of black, disabled, lesbian/gay
representatives from work groups. However, where there are Self Organized Groups it was
felt that they have a stronger voice, and would be more able to identify activists and
offer advice.
5. Offer assistance with carers expenses.
6. Encourage respect for all members.
7. Choose only safe, accessible venues, listen to members with regard to any facilities
needed.
8. Promote job sharing of Branch Officer posts to enable more part-time participation.
Aim: Fair Representation by 2004
Page updated: 24/6/2000