Health and Safety is a cross-union issue
Since the start of the C-19 Lockdown process and subsequent to our special H&S training and seminars for Probation and Family Court members, we have seen a steady stream of new reps stepping up to carry out this important work. We have now contacted senior leaders within the NPS/CRC and Cafcass landscape seeking appropriate time off, so if you have volunteered to help out then please ensure that your line manager is aware and that you also contact your Napo Branch to let them know you are available (branches are also asked to update Napo Head Office).
A new National Vice-Chair
We are sure that all our members will welcome the news that at the recent meeting of the Napo National Executive Committee, it was decided to appoint Carole Doherty to fill the vacancy in the National Officers Group. Carole will fill this role until AGM 2021 and very much looks forward to the challenges ahead.
Wales Union Learning Fund Manager
Following an interview process which attracted two high quality candidates, Ian Freshwater will be taking on a new role as manager of Napo’s Union Learning Fund project in Wales with effect from next week. Ian will be engaging with employers and staff across the probation and family court network to promote the benefits available through the scheme and we wish him every success. Ian can be contacted at: ifreshwater@napo.org.uk
Appreciation to Aziz
The appointment of Ian to the above role brings an end to the excellent work undertaken by former Wales ULF Manager Aziz Bouleghlimat who has retired after many years of loyal and dedicated service to Napo and the wider public.
Aziz has forged many highly successful and valuable partnerships with employers and staff over the last decade. He has tenaciously promoted the agenda for learning set by the Wales Government and the many opportunities it has provided for hundreds of workers to acquire knowledge and new skills.
Our appreciation goes to Aziz for his efforts and we hope he will continue to contribute to the life and fabric of Napo in the years ahead.
Important information about Napo's 2020 AGM
Since May we have been exploring options for AGM and the June NEC agreed to explore the feasibility of holding AGM as a virtual event this year. It was felt that even if some sort of physical conference were possible in October, it would undoubtedly mean restricting attendance to allow for safe social distancing and this would be totally against the spirit of Napo’s constitution – that all members should be able to ‘attend’. It would also entail too many risks and, given the profile of Napo’s membership as key frontline workers and the fact that some members will have enhanced vulnerabilities, would severely impact on inclusivity.
A decision has now been taken therefore to cancel the physical event in Eastbourne and instead run AGM remotely. The dates will remain the same but the AGM will now be for two full days, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th October, rather than two days split over three days as there will be no need to allow for travel time for members.
The AGM Team are pleased to announce that we believe we have a platform that will provide an accessible and professional virtual event which covers ALL the elements of our usual AGM – conducting formal business and voting on motions but also including professional debates, fringe meetings and a virtual exhibition area. We are even looking at a social event for the Friday evening.
We look forward to welcoming members to this virtual event in October, in the meantime please keep in contact your local branch as we will provide them with updates as planning progresses.