We expect to formally launch our campaign in the next week or so to encourage existing Napo members and those who wish to join us to pay their future subscriptions by Direct Debit (DD). this follows the announcement by Chris Grayling (that I have previously mentioned) to bring an end to the long standing deductions at source system for union subs ('Check Off')
It is a complex process on which a specially constructed working party of Napo Officers and Napo Staff have been working extremely hard to make as simple as possible. Initially, the focus will be on inviting our members working within the NPS to make the switch but the system will allow the option for members working in CRC's, Probation Board Northern Ireland and the Family Court Section to do the same. New recruits to Napo will all be invited to sign on by way of DD.
We are also taking a long hard look at our subscription rates and are exploring the possibility of moving to a more simplified banding system in the future that recognises the loyalty of our existing members and which we hope will incentivise prospective joiners. The difficulty that needs to be factored in is that authority for changes of this nature can only come from our Annual General meeting in October, and this is among a number of reasons why we are still seeking some co-operation about the lead in time that we need prior to the formal cessation of check off in the NPS.
All will be revealed soon and we are developing an ambitious engagement strategy that will also see Officers and Staff offering practical support to Napo Branches to give us the best possible chance of succeeding with this challenging exercise. However, the key component in this process is our existing membership, both in terms of spending just a few minutes in making the switch and encouraging your colleagues to do the same but also in helping us to explain to non-members across all sections of our membership need to consider making Napo their union of choice.
Important Napo Conferences on the horizon
I have promised to keep mentioning these important events for members so first up is the Women in Napo conference in Birmingham Friday 12th June, followed by the Family Court Conference Thursday 18th June (where I will be making a keynote address) and on July 3rd our biennial Probation Service Officers Conference, yes you have guessed it, also in Birmingham.
The scheduling and venue selection has helped to save Napo some money but, more importantly, it has allowed us to organise exciting agendas for each event with some top line speakers.
July 24/25 also sees the welcome launch of Napo's Black Workers Network event and I look forward to attending and speaking at the launch dinner on the 24th. Please contact Chivalry Road to enrol on the events for which you are eligible or check out the Napo website for more details.
New faces on Parliamentary/Union groups?
The intake of new MP's following the general election should provide some new blood for both the Justice Unions Parliamentary Group and the Family Court Unions Parliamentary Group.
We hope to be able to formally honour the sterling work undertaken by Elfyn Llwyd at our October AGM, but before then we are expecting to see some new faces take their place on these important groups. The knowledge gap among all too many Parliamentarians on Probation and Family Court issues is a major cause for concern especially as we have a government that has made it clear that austerity and further cuts to public services and legal aid is one of their top priorities.
The JUPG/ FCUPG secretariat have sent invitations to all MP's to join the groups and I will let you know how this progresses.
Enjoy the weekend
Blog type:
General Secretary's Blog
- ilawrence@napo.org.uk's blog
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