Dear Colleagues,
The Napo Officer Group have considered a request to support the sending of a second representative to the PSO Forum due to meet on 14th August 2015 in London.
In arriving at a decision the Officers have taken into account the importance of ensuring every opportunity has been given for PSO grades across the divide, to ensure they have a voice and are able to promote the work of the union at every level, including the prioritisation of a PSO Conference for 2016. These deliberations have also taken into account that union finances are facing pressure from a number of competing demands and the Officers are aware that activists are playing their part such as planning travel to take advantage of advance purchase fares.
Therefore the Officers consider the current practice of centrally funding an elected PSO rep to attend from each branch should be supported. It is a matter for branches to consider if the wish to support a second person to attend. In keeping with the principles of inclusivity any variance to this requires a business case setting out how the attendance of a second rep will support local branch organisation, as well as at which meeting or when via an e mail exchange It was agreed to send a second rep. Any request should clarify how much it will cost to send the representative.
The Officers group would also like to remind branches that the PSO Forum is open to all members who are not working as Probation Officers or above, rather than just members who are working in a "traditional" band 3 PSO role. This includes but not exclusively, colleagues who work in Approved Premises, Admin grades, Community Payback, PSO learners and PSO managers.
If you unsure what grades of members can attend the PSO Forum please contact Dave Adams, Napo National Vice Chair or for a registration form, please contact Cynthia Griffith on cgriffith@napo.org.uk.
Dave Adams
Napo National Vice Chair