As we approach the turn of the calendar year we wanted to mention the important contribution that members of Napo’s National Executive Committee (NEC) make to the running of the union and the accountability process involving Napo’s elected officers and employees.
Last month saw the first NEC meeting of the Napo operational year which commences immediately after our Annual General Meeting (AGM), and it was in itself a real test for the majority of NEC members. Some of whom were attending their first ever meeting as recently elected representatives, together with those who have had previous experience or those members who are halfway through their two year term of office.
The National Chair and General Secretary have already written to the NEC to express their appreciation for the energy and enthusiasm that NEC members demonstrated in the discussions on a range of important issues affecting our members in Probation, Probation Northern Ireland and Cafcass.
Although NEC members are elected by their respective Napo Branch or Section, it is important that an opportunity is created at Branch meetings for reports back from NEC meetings and apart from documents that are confidential in whole or in part (usually those involving staff employment issues or sensitive financial information), NEC members are free to circulate the majority of papers that are debated at NEC to their Branch. This allows members to see evidence of the work undertaken by officers and employed staff as we seek to promote and protect your interests.
Especially useful in this respect is the annual report of our work during the year which is presented to the AGM, and the Operational plan which is published following the motions determining Napo’s policies going forward as agreed at the AGM. Another important document is the Officers and Officials report as presented to NEC meetings where the full spectrum of Napo’s daily work between NEC meetings is explained.
Vacancies still to be filled
The last NEC was also notable in that a number of new representatives have emerged from the younger cohort of our membership. This is hugely welcome and provides further evidence that our engagement with members especially those who have qualified via the PQUIP scheme is having an impact. But NEC membership is open to all our members and if you feel that you want to contribute to Napo’s work then of course age and past experience is immaterial. There are still vacancies in the following Napo Branches and the National Chair or General Secretary will be pleased to hear from anyone who might be considering a nomination from their Branch, or who may want to know more about this important role. For the foreseeable future all NEC meetings will take place remotely, meaning that members can try to plan their attendance around their work and domestic schedules without needing to travel into London.
Contact: hbanner@napo.org.uk or ilawrence@napo.org.uk