Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNISON EASTERN REGION
BLACK MEMBERS’ COMMITTEE
(Amended and Approved at the AGM 7TH NOVEMBER 2009)
1. THE COMMITEE
1.1 The name of the Group shall be UNISON Eastern Region Black Members’ Committee
1.2 The Black members committee will submit an annual report to the Regional Council
2. ORGANISATION
2.1 It will comprise of all current Black UNISON members within the UNISON Eastern Region.
2.2 A membership list will be kept at UNISON regional office for circulation purposes
3. OBJECTIVES
3.1 To work as an organised body against racism and discriminatory practices.
3.2 To campaign for increased participation and influence of Black members within UNISON in particular and the Trade Union movement in general and to ensure adequate representation at all levels.
3.3 To take up any issue that affects the Black community generally, for example: harassment, immigration and nationality laws; service delivery to meet the needs of Black people; employment policy issues and freedom of movement of Black people within the European Community etc.
3.4 To develop links with Black agencies, communities and organisations within UNISON’s aims and objectives or policies.
3.5 To ensure provision of training to meet the particular needs of Black members and to promote anti-racist education for all UNISON members.
3.6 The Black Members’ Committee will report to the Eastern Region Executive Committee. They will report to that Committee for policy and budgeting purposes and submit a written annual report, as well as monitoring items of special Black community/members interests and make policy recommendations to the Eastern Regional Council.
3.7 To encourage and assist branches to develop Black members’ groups and activities.
3.8 To develop publicity material aimed at involving Black members in the Eastern Region.
3.9 To issue Group’s newsletter at interval decided by the Group.
3.10 To offer education and publicity to help branches and service condition committees to negotiate improvements for Black people in employment and ensure that all UNISON members are aware of Black members’ issues and problems including their rights.
3.11 The Committee will co-ordinate and help to train Black members, so that they are able to participate in Union activities and to take up positions in their branch executive committees.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The membership of the Group will be open to all Black members within UNISON Eastern Region (see also 2.1).
4.2 A membership list will be kept at UNISON Regional Office for circulation purposes.
5. STRUCTURE
5.1 The Group shall be the main decision-making body which shall meet, at least quarterly (three monthly intervals) to decide policy, aims and priorities.
5.2 The quorum shall be 10 members of the recorded membership of the Group.
5.3 The financial year of the Group shall be the financial year of the UNISON Eastern Region.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
6.1 The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than 31 December in each year.
6.2 The Secretary shall send notice of the Annual General Meeting to membership at least ten weeks prior to the meeting.
6.3 Officers of the Committee will be elected by Black members present at the Annual General Meeting.
6.4 Nominations for the Committee will be sought from branches and Black members at least 10 weeks prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for election will need to be returned to the Regional Office 2 weeks prior to the AGM. If no nominations for a particular post are not received, nominations will be taken on the day.
6.5 Any posts that have not received nomination will be taken on the day of the Annual General Meeting.
6.6 The Annual General Meeting shall elect:-
Chairperson,
Vice-Chairperson,
Secretary,
Education Officer,
Publicity Officer/Communications Officer
Disabled members Officer,
LGBT Officer,
International Officer
Young Persons Officer
The Annual General Meeting shall also elect:
6.6.1 Women’s Officer to represent at the Eastern Regional Women’s Committee.
6.6.2 Two representatives for the National Black Members’ Committee, of which one shall be a woman.
6.6.3 A representative and substitute to the following regional service committees (this representative must be a member of that service and rules of proportionality apply to all elections and co-options):
(a) Local Government Committee; (2)
(b) Water, Energy and Transport Committee
(c) Health Committee
(d) Higher Education Committee
(e) Police and Justice committee
(f) Community Committee
(iv) A representative and substitute for any other UNISON Eastern Region body which may require or request the groups representation (e.g. Self-organised Group Committee).
(v) A delegate (elected or nominated) from the Group will represent the Group at the Eastern Regional Executive Committee.
6.7 A list of elected officers and co-optees will be held at Regional Office.
6.8 The composition of the Black Members’ Committee will adhere to the UNISON rules of proportionality.
6.9 Committee meetings will be formally minuted.
7. GENERAL
7.1 The Constitution shall only be amended at the Annual General Meeting of the Group by a majority of two-thirds of the membership present and voting.
7.2 An Extra-ordinary General Meeting of the Group shall be called by giving notice in writing to the Secretary and signed by 25 Branches and indicating reasons for the meeting.
8. FINANCES/RESOURCES
8.1 The Committee shall present the proposed budget for the ensuing year to the Eastern Regional Council, after the AGM.
8.2 A Regional Delegate, elected from within the Committee will attend the UNISON National Black Members Conference to represent the region and move any submitted motions. Travel, accommodation and subsistence will funded from within the Committees annual budget.
8.3 Delegates attending the Committee’s meetings will have their expenses paid by their branches.
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