Movers and shakers: meet the award winners at Strategy Weekend 2019

Branches across the region descended on the Penta Hotel in Reading at the weekend for the annual Strategy Weekend. After supporting the school climate strikers at lunchtime, delegates kicked off the weekend in style with a gala dinner and awards ceremony.

We welcomed UNISON’s President, Josie Bird, and Assistant General Secretary, Roger McKenzie, to present awards for recruitment and campaigning.

The winners this year were (drum roll…)

University of Kent, for the Best Recruiting Branch – small branches. Pictured here receiving the award with UNISON President Josie Bird and Chelsey Clarke from UNISON Protect.

Sussex Police & Justice, winner of Best Recruiting Branch, medium branches, pictured with UNISON President Josie Bird and Jodie Foster from UIA.

Congratulations to South Central Ambulance Services, for winning Best Recruiting Branch – large branches, receiving their award from Assistant General Secretary Roger McKenzie and Gavin Stroud from LV=

Campaign of the year winners, Frimley HealthCampaign of the Year winners, Frimley Health, receiving their award from Assistant General Secretary, Roger McKenzie, and Regional Secretary, Steve Torrance.

Regional Convenor, Mark Chiverton, led a moving tribute to Lorna Mooney before presenting an Outstanding Contribution award to her late husband, Andy.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

The weekend continued with a range of workshops focussing on the big issues, including Brexit, inequality, social care, and guest speakers including Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Jones MP, and Co-Director of the Women’s Environmental Network, Kate Metcalfe.

A packed house for Sarah Jones MP to hear Labour’s plan for housing

Eco-feminism from Kate Metcalfe, Women’s Environmental Network

Thank you to Thompsons Solicitors, our award sponsors, UIA, LV=, UNISON Protect, and thanks to our guest speakers and workshop tutors for making it such a great weekend.

We’re already planning next year’s event, which will be bigger and better than ever before! Keep your eyes peeled for details…