Regional delegates unite at Police, Probation and Cafcass conference

On Thursday 10 October and Friday 11 October 2024, Police, Probation and Cafcass branches from across the region sent delegates to their national UNISON conference in Llandudno, Wales, writes Beth Bickerstaffe.

Despite the length of the journey and the wet and windy weather upon arrival the regional meeting the night before the conference started was very well attended and allowed all delegates new and old to meet each other and raise any issues.

The main point of discussion was around the two emergency motions that raised serious concerns about the way in which PPC delegates were treated at this years NDC. While frustration was expressed, by the end of the meeting everyone felt supported and keen to turn their anger into action going forward.

The weather improved and delegates enjoyed a sunny if blustery walk down the promenade to the conference centre. The conference began by addressing the issues that had been discussed at the regional meeting on the importance of the whole union understanding the important work done by members working in police, probation and Cafcass and demanding dignity and respect for all members. These emergency motions where supported unanimously.

Motions covering a wide range of subjects were debated on subjects such as outsourced workers, the we are the police staff campaign and violence at work – which one of our SE regional delegate Chrissy Moyes spoke passionately on.

As well as policy making the conference allowed delegates to hear from some of most senior UNISON officials such as Maggi Ferncombe, Director of Political Strategy and Transformation, politicians and the employers, plus sessions on pensions, the imprisonment of pregnant women and the Year of the LGBT+ workers.

Delegates were also welcomed to a drinks reception hosted by UNISON Wales where they heard from an amazing Welsh choir made up from all grades of police staff and officers and provided with delicious Welsh cheeses, Welsh cakes and more washed down with local beers and wines. Even the Welsh skies over Llandudno put on a show with the Northern Lights being witnessed by many.