Thursday 30 July 2015

Napo Elections

Never mind the Labour Party leader elections, there are posts up for grabs in Napo, so here's a look at who's standing and why. Interestingly, I don't see anyone who feels some reform might be necessary, let alone serious retrospection, but the statements just might stimulate a bit of a discussion. As before, there's an open offer to any candidate to write something on the blog, but history tells us not to hold our breath.  

Election of Probation Vice-Chair

Barry Adams 

Candidate's Branch: South Southwestern
Nominated by: South Southwestern
Grade: Probation Service Officer
Race/Gender: White/Male 


Candidate's Statement
Section (a)

I have held a number of Branch Executive posts most recently Vice Chair, and for a number of years NEC representative. I have completed the TUC representing Members stage 1 & 2, and more recently completed the Employment Law Certificate. I have served on Napo H&S Committee, Chair TUO, currently elected as a member of the Finance Sub Committee.

Section (b)

I am tenacious, passionate about our Trade Union and will provide full and transparent reporting to our NEC. I actively support our values of fairness, anti-discrimination practice. diversity and equality. We have professional dedicated Members within Cafcass, NPS and the CRC. We must keep foremost our commitment to equality and our minority colleagues need to be assured their voice will be heard and Napo will turn words into meaningful actions. Our key role is to protect the Public as we protect both our values and our Terms and Conditions of Service. We must work to retain and increase our membership and hold both politicians and Senior Management accountable for their actions. My commitment to our Members is to make our Union strong, to unite under our common values, to move forward with our National Representatives to maintain and to continue to provide advice guidance and first class representation. I am confident with your support we can once more be a strong accountable Union.

Chas Berry

Candidate's Branch: Kent Surrey and Sussex
Nominated by: Kent Surrey and Sussex, Essex
Grade: Probation Officer
Race/Gender: White/Male


Candidate's Statement
Section (a)

I am currently National Vice-Chair (probation) following my election by the NEC in 2014, and l am link officer for the Midlands as well as for the professional and Campaign Committees.

I have been a Napo member since joining Kent probation as a TPO in 2OO7. I became a Kent Branch Executive Committee Member in 2010 and served on both the JNCC and the UGM from 2011 until the end of the Trust in 2014. l was Vice-Chair of Kent Napo in 2012 and Chair in 2013, attending the NEC as 2nd rep. During the early stages of the TR campaign I was elected to the National Industrial Action planning Group.

Prior to joining Kent Probation and Napo I was a civil servant in the DWP and member of the public and Commercial Services union (PCS). Over a 19 year career I held numerous posts as local rep, Branch Secretary, Branch and Area 'Whitley Rep' responsible for industrial relations across the DWP in the South East of England.


I was President of Medway Trades Council from 2O07 to 2014 and on the Steering Committee of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) from 2O14 to 2015.

Section (b)

The late Bob Crow once said, "if you fight, you may lose; but if you don't fight you will always lose". Napo's heroic campaign against TR was defeated, but I strongly believe we achieved more by fighting on all fronts than by opting for the 'damage limitation' strategy advocated by some other union leaders. Our combative approach held up Grayling for twelve months and won important protection for most staff at the point of transfer.

Of course, we now face the challenge of budget cuts in the NPS, redundancies in the CRCs and wholesale attacks on the union designed to restrict our ability to function. We can give in to this intimidation or we can dust ourselves down, secure our future strength in numbers through direct debit and re energise the membership to fight future battles.

The Government has a vicious agenda but it is numerically weak and can be defeated if we take joint action where it is in our common interests, such as in opposing the latest round of anti-union laws. lam a member of the Socialist Party and was one of over 600 candidates who stood for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) on 7th May. l see the struggle to defend our terms and conditions as members as inseparable from the struggle against austerity, for justice and for a fair society.

Charron Culnane

Candidate's Branch: Greater London
Nominated by: Greater London
Grade: Probation Officer
Race/Gender: Other Heritage background/Female


Candidate's Statement
Section (a)

I am a Probation officer sifted to the NPS and work in Camden and Islington. I entered the Probation Service in 2004 and joined Napo on my first day in the office. I became more actively involved when I was elected as Disabled Staff Liaison Rep for Greater London Branch (GLB). During this time I was responsible for campaigning and raising the profile of disabled staff to support their involvement in the Branch. I represented members as part of this role and was also involved in consultations and discussions with the (then) LPT Equalities Dept and the Assistive Technology Forum. I served 2 terms of office in this role.

I was elected as Anti-Racism Officer/Equal Rights Officer for GLB in 2011. I was also active in the National Disabled Staff Network (NDSN) as Regional co-ordinator for London.

National Posts: I served on the Equal Rights Committee for 5 years, 3 years as Chair or co-chair and I have been (Co) Lead Monitor at the last 4 AGMs. This year I was elected to Professional Committee and I also sit on Steering Committee.

Section (b)

As a disabled, non white, working class woman of a certain age I have experienced many forms of discrimination throughout my life. I have a proven history of challenging and fighting discrimination and oppression wherever I find it. The barriers I encounter give me strength, make me solution focused and a creative problem solver.

The fragmentation of the Probation Service following the TR process has seen Equalities slide down the agenda on both sides of the divide as other terms and conditions of employment and practice delivery have taken precedence. The split has also left Napo facing a future with difficult choices as our membership scatters across larger numbers of employers. This has been made more difficult with check-off. United we are strong, divided we become voices in the wilderness. If elected I will continue to work tirelessly to keep our Union strong and help build up our membership.

A vote for me will ensure that Equality remains on the agenda regarding professional and working practices and remains central to any changes to the way our Union works.

Richard Bach wrote "people need problems because of the gifts they bring". I believe inclusion begins at home. A vote for me could be a problem for 'big Napo' as changes will have to be made to our HQ and/or working practices as I currently cannot access Chivalry Road! Please vote for change.


Election of Probation Vice-Chair (Finance)

Mona Lim 

Candidate's Branch: South Southwestern
Nominated by: South Southwestern
Grade: Probation Service Officer
Race/Gender: Chinese/Female 


Candidate's Statement 

Section (a)

I have been a Napo activist for nine years and have been involved in campaigning issues. Relevant Experience:-

  • LAGIP Conference, 2006 
  • Women in Napo Conference, 2006  
  • TUC Women's Conference as Acting National Link Officer, 2008, 2009 
  • Acting National Treasurer, 2008-2009 
  • Equal Rights Officer, 2008-2009 
  • Anti-Racism Officer, 2009, 2010 
  • Branch Treasurer, 2010, 2011 
  • Branch Vice-Chair (Temporary), 2014 
  • Branch Treasurer, 2014, 2015 
  • National NEC Co-Rep, 2014, 2015
Representation:- 
  • Reps support learning and assisting work. 
Education and Training:- 
  • GFTU and certified TUC education in equal rights and representation. 
  • Work experience in accountancy and taxation 
  • Degree in law.
Section (b)

I have proven experience and knowledge of branch financial affairs, having reviewed and prepared financial statements for many years. My activism includes:-

  • attendance at National AGM 
  • delivered National Treasurer's Report at AGM 
  • actively engaged on staff sub-committee panel. 
Contributed to Napo's modernising agenda, therefore I can take up the finance role immediately and work to protect Napo from its current financial risks.

I want to ensure Napo survives, defeats its latest ordeal, make sure unions have a life and future under the Conservative agenda.

Speaking as a female, minority group member, underrepresented within the NPS and CRC structures, and higher union positions, this is a tough role which needs someone who can make difficult decisions. I want to encourage other minority members within Napo to stay in the fight together.

I want to protect jobs in the face of severe cuts, making sure there is full integration of our membership in Cafcass, far flung branches and co-terminus groups are secured in funding.

Maintaining professional qualified assessments for offenders, safeguarding for vulnerable people, ensuring child protection and family court services are not neglected. All branches remaining united. This is our strength! Napo, the only union that puts survival and professional delivery of the job at the core of our work.

I want to contribute to this cause on members' behalf.

As your Vice-Chair, I will ensure there are sufficient funds to protect our members' interests, investing our reserves wisely for all contingencies.


Chris Pearson

Candidate's Branch: Essex
Nominated by: Essex, Kent Surrey and Sussex, Staffordshire and West Midlands
Grade: Senior Probation Officer
Race/Gender: White/Male 


Candidate's Statement
Section (a)

Probation worker since 2002
Napo member since 2002

Positions Held within Napo

  • National Chair (lnterim) 
  • Local workplace organiser 
  • Branch Vice-Chair 
  • JNCC member 
  • NEC member 
  • National Negotiating Committee member 
  • Member National Workloads working party 
  • Member NEC reform working Party
I have also held the following posts:
  • Chair of primary and secondary school governing bodies 
  • Leader of a large local authority 
  • Secretary of a local Shelter group 
  • Governor of local adult community college 
  • Local Councillor 
I have worked in the private and voluntary sectors as well as the public sector. Trade unionist all my adult working life. 

Section (b)

Our Union has been struggling against the most serious threat from a government that appears hell-bent on putting the public at risk as they drive ever onwards with their 'public sector bad, private sector good' mantra.

As national Chair last year I was proud to take the fight against privatisation to the limit. Unfortunately, our small union wasn't able to take on the might of a government determined to push through TR no matter the cost. Now more than ever you need a union to promote your interests in the most difficult of circumstances, defend public safety and secure jobs.

This isn't an easy time for Napo: organisationally, politically and financially. This government has made clear its intention to assault unions through limitation of facility time and removal of check-off for subscriptions. l believe it is essential the union has a Vice-Chair (finance) who:
  • understands finances
  • will properly account to the NEC for all expenditure
  • has experience of managing budgets up to £millions
  • will ensure comprehensive and fit for purpose financial regulations
  • and will focus expenditure on protecting members' futures 
I joined Napo just weeks after starting in probation, have held local branch positions and was a member of the NEC for many years. When the need arose last year l stepped up to take on the role of Chair to steer the union at a critical time. 


Our union needs strong leadership across the Officer group at this time. I offer such leadership, with experience of managing large finances.

Keith Stokeld

Candidate's Branch: Staffordshire and West Midlands
Nominated by: Durham Tees Valley, Family Court Section, Thames Valley
Grade: Probation Officer
Race/Gender: White/Male 

Candidate's Statement
Section (a)

I have been a Napo member for 25 years and worked in a variety of Probation roles including in the community and institutions.

Throughout my career in the Criminal Justice System I have worked in London, the North East and after leaving my post as a Court officer I moved to NPS in Birmingham.

After becoming active as branch chair I served on a number of National Committees before being elected as National Treasurer. Previously I was National link officer with the Midlands and Thames Valley regions and link officer on the editorial board for the Probation Journal.

In addition to chairing the Union Learn Steering Group I have acted as chair at the National Reps Panel and form part of the Staff JNC.

I was interim director of the Probation Institute during its formation.

Section (b)

Throughout my tenure as National Treasurer I have been privileged to work on behalf of the Union in respect of a brief designed to retain Napo's financially viability.

The challenge has been to achieve more than can be acknowledged on the simplistic basis of a balance sheet. I have strived to include our union's values which do not have a price tag and answered for these when called to account.

Being accountable has informed the decisions I have taken and shaped my drive to temper my passion for progress with pragmatism.

Napo faces a number of challenges and in consultation I have sought to ensure these can be met through some bold decisions in preparation for the future.

These changes will make Napo viable as we face the threats of the last administration and its legacy into the coming years. I am focused on retaining our income and by using my time to ensure Napo is best placed to achieve a balanced programme.

Having gained experience from my time as National Treasurer I wish to use my skills to fulfil the post of vice chair to ensure Napo functions as a Union for members in Probation and Cafcass.

My appetite for the post has increased following my success in developing members' service in securing Napo's access to a Credit Union. By balancing my Probation work with the vice chair's post I will continue to strive to retain members confidence to fulfil my role as an officer of the union

51 comments:

  1. http://www.itv.com/news/granada/story/2015-07-30/st-helen-teenager-killed-by-trio-released-early-from-prison/


    Some interesting comments to be found in this Granada reports video about probation services .





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    1. i'm not sure if it differentiated between NPS and CRC - it's unclear which part the 3 people were being supervised under. I think we need to make as much as we can about this - people may care to read about the murder of poor Jordan - absolutely horrific and shows how dangerous individuals are when they get together - on their own this murder probably would not have happened. Just one of the flaws of the split is the lack of intelligence between NPS & CRC due to separate IT systems.

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  2. From Facebook:-

    Bench CRC SPOs have just been informed that their jobs are no longer at risk as there has been sufficient natural attrition with SPOs leaving to take up other jobs to avoid any further redundancies amongst that grade of staff ... Although giving more financial security, it's difficult to want to celebrate a situation where most staff are against the principles and risks of Sodexo's CRC model and when up to 40% of our PO colleagues are still at risk though .. (Stated as a Napo member)

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    1. Driving allowances have been cut from 66p a mile to 26p a mile as well.

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    2. SPOs keep the show on the road according to my manager so that must be good news

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    3. Hahaha, the most I've laughed all day.

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    4. Shame they will help senior management turf out the workers now then. Odd because it will be them soon as after . Mark these words .

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    5. Hi Jim, may I take this opportunity and use your Blog to thank you for providing this forum for our members to have "the debate"on issues that are not only important in the criminal justice system but very often directly effect members, their families, the Service user and the wider community. Sadly a forum and process not readily available to members outside of the limited NEC.

      We have today received the 1st mail out for the next NEC meeting on 22 September and to demonstrate the point of limited, indeed restrictive practise I bring to members attention the Officers Report item 7 (National reps panel). I encourage members to ask NEC reps the question..... why when the Chair was challenged on a point of Order why was this challenge not supported by the NEC.

      The rights and wrongs of any challenge are frankly irrelevant. If the challenge is supported we have the debate.......however by not supporting this challenge we grant the Chair permission to suppresses the debate. We by default give permission to subvert the democratic process, stifling/restricting the debate and consequently reps fail in our responsibility to hold Officers and Officials to account.

      The result of our Election of new VC will be known tomorrow, irrespective of who is elected, we have had "the debate" and that was important. I wish those who are elected well and hope that they will use the opportunity to bring about much needed change. If the rumour is true we may well be looking to appoint a new GS.

      Finally I thank you again for the providing the forum and opportunity, I thank all those members that contacted me with questions and statements of support. I have over my time with Napo been supported and guided by colleague and friends and to them all and the many others who supported and voted for me, i thank you. I have been encouraged by your generosity of advice, your kind words and of your time taken. Don't ignore necessary order.
      Barry Adams

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  3. My friend with big ears tells me IL plans to step down at conference. Is this true Jim?

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    1. The G.S has another success to add to his unenviable list ... Mileage in NPS expenses cut from 52p to 45p, no negotiation or advance warning so how authorised this - this on top of removed essential car user allowance, removal of parking for those who use the car to do the job daily, as well as no pay increase and all on Ian Lawrence watch. Can't help wondering what is he watching and why doesn't his press officer raise the profile of these events in the same way as the police or nhs workers do? NAPO subscription isn't cheap and people can I'll afford to pay for it with nothing in return. I won't renew my membership at check off just to keep IL and his team in a job, there is no value for the money for NPS staff. We are being issued with instructions and detrimental blows weekly which are implemented without any resistance from NAPO, and staff too fearful of unemployment to dispute it. I've worked for the Probation Service for 25 years and to say morale is low would be an understatement ... I'd leave but have bills to pay and no training to do much else ... it's a travesty

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    2. Oh please don't don't assume IL and the test of his HQ team are doing any better for the poor sods shated to CRC, they aont

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    3. Who's proud to claim 56p per mile. It means you're driving a gas guzzling 4x4. And I assume you're declaring the tax on the extra 11p over he taxable allowance? Get real

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    4. 2319 Not the point its the loss of terms and conditions the rate is a factor that costs the wear and tear and mileage in depreciation not the actual daily cost of a mile . Do you need some remedial help in cost analysis. 2235 No your right as this group are what Napo are doing so well with in Sodexo CRC. EVR out of the park a true sixer. Napo and its watertight clause agreement foolish puppies.

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    5. AA figures confirm that it actually COSTS 56p per mile to run a car. 45p rate means anyone who uses a car is LOSING money on every trip.

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  4. Flipping brilliant news ! I hope so we hope so too late for the rest of our organisation though. Respect to him though now, if he has decided to work out its the only honourable thing left to do. It will save a call for him for to go and besides he will get sympathy instead of a wrangle . It is a better thing to diffuse the fight coming than to hang on without any confidence or real mandate. I hope we can rebuild napo from the very limited membership we have left. Sorry reader calming down it is just a rumour but welcome news.

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    1. I've heard this also. Mr Lawrence is to go but not until 2016 as he wanted to see TR through and get us over the finishing line. Great respect for doing this as I heard he has plenty of offers on the table. Grrr

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    2. Psst...I hear the delay until 2016 is so Blatter can serve his notice before he takes over Napo.

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    3. We once shouted "Grayling, out, out, out" how the tide has turned!

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    4. Grow up. You're an embarrassment to probation,

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    5. No way 2239 many of us a small and particular group knew too well the current GS was not up to the role. The sad thing is the ignorant foolish group that got behind him fooled the small turnout. The other candidate who nearly was kept out of the running would most certainly have kept this away. Forcing a real allegiance to Unison. Ensuring a wider united union costs and joint action at the same time on the same dispute. Formal action to boycott PI not cuddle it into place. Most important full on legal challenge early on Judicial Review. Instead look what we have , do I need to say anymore ?

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    6. and ain't that the truth 00:35.

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  5. "NAPO's heroic campaign against TR"???...I must have missed this.

    Whilst I suppose the union organisation & roles have to be subject to the usual voting processes I can't keep thoughts of titanic & deckchairs out of my mind....bobbyjoe

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    1. "NAPO's heroic campaign against TR"

      Yes that me choke on my coffee.

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    2. Coffee? Jim Brown?

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    3. Coffee? A certain ex assistant general secretary alleges it's "far too much bitter"

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    4. ?? Too cryptic here help ?

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    5. Coffee? A certain ex assistant general secretary alleges it's "far too much bitter"

      Ah, I know who that will be. Beer is one of the great joys of life, but even I don't drink it before 11am.

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    6. l stepped up to take on the role of Chair to steer the union at a critical time. Our union needs strong leadership across the Officer group at this time. I offer such leadership,

      This is from Chris Pearson I missed this leadership and strong ? Really ? I recall he was invited to comment as Chair and what happened ?

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  6. As previous posters have indicated it seems that the work of either NPS or CRC's is all done by the managers,,,more recent appointments and now no job losses....the rise and rise of managerialism..they must be so proud

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  7. 20.52 the answer then is to work harder and become a manager?

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    1. Then who will be left to protect the public?

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    2. Clearly, biometric kiosks.

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  8. work harder and become a manager.,, not the way to get the job at all...be good at presenting stuff that you say you have done and that you did it brilliantly...no one ever checks !!! and learn all current 'buzz' words to get the points..no need to have read anything or know anything, just learn the words, oh and be no good at the frontline work, or simply not interested,,just target a mentor, maybe someone similar, from you cohort or the one before...job done

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  9. Chas Berry, I rue the wasted vote last year, even though the members did not elect you. You are a hypocritic of the highest level. You have not practice what you preached, you toed the Napo HQ party line.

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  10. So Jim; where's the deluge of critics from your blog?

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    1. Seems to me there is little here to energise the critical faculties. As has already been noted, it does bring to mind deckchairs on the Titanic. There is much of a sameness about the manifestos, with references to check-off and fighting talk de rigueur, nothing heterodox.

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    2. MM not writing for a pretentious column are we ? Of course none of the candidates are able to set anything like the direction we needed to take a few years back and the leadership change then just became what was orthodox . Anything radical which was needed or just a stronger balance towards membership away from lawro at the now lost right time might well have seen us in a different position. There may well be a touch too much conservatism of attitudes in the electorate .

      How can this group be anything other than following but lets change the treasurer at least no matter what it will share out the broader experience in life than the compliant candidate.

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  11. Why are you asking Jim ? 2327 what a Flippin daft thing to taunt the blog keeper about. I am a critic of you foolish !

    Apologies to the other readers.

    2224 yes a good point I had forgotten he was not elected and then conformed despite a fair amount of tough lefty get our act together talk then collapsed in conformity within defending the napo line of blah blah blah . You would want us to be doing this and the like. I looked at Keith Stokeld and hardly a mention of the PI he is elected to propping up. Joining in the help group that brought probation down. Well I hope to see the electorate put him right back behind a desk for a full time reminder of what he idly let slip through the napo top table myopia. No foresight and how long does he say he has been there ? No way to carry on, Napo finances through the floor what achievements has his stewardship of Napo delivered ? 0+0 a big fat NOUGHT . I hope this is his total his vote count . Get back to a desk and see what you allowed in for our new roles. PI and no JR until too late. That record will speak for itself and why does no one say what interest they have in either CRC or NPS? Do we need a balance of what organisation they come from. There are probably a lack of critics as so many of us here, are either angry or reading through this candidates group thinking the same old same old. The others can not really do much now the end game is in sight. Looks like another London based outcome is on the cards again. I read here the GS is to go 2016 . No No No please go now . Save us the wasted wages and extra cash you want to stash while continuing to fail . There your are 2327 critical enough for you and your rubbish post. No I am not a troll either to blame away posts that might reply. Just waiting for my redundancy final reduction nail thanks to the incumbents .

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  12. I know for a fact, one of these contenders didn't even bother to go on strike. Solidarity when it was needed

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    1. Who? Please name so i know not to vote. Ive said it once and il say it again. Most union leaders go into the union as they dont have what it takes manage in mainstream jobs so the union is an attractive alternative

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    2. There may be something in that given the shower we have. They sort of illustrate what your outrageous claim is making about mainstream jobs. Then some of what the candidate statements provide gives real evidence too. Ok on that basis I concede your point .

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  13. Replies
    1. If this is true then I think Mona should take the opportunity to explain why........there could be an acceptable explanation......if not I would be surprised if anyone votes for her......bobbyjoe

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  14. Stay in the fight together, a difficult decision

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  15. From The Guardian: -

    " Charities better than private companies at reducing reoffending, report finds

    Study suggests prisoners are less likely to reoffend in first year of release after intervention by a charity, rather than a private company "

    http://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2015/jul/30/charities-better-than-private-companies-at-reducing-reoffending-report-finds?CMP=share_btn_tw

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  16. Mona Lim or Chas to win!!

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  17. I will not be voting for Mona Lim if she did not srtike. Will be contacting her re.this. Not acceptable.

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  18. Hi anonymous 1 August 10:31
    I have been fortunate to work closely with Mona, benefited from her wider experience in diversity and as National treasure. Let me tell you a little something about Mona. Mona is a trade union activist and has been a Branch Executive, Branch treasure and indeed National treasure. No mean achievement for a ethnic minority woman, who has a young family and works part time. Mona was one of two NEC colleagues who supported me when Tom and Lisa threatened to call the police to have me evicted from NEC. When others remained silent watching this disgraceful display and the Chairs abuse of power.....Mona stood up for all Napo members right to ask questions of our Officers with regard to the conduct of our previous general secretary. .....Mona may or may not respond to your blog, her choice..... Let me suggest to you .....just maybe the strike action was on a day that was not a working day for her.

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    1. Thanks Barry for shedding a bit more light on things - quite extraordinary:-

      "Mona was one of two NEC colleagues who supported me when Tom and Lisa threatened to call the police to have me evicted from NEC. When others remained silent watching this disgraceful display and the Chairs abuse of power.....Mona stood up for all Napo members right to ask questions of our Officers with regard to the conduct of our previous general secretary."

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    2. Don't forget Mona was also one of those hero's suspended by the foolish chairs of the time.

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