Napo Elections 2

I notice that Napo London Branch continue to break new ground by using Facebook in order to publish a short interview with one of the candidates for Napo Vice Chair. The piece by David Raho quickly flushed out another candidate, so in terms of balance, it's to be hoped the third will be forthcoming shortly:-

Former Napo London Branch Officer and Napo National Vice Chair candidate Charron Culnane has been answering questions put to her by members who are unsure whom to vote for in the election of national officers. We decided to interview Charron and asked her the following questions.

Who is the best candidate for National Vice Chair?

We are very fortunate that we have 3 candidates standing for the same posts in each election this time. I think having a choice is excellent for our members and ensures we remain a democratic organisation. You have 3 very different candidates to choose from for the National Vice Chair role. We each have our strengths and I think members have a difficult choice this year which is brilliant.

Why is NAPO important?

Since the split I think we need our Union more than ever. In NPS we are civil servants and cannot be seen to criticise our employers (current government). In CRC's our numbers have been divided between numerous employers and our voices diluted. We can only speak out safely through our Union. As I said in my candidate statement: alone we are one voice in the wilderness and as such we can be picked off one by one. For this reason alone I think everyone should be in a union. I personally think NAPO, being a professional organisation as well as a Trade Union is better placed to represent members. Especially when negotiating about complex practice issues.

I make no secret about being Equality driven. Since the split staff on all sides of the divide have been expected to change roles, offices, work practices etc with little regard for reasonable adjustments, mobility, caring issues or travelling difficulties in general. I want to ensure these discussions are at the top of the agenda before further changes happen. It goes without saying that I will fight redundancies with everything I have but I am a realist. I tend to plan for the worst so in the case of non voluntary redundancies I also want to try to ensure that staff with protected characteristics are not discriminated against by any process imposed. NAPO members are inspirational.

What can members do to help NAPO?

We are the members after all and the person I am aiming to represent are all members. How can I represent you if I don't know what you want me to do? I think communication between members and National NAPO needs to change. The NEC meetings don't cascade enough information back to the branches and the grass roots members and many emails from Chivalry Road just don't get read. I think we don't utilise the NAPO Web Site well enough and we also need to get better at using Social Media to keep the message out there about how dangerous the changes to our service are. I would like to see more joint action throughout the Criminal Justice System and more organising with local branches to empower you in your campaigns at local level. Due to the fact I use a crutch and can't stand up for very long or walk very far you won't find me on many marches but you will find me organising them and enabling other members to join in.

Charron Culnane

--oo000oo--

Thank you very much Charron and best of luck to you and the other candidates. At the end of the day it is for the membership to decide and we would encourage everyone to read the candidates statements and vote according to who you feel will best represent you at national level. 

David A Raho

--oo000oo--

Q. Will you be interviewing the other candidates?

We would love to. As Charron says all the candidates have their strengths. I know Chas Berry is on here so he might choose to answer the same questions as Charron Culnane but there is no obligation. Of course there is no pressure at all to do so as candidates have already made their statements. I don't know about Barry Adams but if anyone on here who knows him would like to extend an invitation then that would be excellent. All Napo members have the election statements and non members can always check them out on Jim Brown's On Probation website.

David A Raho

--oo000oo--

Thanks for the invitation David A Raho. My answer to the same questions are as follows: 

Who is this best candidate for National Vice-Chair? 

The skills required are an ability to work as part of the leadership team while holding the General Secretary and the Officials to account. At the same time it is important to have a clear sense of purpose and direction for the union. I commend the other candidates for entering the contest but I think my extensive experience as a trade unionist and as a campaigning socialist provides me with the qualities that make me the best candidate. 

Why is NAPO important? 

NAPO is unique as both a trade union and a professional association as it defends the values of an integrated probation service. No other union or professional body can claim to do the same. We have a proud record and a bright future if we can rise to the challenge of the twin threat posed by Government cuts in the NPS and the slashing of services in the outsourced CRCs. Members are understandably downcast by the loss of the battle against TR but this mood can quickly turn into its opposite with a bold campaign that links up with our sister unions in the public sector and beyond. The campaign against the Trade Union Reform Bill will be a key battleground for us as we attempt to stop this Government's attempts prevent unions from organising any type of effective action. 

What can members do to help NAPO? 

If you work in the NPS the most important thing you can do right now is sign up to direct debit and encourage your colleagues to do the same. We stand to lose nearly half our income unless the 4,000 or so NPS members make the switch before the end of the year. If you work in the CRCs you can support your colleagues bearing the brunt of the onslaught from some of the private providers; I'm thinking in particular at this stage of the six Sodexo areas where nearly 500 redundancies are threatened but colleagues in RRP and elsewhere are facing similar threats. You can do this by sending a simple message of support to those going through the consultation at the moment, but be prepared to show them more concrete support should they have recourse to take industrial action. This is the true meaning of the word solidarity and it is what will ensure we prevail and emerge from the current crisis as a stronger organisation than ever.

Chas Berry