Conference Report 2019

Thanks go to two AGM attenders for furnishing the following reflections which have been amalgamated:-

The Hall did look very sparse and peppered with quite a few grey-haired activists. The overall mood was one of angry resignation. Mark Drakeford and Mike Nellis offered seasoned, sensible incisiveness, and recognised the role and existence of Napo in holding firm! There was a good exchange with Amy Rees of HMPPS and members were outspoken on impact of workloads, SFO's, excessive OASys burdens, and what reunification meant, etc. G Jackson got his battery of forensic questions of union's finance in during accountability, but no reference to legal costs in dealing with a certain blog! Ian Lawrence's keynote address was rather flat and muted, with usual tub thumping moments, but only a smattering of members offered a standing ovation.

We had a bit of a 'Labour Conference' moment on the second day when there was an Emergency Motion which tried to reverse the decision made by NEC to make a grant of £10K to a youth charity scheme to engage schools in trade unionism. It provoked the most controversy given the union's parlous finances, but a very encouraging sign of political activism. The speakers 'for' were all general membership, and those 'against' the Exec, pretty much, anyway there were assorted procedural votes and stuff, and then the Chair called it defeated, on a show of hands/cards, when it really wasn’t clear, and should have gone to ballot. 

To be honest I think it was all a bit of a distraction rather than a Crucial Thing. Nobody was against the principle of the grant and its aim, just some nervousness about the perilous state of finances. But it wasn’t a good look, more than anything else. 

The motion on the 'Future of the Probation Service was voted through, so 'Advise, Assist & Befriend' re-enters the probation lexicon again! London Napo were very strong on impact of recent critical HMIP report and especially given at least one SFO with 'organisational change' and workloads implicated. A 'reign of terror' with form filling and disciplinary action with CEO apparently noting '40% of staff not up to it'! (comment heard in the pub!).

Arguably the most moving personal contribution was from a survivor of multiple abuse. The best look of the day was for me at the end of a guest speaker slot given by the author and activist regarding adverse childhood experiences and sexual abuse, who identifies himself as a Survivor for legal reasons. 

It was a great and constructive speech, made its points vividly but without being sensational or lurid. Keith Stokeld was in the chair, and at the point where he thanked the speaker and started to move the proceedings to the next session, choked up and apologised for being so overcome. The hall just sat calmly and allowed him time to mop himself up, and then proceed. In my view a great thing to see men modelling the expression of gentle feelings, and the rest of us thinking that was fine and normal and healthy. A wee bit more of that in political gatherings would be a fine thing.

Katie Lomas is doing a pretty good job, in my opinion, of running a strategy to grow membership. And membership is growing for the first time for ages, but the transition to NPS for many currently allowed check-off will be a challenge. Make or break time I reckon.

Next years AGM will be in Eastbourne and reverts to the previous 3 day model. Must be money located down Keith Stokeld's sofa! 

Anonymous

PS. I understand Conference was informed that Assistant General Secretary Dean Rogers will be departing for another post in February 2020. No great surprise there as it's an open secret as to tensions between the GS and AGS.