Communication Officer Report

for AGM - 15 Feb 07

1. The last year has been a turbulent one for a lot of our members and I believe that it is fair to say that UNISON has done a moderately decent job of communicating with them.
2. There has been a variety of mediums used - and one area that should be recognised as being particularly effective is the UNISON Branch website which until recently was under the control of 'Webmaster' Des Gander.
3. In fact, Des has been retired since last summer but has continued to keep the site regularly updated on all the latest events affecting UNISON members as well as providing information on all other UNISON activities, issues and campaigns.
4. Des deserves all of our best wishes and thanks and we all hope that he can enjoy his retirement without being hassled by the likes of me to get another link onto the website.
5. The new 'Webmaster' is Andy Blackwell who is looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the website in what is sure to be a particularly busy year.
6. UNITY has appeared at fairly regular intervals and has (hopefully) managed to keep members informed of the activities of your UNISON branch in its constant negotiations with management around many contentious issues.
7. I am hopeful (should I be elected to the post again) of increasing both Unity's size and regularity over the next year and, as always, would appreciate any articles / article ideas and ideas on how UNITY can be improved.
8. There has also been several leaflet drops throughout the year highlighting areas where members had to be alerted to vital issues and ballots - Job Evaluation is a prime example and further information sheets/special editions of Unity around this issue are certain to appear.
9. UNISON has had quite a high profile in the media, with regional and branch officers being interviewed by tv, radio and regional newspapers, all of which has served to keep its members issues in the public arena.
10. There has been criticism, particularly over Job Evaluation, that members felt they had not received sufficient information. UNISON believes that this branch did all that it could to communicate vital information to all of its members using every medium possible.
11. Any ideas that any member has about how the branch can communicate more effectively would be welcomed - contact the branch office or email steve.ryles@devon.gov.uk.

Steve Ryles
Branch Communication Officer