Disability Champions@Conference!
Disability Champions@Work were in Blackpool for the last ever Amicus MSF Section Conference

The project had a stand in the exhibition areas that attracted lots of attention. Project newsletter 1 was available on the stand. As well as our stand we also had a fringe meeting on Sunday Lunchtime that attracted over 50 delegates including 5 of our current Champions.

Wilf Holt chaired the meeting and introduced National Secretary Gail Cartmail, project worker Dave Parr and Scope Campaign manager Margie Woodwood. Gail gave a background to the project and spoke about the successes we have already had including the identification of our 50th Champion. Dave gave a presentation adding more detail about the project and the role of a Disability Champion. Asked about eligibility to become a rep Dave made four points:-

  • The milestone of 50 Champions does not mean we do not need any more; the more the better!
  • The project is open to people from any TUC affiliated trade union not just Amicus (we already have champions from Unison, PCS and GMB)
  • Champions do not necessarily have to be existing reps but they do have to be working
  • Champions who are not reps will need to become reps to give them legal rights even if this is on the understanding that they will only perform the Disability Champion Role

Margie's contribution began with a reasonable adjustment to enable her Mac produced presentation! She very openly admitted that she thought "here we go again, another initiative" when she first heard the phrase Disability Champions At Work. Having found out more she was delighted to see the project's aims, objectives and recognition of the Social Model.

The meeting was a great success and prompted lots of interesting conversation. We also had people signing on the dotted line to become involved with the project.

Conference was an excellent opportunity to distribute information about what we where doing. DC@W was mentioned in several speeches from the main conference rostrum including the addresses by President Dave Trafford and General Secretary Roger Lyons.

Overall, an excellent opportunity well taken.