Please see the attached form if you are interested in becoming a member of the DWP Group Black Members Network:
The PCS DWP Group is committed to tackling under representation of black members in our group structures and involving Black Members in our work. To this effect PCS DWP Group has set up a Black Members Network where members can sign up to be involved in group matters, sharing information and standing for election to the Group Black Members advisory committee. It is important that we register for this network and become involved in our Union.
The GEC is committed to working with the Black Members advisory Committee to tackle under representation. A major aim is to increase activism within under-represented groups in order to create a union reflective of its membership.
Within workplaces there are opportunities for you to become active in your local branches, promote wider training opportunities for members and get involved in campaigning for the Union. PCS Union has a great record of challenging and campaigning against racism, from supporting national rallies and defending members in personal cases; and with your involvement we can build our network.
What is the Group black member’s advisory committee (GBMC)?
The GBMC is a key advisory committee of the DWP PCS Group Executive Committee (GEC). Six members of the committee are elected at conference and six via the DWP Group Black member’s network. These regional networks comprises of BAME members who each have voting rights on joining. The networks meet on a quarterly basis to discuss BAME issues particular to the demographic and consists of regional network chairs and secretaries. We have attached a network application form if you wish to register and would welcome participation. If you are unaware of network meetings please contact us for further information.
Black member’s network
The DWP group established the Group Black Members network to empower BME Members and establish the structures required to elect the activists they feel will best represent them. This is especially of importance in light of research from Ethnic Dimensions (published March 2015), which highlights worrying levels of inequality and discrimination in the Civil Service in particular with regards to performance management
The GEC believe the BM network will help improve communications and also facilitate stronger links to black members everywhere within the DWP group.
The National Union strategy to increase under-representation recognised six key indicators to build a union more representative of its membership. They are:
- Ensuring that under represented groups are able to participate in union activity
- Tackling under representation on decision making bodies
- Building networks and equality structures
- Representing members
- Progressing equality issues
- Reviewing and reporting on progress
The GEC believes the network will ensure that we are working towards the aims set out in the National Strategy and whilst it recognises that much good work has been done on making progress towards equality, there is still more to do. To date 11.5% (10,389) – of all DWP staff state that they are BME and of members that declared their ethnicity 11.58% also stated they are Black and Asian. However, this is not reflected in activism.
Our aim is to have a union – reps and officers – that is reflective of our membership.
We ask branch secretaries and equality officers to help ensure that we build a solid network by ensuring that registration forms are passed to all members from the African and Asian Diasporas.
Why join the GBMC?
Our Group policy and activities are informed by decisions taken (on motions) at the annual PCS conference and by in-year branch representations on local and national issues.
It is important that black members are able to influence, support and participate in local, regional and group campaigns.
Black members have particular experience and knowledge on race issues and feed back to the GEC.
GBMC members have gained an array of experience and support from becoming a GBMC member and many have gone on to become active in their branches/regions and by that tackling under representation of black members and playing a role in supporting all union members.
The national PCS policy is for all PCS Groups to have a GBMC structure.
Who can be a GBMC Member?
Black is used in the political context to apply to people from African and Asian Diasporas, including people of dual heritage.
Six members of the GBMC are elected at the annual PCS DWP Group Conference and 6 more are annually elected through the black member’s network. Any DWP PCS black member can be nominated by a branch and stand for election at the conference or for election by the black member’s network.
What time is given for GBMC activities?
GEC allocates facility time to GBMC from the overall facility time. Generally it is 4 days per year plus reasonable travel time to attend GBMC meetings.
What does the committee do?
GBMC normally meets once every quarter in Leeds to discuss issues relevant to black members. The discussions are usually based on:
- GBMC priorities as set by the committee
- Agenda and paperwork provided by the PCS DWP Equality Officer
- Reports from the PCS DWP representative to the national black members forum
- Report and update by the PCS DWP Assistant Secretary with lead responsibility on progressing equality issues.
GBMC considers the above, advice and recommends appropriate actions to the GEC.
What has the committee done recently?
The GBMC provided an input on departmental negotiations on race issues.
The GBMC have also supported black members on their complaints and grievances.
How do I get further information?
Contact:
- Carrie Anne Watkins DWP PCS Equality Officer via –
carrie-ann.watkins@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Carrie Anne Watkins
Equality Officer
PCS Fylde 