Regional Self-Organised Groups

• Regional Self-Organsed Groups and Forums:
• Women Members Group
• Black Members Group
• Disabled Members Group
• LGBT Members Group
• Young Members Forum
• Retired Members Forum

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Group

UNISON has at its heart, a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity in general and in particular to rights for its LGBT members. These rights are enshrined in the rulebook. One way UNISON delivers on this commitment is by providing for self-organisation for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender members at branch, regional and national level.

The North West UNISON LGBT group meets bi-monthly at various venues around the Region. These meetings are open to all UNISON members in the region who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

In line with UNISON's policies on self-organisation, the aims of the group are to:

• Improve working conditions for all LGBT members
• Increase awareness of the particular issues facing LGBT members at work
• Increase participation and representation of LGBT members in the region
• Provide a supportive network for LGBT members in the region
• Liaise with, feed into and support the work of the National LGBT Committee
• Develop and co-ordinate regional/local LGBT activities in line with UNISON policy
• Support the development of branch LGBT groups
• Campaign on issues of importance to LGBT members
• To represent and involve the diversity of LGBT members in the region.

We try to make the meetings informal to encourage maximum participation. Our aim is to increase awareness of UNISON and how it works, and how members can access help, assistance or advice. Members can raise issues of concern to them. These can be issues arising inside or outside the workplace. There will usually be some business to conduct; such as to receive reports. The group will also be holding training events during the year, and details of these will be sent to all members on the mailing list as soon as they are known.

The group has two Co-Convenors, one man and one woman, who are responsible for ensuring that the group functions effectively and that meetings are pleasant and productive. The Co-Convenors act on behalf of the group in between meetings. Currently they are Michelle Le Marinel and Graham Crowder.

The group also has a committee that meets in between group meetings. Its main function is to carry out the instructions of the group and deal with the running of events and campaigns. There are a number of positions on the committee, which are outlined in the attachments.

The group have regularly took part in the Manchester Pride parade as well as having a stall in the market place.

Elections for committee posts are held at the Annual General Meeting of the group in July. Any post can be filled on a job share basis. Further Information can be obtained (in strict confidence).

Who to Contact

Dion Baugh Telephone: 0161 661 6748 Email: [email protected]
Lesley Campbell (Administrative Support) Telephone:  0161 661 1630 Email:  [email protected]