BBC Lay Reps blog

Bournemouth, April 29; 1000

I think this was a hugely successful conference.

• BBC branches were represented in terrific number – 70% of members were represented, a much greater number than we normally achieve
• The commitment of the members of BBC Division was wonderfully heartening too – there were some tremendous presentations by them, explaining what was happening in their particular sub-divisions or areas, particular areas of success or future concern
• Feedback from reps on the floor of conference was that this style of presentation added a lot to conference – a variety of voices, putting faces to names, a more collegiate and collective style of presenting the Divisional Report for 2006/7 – so enormous thanks to those who did presentations:
Jane Perry on Diversity and then on Wales;
Tony Lennon on the new lay reps blog site, and later on our bi-annual reports back to Division ;
Dan Cooke on English Regions;
Alastair Hendrie on Scotland as it faces up to the challenging, exciting and worrying move into its new Pacific Quay complex;
Willis McBriar on the Belfast branch;
Dave Langton’s terrific explanation on the new Arabic TV;
Charlotte Simon on the Production SDC;
Mike Eaton who stood in superbly for an ill Phil Caesar to preset on Contractors;
John Howcroft who from the floor filled us in on several Health & Safety developments, not least the situation regarding asbestos at TVC;
Kevin Doig who, unable to attend, sent in his report on Wood Norton which was placed on the blog site;
• And finally thanks to Tony Scott who not only made all the graphics at Conference work but also built the blog sites.

• Debates were crisp and coherent, especially on the five emergency propositions and gratifyingly there were several speakers new to conference joining in for the first time.

• There was a real feeling of comradeship and shared purpose at conference, and a feeling that whatever difficult times lie ahead in negotiation with the BBC on various issues – pay, jobs, pensions, conditions of service – BECTU will be united and committed to achieving the best possible deals for members across the Corporation.

• I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the outgoing Divisional Committee who won’t be rejoining this year, for their service and commitment – Pete Harding, Angie Scurr, Ian Chambers, Dave Langton and Tony Scott, all of whom I have written to personally to thank on behalf of Division;

• and, of course, my predecessor Andy Love, whom I delighted was at Conference so that he could receive a fitting standing ovation for his very special services to the union;

• And I’d also like to welcome those new members joining Divisional Committee for the first time, we look forward to their contributions – Lucy Davies, John Barbero and Clay Pilfold.

• Thanks must also go to the excellent trio of members who make up the much-maligned but essential Standing Orders Committee – I can honestly say that as a first-time Chair their help and encouragement was invaluable – chair Mike Wilson, Richie Ellison and Jared Thomas.

• Conference lasted three and a half hours, and to me it raced past – good and friendly debate, excellent and informative presentations, effective and coherent decision-making; next year we’ll look for more positive innovations, but hopefully will keep the efficiency and comradeship.
Thanks to everyone who came.

• But a final thanks to our officers – throughout the year they have helped, persuaded, nudged, negotiated and supported us all – because of the various divisional conferences taking place on that day in Bournemouth, several were not there to receive our thanks, so I have no hesitation in thanking them again here – David Beevers, David Donovan, Jim Johnstone, Willie Lesslie, Paul McManus, Anna Murray, Feyi Raimi-Abraham and Helen Ryan;

• And finally, heartfelt thanks to our Supervisory Official Luke Crawley who has been a hugely inspirational leader at National and Divisional level, and was as usual his efficient and effective self at Conference.

I really enjoyed this Conference, and I hope everyone else who attended did too.
Thank you.

Mark Scrimshaw
Chair BBC Division 2006/7