Section outline

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    UNDERSTANDING CONFERENCE

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    Purpose of Conference

    The purpose of Conference is to instruct the incoming National Executive Committee (NEC). As part of our democratic processes, union members i.e. delegates vote on various motions and union rules. These decisions become Union Policy.

    The union membership determines the principles and policies of their Union, as a result of decisions made at the Union Conference. The Biennial National Conference is normally held every 2 years, but this can change in line with the Union rules.

    The Structure and Governance of the Union is made up of Shop Stewards, House Committee Members and Activists. These key people are elected and appointed at Conference to the following roles:

    ·       President

    ·       Vice President

    ·       Treasurer

    ·       Trustees

    ·       Standing Orders Committee

    ·       Appeals Committee Members 

    ·       National Executive Members

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    Knowledge Check 1


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    Understanding the Running of Conference

    Conference actions

    At the beginning of a conference the President will open the Conference. One of the first actions when Conference begins is for the Chair of the Standing Orders Committee, to recommend that Conference elects a number of Tellers, Scrutineers and a Returning Officer, after which the President normally addresses Conference, followed by a number of speakers, such as the General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and Guests etc.

    Sometimes a conference can go into what’s called a “Private Session”, which allows for the General Treasurer’s report and other reports to be presented to delegates only. Guests are not allowed to attend “Private Sessions”. Elections can take place before or after these “Private Sessions” followed by motions and alterations to rule, which we will learn about later in this course. 

    For now, though, we will explore the roles of Tellers, Scrutineers and Returning Officers.


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      Click into a sample running order Agenda of Conference

    • Sample Running Order for Conference File
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      The following document is a sample template used by the President and the Standing Orders Committee to ensure the orderly running of Conference.

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      We will now look at the role of the Local Councils and the rules in relation to the submitting of motions.

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    Motions to the Conference floor



    Please watch the following videos of a motions being put to the Conference floor: 


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    Knowledge Check 2


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    Moving and Opposing Motions

    In this final module we will look at how and when moving motions.  

    Remember that every Conference needs to be managed in an orderly way, allowing for debates, the moving of motions. Let us now look at how motions are moved.

    Moving a Motion:

    Each Local Council within each Division must move their respective Motions. A Motion is moved by a speaker, who must announce their name, local council and office they hold before speaking on the motion and dressing conference. The mover of the motion always speaks first and will be limited to a time constraint. It is not necessary to second motions included in a standing orders report which has been adopted by Conference. However, if you are supporting or opposing a motion, the same process is followed.

    Opposing a Motion:

    If someone opposes the motion, the mover of the motion can reply at the close of the debate. At Conference a motion can only be withdrawn by the proposer with the approval of Conference. Only a delegate, an Official or a member of Standing Orders can address Conference unless authorised by the NEC. Objections and concerns around motions submitted can be raised at the local councils. A point of Information can only be allowed by the President.

    If the President rises to call a member to order or for any purpose connected with the proceeding, the member speaking will resume their seat and no other member should rise unless the President resumes their seat.

    In certain circumstances, the President’s ruling can be challenged by not less than 10 delegates. In the event of this happening, the President normally vacates the Chair to the Vice President or an NEC member to allow the debate take place. 2/3rd of the delegates present must vote against the motion, otherwise the Presidents ruling stands.

    Voting

    Voting is normally done by a show of hands, however any delegate can demand an aggregate card vote in advance of the vote, but this proposal must be supported by a 3rd of the delegates and is carried out in line with the Unions rules.

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    Knowledge Check 3


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    Conclusion

    Conclusion

    That concludes this online training course on the purpose of Conference, Motions, and the conduct of debates. Please remember that if you ever have any issues with any part of a contract that the Conference Contact Team is always here to help you.

    Okay, if you are happy to continue, you will now undertake a short exam which is an assessment of ten questions. If you’ve answered the knowledge checks correctly so far, you’re ready. If not, it might be worth replaying the relevant module. If you fail the assessment, you may try again, however it’s advisable to review at least the section where you did not succeed.

    Best of luck!

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    Final Assessment

    Interim Assessment Questions for Part 1

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