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National Black Members’ Seminar

22-24 October 2010, Ashford, Kent - Cuts/Consequences: Solutions?

Introduction

1. As part of its continuing commitment to encourage greater participation from groups of members who are under represented in the union’s decision making structures/activities, PCS organizes seminars for women, young, disabled, LGBT and ‘black’ members. 

2. PCS uses ‘black’ in the political context to encompass members of African, Asian,  African/Caribbean, etc (including dual) ethnicities. This briefing sets out the arrangements for the PCS National ‘Black’ Members Seminar.

PCS National Black Members’ Seminar 2010: Venue and Date

3. The residential PCS Black Members’ Seminar will be held from
22 – 24 October 2010, at the Ashford International Hotel, Ashford, Kent. The seminar will commence approximately 1pm on Friday 22 October and close no later than 1pm on Sunday 24 October 2010.

Activities

4. Participants through debates, presentations and workshops will explore a range of workplace and community issues to assess how the new government’s agenda will impact on employment, community and human rights.

Selection Criteria

5. Members may self nominate. The criteria selection will include

  • Young members
  • Disabled members
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans members
  • New members
  • Members who have not previously attended the seminar
  • Branch Secretaries and Organizers
  • Union reps
  • Equality Reps
  • Members  who want to learn how to get involved in union activities
  • Members involved in community campaigns

Applications from young, disabled and LGBT members are particularly welcomed as we are trying to encourage greater participation from LGBT and young members.

Confidentiality

6. PCS fully appreciates that there are special sensitivities linked to disability and LGBT issues. An assurance is given that all applications will be treated confidentially.

Supporting Statements

7. The seminar is always oversubscribed. All applicants are strongly advised to supply a supporting statement with their applications

Participant Numbers

8. The seminar caters for up to 150 members on a residential basis. Members who are within daily travelling distance will be expected to travel.  There is a requirement for successful applicants to attend for the duration of the seminar.

Child/Youth Care Facilities

9. Child/youth care facilities is provided for children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years of age. However, places are limited to 40 places and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Delegates are encouraged to make alternative care arrangements for children. PCS will provide financial assistance to meet the reasonable costs of additional childcare claims on production of a receipt from a carer.

PCS will only meet reasonable costs of childcare claims on production of a receipt from a carer.

Application Forms

10. Application forms are attached to this briefing. Please duplicate as necessary and pass on to members who are eligible to attend the seminar.

Accommodation, Travel & Subsistence

11. Accommodation, reasonable travel and subsistence claims will be met from central union funds. An evening meal will be provided on Friday evening. Breakfast, lunch and an evening meal will be provided on Saturday evening. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Sunday.  The union will not pay for any other meals.

12. Additional copies of this briefing and application form are available from:

13. Application forms can be completed online. Seminar correspondence will be sent by email.

Application Deadline

14. All applications must be received by the Equality Department by noon, 23 September 2010.  Members using the post to send applications must ensure that they use a postal service that guarantees applications will be received in time.

Faxed applications must be received by the Equality Department by 23 September 2010: Fax 0207 223 8363

Lorna Campbell
National/Race Equality Officer