You are:

NEC launches new committee for devolved areas

23 August 2010

The National Executive Committee has launched a new forum to scrutinise policy and political developments in the devolved areas. Comprising senior representatives from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the NEC Sub-Committee for the Devolved Areas held its inaugural meeting in Cardiff last month.

NEC launches new committee for devolved area

The National Executive Committee has launched a new forum to scrutinise policy and political developments in the devolved areas.   Comprising senior representatives from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the NEC Sub-Committee for the Devolved Areas held its inaugural meeting in Cardiff last month.

PCS National President, Janice Godrich, who chairs the Committee said, "As a union we must respond to devolution in the most effective way.  We already have in place elected PCS committees in Scotland, Wales and Ireland which shape our interaction with the devolved governments.  I hope this Committee will draw on the expertise of our local representatives and branches to ensure we are always ahead of the game".

Committee agrees work plan

The Committee agreed a number of important initiatives including the staging of policy forums in the devolved areas to consult branches on the main devolution developments.

Assistant General Secretaru, Chris Baugh said, "The meeting was very constructive and a work plan agreed which will serve as a route map to meet the forthcoming challenges.

Devolution is constantly evolving and, in Scotland and Wales in particular, there are significant legislative developments in train which could see a further transfer of powers to Edinburgh and Cardiff from London.   We hope members and their representatives will contribute idears and views which will inform and support the Committee's work".

Summary of main decisions

  • To hold policy forums in the devolved areas involving all branches
  • The National President will write to the PCS Chairs of the Committees in Scotland, Wales and Ireland to clarify their role and to encourage policy development
  • Position papers on 'Calman' in Scotland and the additional powers referendum in Wales will be drawn up for wider consultation
  • A strategy for our 'Make Your Vote Count' for the 2011 elections was noted
  • A review of political lobbying in the devolved areas would be undertaken.

 

View all News