Our ref: HSR/5/8
Head Office Circular: NP/85/23
15th May 2023
To: The Secretary
ALL SCOTTISH BRANCHES
EXCEPT OILC AND SHIPPING BRANCHES
Dear Colleague,
ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE
NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 2022 – DECEMBER 2024: REGION 1 – SCOTLAND – BY-ELECTION
Further to Head Office Circular NP/410/21, dated 15th November 2021, I can report that following Sister Ann Joss’ election as Regional Organiser, a vacancy has arisen for the above position.
Therefore, nominations are now being sought for the Region 1 - Scotland constituency in respect of the above Committee in accordance with Rule 12B. The period of office for the above post will be from election until 31stDecember 2024.
The National Health and Safety Advisory Committee meets a minimum of four times per year to advise the National Executive Committee on matters relevant to the Committee. The Committee consists of one Health and Safety Representative from each National Executive electoral region, including Maritime Grades. A Liaison Committee was elected at the 2022 National Health and Safety Conference, comprising three members of the Advisory Committee. Arrangements were also made for one member of the Liaison Committee to chair the Conference.
Nominations
Branches are invited to submit nominations for one representative from the National Executive Committee Region 1 – Scotland - to serve on the Committee. Please note that the representation is based on the electoral region and is not company or grade based. At the closing date for nominations, candidates must be:
- A Health and Safety Representative
- Employed as defined in Rule 2, Clause 1 (a), (b) or (c)
- Up to date with contributions
A list of Branches is attached.
Circulars
If your Branch wants to send other Branches details of your nominee's qualifications, the circular will need to be forwarded to Head Office in accordance with Rule 13. Please note the following:
· the circular must be signed by the candidate and at least two Branch Officers. It must also bear the date on which it was signed
· it must not contain photographs of the nominee
· your Branch must have made its nomination either before or at the same time as you submit your circular.
When your circular is received at Head Office, a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the Branch. Once a circular has been authorised, it will be returned for distribution.
Rule 13 states that other election circulars are now permitted. However, the Rule states, "A member, candidate or Branch responsible for the composition of any election circulars shall ensure that, while it may raise debate on policy for the Union, this being wholly correct in the conduct of free and democratic elections:
(a) it does not advocate fascist or racist views or in way contravenes this Union's policies against discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation
(b) it is neither libellous nor impugns the good name of the Union or its members
(c) it is circulated solely within the Union for use of members only and is regarded
as private and confidential and is not published or otherwise disclosed outside
the Union."
A nomination form, together with a list of Branches in the Region, is enclosed. Completed nominations must be returned to Head Office by the closing date for nominations, which is Tuesday 13th June 2023. When the nomination form is received, a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the Branch.
Ballot
If a ballot is necessary, ballot papers will be sent to Branches immediately following the close of nominations.
Please acknowledge receipt of this circular and nomination form immediately, by completing and returning the form on the next page of this circular.
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
General Secretary