Reminder: National H&S Advisory Conference 2022 – Wednesday 23rd February - Doncaster

Our ref: HSR/2/23

Head Office Circular: NP/12/22

19^th January 2022

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

REMINDER: NATIONAL H&S  ADVISORY CONFERENCE 2022 – WEDNESDAY 23^rdFEBRUARY - DONCASTER

 

I have extended the date for registration for RMT’s National Health and Safety Conference to Thursday 3^rd February 2022.

 

The conference will be held on Wednesday 23^rd February 2022 at the Earl of Doncaster Hotel, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster DN2 6AD (www.theearl.co.uk).

 

The conference is a great opportunity to meet likeminded reps and hear about what they are doing to improve health and safety in their workplaces. 

 

We have an excellent line up of speakers, to mark this the 20^th anniversary of the conference, including RMT Senior Officers and Andy McDonald MP, former Shadow Transport Secretary and member of RMT Parliamentary Group. 

 

Also, to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the conference, we have new RMT H&S rep merchandise – available to conference attendees prior to any left over to be available to anyone else. 

 

The theme of this year’s conference is “The role of the Safety Representative in the Covid/post-Covid ‘brave new world”, meaning that the focus for speakers will be on issues that have become more apparent over the course of the pandemic such as ventilation - in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the workplace environment, pollution (for example diesel).

 

Conference speakers include Sarah Wooley, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Ian Ferguson, Eastern Regional Health, Safety and Environment Director, Network Rail, Graham Petersen of TUCAN (Trade Union Clean Air Network), Tom Kearney, founder of LondonBusWatch – Safer Oxford Street Campaign and back by popular demand, Shelly Asquith, TUC Health and Safety Officer and Hilda Palmer of the National Hazards Campaign.

 

Training

 

A training course will be provided to all delegates and will be related to the conference theme. In the past this has made it easier for delegates to obtain release with pay from their employers. Please advise the Health and Safety team (j.havard@rmt.org.uk) if you require a release paper in my name which you can then forward to your HR department.

 

For reps with more experience, the training will highlight what support there is available for reps post-training, and how to get more involved in Safety Committees, the union branch and the union more widely.

 

As part of the conference programme all delegates will be allocated a place on the RMT’s new training course which will be offered either the day before Conference, Tuesday 22^ndFebruary 2022, or the day after, Thursday 24^th February 2022. The training course will take place both at the hotel and at the Bob Crow National Education Centre (BCNEC) in Doncaster 47-51 Thorne Road, Doncaster DN1 2EX. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Delegates are asked to express their preference on the attached nomination form. To equally spread delegates across the training courses and to balance numbers, delegates who do not comply with the cut-off date for nominations may have to be allocated to a less busy course. Given the restrictions in numbers allowed per room, this will be strictly observed and members are asked to be understanding.

 

Accommodation

 

The BCNEC can accommodate a maximum of 36. Delegates are encouraged to book accommodation at the earliest opportunity (y.thiede@rmt.org.uk), advising the following: which nights are required, and on which days breakfast and/or evening meal will be required; also include in your email any dietary requirements and/or mobility issues.

 

The Earl of Doncaster offers a discounted event bed & breakfast rate (Please mention that you are attending the RMT Conference when booking).

 

Nominations

 

Branches and Regional Councils are invited to nominate General or Shipping Grades members to attend conference who are, where possible, accredited Health and Safety Representatives. A nomination form is attached and may be photocopied, if necessary. Additional forms are also available from Head Office on request. Completed nomination forms should be returned by email to Head Office (m.santamera@rmt.org.uk) by the closing date of Thursday 3^rd February. Please ensure that your email address is appended to your form.

 

The agenda and final conference arrangements will be sent to Branches and delegates in the next couple of weeks.

 

There is no limit on the number of delegates any one Branch may nominate. Branches are advised that it is appropriate that, where necessary, delegates’ expenses can be funded from the Branch Management Fund or by Regional Council as appropriate. In line with AGM item No.64, 2005, delegates should attempt to secure paid release from their employer. In cases where paid release is not secured, and branches have insufficient funds they can apply to Head Office for a £35 delegate fee for up to six delegates. Delegates must be nominated by the branch to receive this rate.

 

Please note that RMT will ensure that provisions are in place to ensure the health and safety of delegates is protected in the conference and training sessions during the ongoing pandemic.

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary