National Delegate Conference 19-22 June 2007

Registration opportunity to recruit as review called for

Mike Kirby

UNISON welcomed occupation and professional registration for protection for the public and practitioners alike, and as an opportunity for occupational development but warned about the challenges it presented for the union.

With the expansion of the number of regulatory bodies and their impact upon an increasing number of UNISON members, this has implications for the union. UNISON agreed to review registration regulations, standards and processes and propose a way forward in terms of resources and training and development. This will be presented to National Delegate Conference 2009.

"What do you expect from a health and social care service?" asked Mike Kirby, Scottish Regional Representative, "You expect to be treated with dignity and respect, that they have the skills and knowledge, that they show high standards of behaviour. With UNISON having members across the range of thirteen regulatory bodies and social care regulatory bodies, Mike said,

"We have campaigned in favour of these bodies across health and social care, however, we are also campaigning for registration fees to be paid by the employer or government."

Mike recognised the commendable work done by UNISON's professional services unit for all workers across health, local government, education and voluntary sectors.

However, resources and publications were designed for a much narrower demand for a much smaller number, hence the need for the report which would assess demands, make recommendations on positioning resources and training and development for branch representatives and staff.

He concluded, "this is not just a resource demand but an ideal opportunity for UNISON to recruit among the range of occupational groups and engage with professional organisations as our recruitment strategy demands."

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