UNISON Scotland APF Rules

This document sets out the operational rules under which the Affiliated Political Fund section of UNISON is administered and organised. It supplements and is governed by the requirements for the Affiliated Political Fund which are set out in rule J of the UNISON Rule Book. Under these rules the administration of the APF is delegated by the NEC to the exclusive control of a committee of NEC members who pay the affiliated political levy. These rules have been approved in this regard by the National Affiliated Political Committee. However, the committee are also seeking the approval of the National Political Forum being held in May 1995 before they formally come into effect in July 1995. The National Affiliated Political Committee are also recommending that any amendments to these rules in the future should have the approval of the National Political Forum before implementation.

1.2 Name and Terminology

The UNISON Rule Book specifies that for the interim period until January 1996 the political fund into which ex COHSE and ex NUPE political levy payers contribute should be known as the COHSE/NUPE Political Fund. From January 1996 it becomes known as the Affiliated Political Fund. However, to avoid confusion the term Affiliated Political Fund has been brought into common usage prior to this date, although in formal terms the rule book description must still apply. In addition the APF has a members and stewards newsletter entitled UNISON Labour Link which sets out its purpose more clearly.

1.3 Aims and Objects

The aims and objects of the APF are centred in the traditions of the two partner unions that were affiliated to the Labour Party. They compliment and expand upon the Aims and Objects of UNISON as set out in the Rule Book. The key Aims and Objects are:

a) To affiliate to the Labour Party at national, regional and local level and play a major role in supporting Labour Party activities.

b) To campaign for support for the Labour Party and the election of a Labour government.

c) To persuade levy payers to become individual members of the Labour Party and become more involved in Party activities.

d) To play a major role in policy making within the Labour Party ensuring that the interests and concerns of levy payers are fully reflected in Labour's policy commitments.

e) To encourage levy payers to participate fully in APF activities and policy making, using good communications to keep members informed; developing the APF structures to involve members; and using all appropriate measures including individual ballots in decision making.

1.4 Functions

In pursuit of these objects the key APF functions are defined as:

a) Paying the affiliation fees and making donations to Labour Party activities on the basis established by the National Affiliated Political Committee.

b) Developing recruitment strategies to encourage levy payers to become members of the Labour Party.

c) Campaigning amongst levy payers and in the wider community to win support for Labour's policies.

d) Playing a full part in local government, national and Euro elections to maximise the vote for Labour.

e) Representing APF levy payers at Labour Party committees, conferences and forums.

f) Maintaining a group of sponsored MPs and candidates to ensure a voice in Parliament; develop links with UNISON members who are Labour councillors; maintaining a group of sponsored Labour MEPs to address concerns through the European Parliament.

g) Developing a wide range of political education activities to assist levy payers in participating in the Labour Party more effectively.

h) Communicating effectively with levy payers to inform and motivate their involvement and provide opportunities for feedback.

i) Establishing structures within the APF which recognise the wide range of contributions levy payers are able to make, but also the limitations and restrictions which need to be taken into account.

j) Involving the widest number of members possible in decision making and seeking their views on policy issues using all appropriate means.

k) Enabling lay members and paid employees to work in partnership for the common cause.

l) Liaising closely with the General Political Fund to work together on shared objectives.

m) Linking up with other affiliated trade unions to pursue common objectives within the Labour Party and the wider community.

1.5 Proportionality and Fair Representation

The APF is strongly committed to the application of proportionality and fair representation at all levels of activity. In addition, Labour Party rules require that conference delegations reflect the proportion of women and men in membership. In the case of the APF approximately two-thirds of the levy payers are women. Therefore, all committees and delegations should reflect this requirement. In elections where the small numbers do not allow a two-thirds/one-third split the National Affiliated Political Committee will issue further advice on how this objective can best be met.

The definition of fair representation is more complex but equally important. The UNISON rule book defines fair representation as "taking into account such factors as the balance between part-time and full time workers, manual and non manual workers, different occupations, skills, qualifications, responsibilities, race, sexuality and disability".

Our commitment to this principle means that representation in APF structures should reflect the make up of our APF membership. There are two key aspects to the definition where it is clear that particular steps will have to be taken, as ignoring the problem perpetuates the discrimination.

The first area of concern is to ensure that those defined traditionally as manual or ancillary workers have their voice and interests fully represented within the APF structure and Labour Party.

The second element of fair representation is the need to ensure that black, disabled and gay and lesbian levy payers are properly represented in the APF structure.

It is therefore agreed:

a) That the definition of "manual and ancillary" representation is based upon membership of the relevant occupational categories within the service groups. There should be an upper earnings limit in terms of an hourly rate of pay equal to the top of Band C subscriptions - currently £10,000 - i.e. £4.90 per hour.

b) That the proportion of levy payers within these occupational categories and earning below this level will be calculated in conjunction with the national negotiators and membership records department.

c) This proportion will then be applied for all elections to the regional affiliated political committees, the national affiliated political committee, regional and national forums, and regional and national delegations to Labour Party conferences.

d) In addition, steps will be taken to ensure the representation of black, disabled and gay and lesbian APF levy payers at regional and national forums and on delegations by co-opting as appropriate.

1.6 Ways of Working

These rules are laid down to protect the rights of levy payers. However, it is intended that they will only be invoked at times when particular guidance is needed or a dispute has arisen.

It is intended that the activities of the APF for the most part will be conducted on an informal basis in the spirit of openness and mutual support in a jargon free environment.

CHAPTER 2

MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

2.1 How to Join the APF

Membership of the Affiliated Political Fund is available to all UNISON members on the following basis:

Members who were ex COHSE or ex NUPE and paid the political levy automatically became members of the Affiliated Political Fund.

Members joining UNISON after 1st July 1993 who join an unmerged ex COHSE or ex NUPE branch will automatically pay into the Affiliated Political Fund unless they opt out of paying the political levy.

Members joining a merged branch after 1st July 1993 can choose into which political fund they wish to contribute. Members who do not indicate their choice on the application form will be allocated to the political fund into which the highest number of members in the branch already contribute.

From 1st January 1996 all UNISON members can choose whether they want to contribute to the Affiliated Political Fund, the General Political Fund, or both, or neither.

Application forms are available from the steward or branch secretary.

2.2 Political Fund Contribution Rates

The political fund contribution rates are published in the UNISON rule book. The political fund levy is part of the UNISON subscription rate and is not an additional charge. However, members choosing to pay both the APF and the GPF levies will incur an additional charge for one of the levies as set out in the UNISON rule book.

2.3 Rights of Individual APF Levy Payers

Levy payers have the following rights within the Affiliated Political Fund structure:

a) Attend and vote on APF issues (as set out in Chapter 3) at their branch meeting or sectional meeting if the branch includes GPF levy payers.

b) To be consulted on policy and constitutional matters concerning the APF and the Labour Party and receive regular reports from branch delegates and representatives.

c) Receive regular copies of UNISON Labour Link and other publications providing information on APF activities.

d) Vote in the ballot for Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party provided that the requirement to be eligible to join the Labour Party is met.

e) Elect branch delegates to represent the branch at the APF regional political forum, candidates for which must be individual members of the Labour Party.

f) Attend political education events organised at a local, regional and national level.

In addition, levy payers who become individual members of the Labour Party are eligible to participate in other APF activities including the delegations to regional and national Labour Party conferences, the regional and national affiliated political committee and the Regional and National Political Forum.

Applications to join the Labour Party are available from your branch secretary or APF political officer.

CHAPTER 3

LOCAL ORGANISATION

3.1 Branch Structure

All APF levy payers within a branch should meet together regularly to discuss APF matters within the terms of the Rule Book and the Code of Good Branch Practice.

Where a branch contains members paying into the General Political Fund or not paying a political levy, arrangements must be made for APF levy payers to meet separately from the normal branch business.

3.2 APF Political Officer

Each branch should elect an APF Political Officer to co-ordinate APF activities who must be a member of the Labour Party. The role of the Political Officer will include to:

a) receive correspondence and information on APF matters from national and regional levels and from the Labour Party;

b) help explain and develop the role of the APF within the branch and ensure that correct procedures are followed regarding the rights of APF levy payers;

c) circulate information to APF members in the branch;

d) convene meetings of APF members as necessary;

e) arrange discussions on policy and constitutional matters for members and ensure reports are made by branch delegates on their activities on behalf of members;

f) liaise with APF regional officers;

g) promote political education and policy discussions;

h) strengthen links with local Labour Parties;

i) communicate with Labour Party members within the branch;

j) encourage individual membership of the Labour Party;

k) build campaigning work around key issues and at elections.

3.3 Branch Functions

The following issues are the legitimate business of the APF levy payers within a branch:

a) Agreeing to affiliate to appropriate Constituency Labour Parties or District Labour Parties where members of the branch live or work. Electing delegates to represent the branch at the L.P. General Committees, sending resolutions and receiving regular reports from delegates.

Forms to confirm the affiliations and delegates are sent out to APF political officers each year from the Regional Political Contact.

b) Electing up to two branch representatives to the Regional Affiliated Political Forum, held annually, on the basis of fair representation as set out in Chapter 1 (at least one of whom must be a woman) and sending resolutions, as appropriate. All candidates must be individual members of the Labour Party.

c) Nominating branch representatives for election to the Regional Affiliated Political Committee.

d) Nominating branch representatives who must be individual members of the Labour Party for election to the APF delegation to the regional Labour Party Conference.

e) Nominating branch representatives who must be individual members of the Labour Party for election to the regional delegation to the National Affiliated Political Forum.

f) Electing a branch APF Political Officer to coordinate activities and represent the levy payers on the branch committee.

g) Discussing and developing policies to pursue through the regional and national APF structures and the Labour Party and receiving reports from delegates on activities.

h) Supporting and participating in local Labour Party initiatives and campaigns for the Local, National and Euro Elections.

i) Organising recruitment campaigns to persuade levy payers to become individual members of the Labour Party.

j) Participating in political education events.

k) Linking with other affiliated union branches and the local community to support Labour Party activities.

1) Liaising with members paying into the General Political Fund on issues of common concern.

3.4 Financial Issues

The Affiliated Political Fund, based on the income from levy payers is calculated annually at a national level and a budget drawn up which includes an allowance for regional activities. Branch APF levy payers can apply to the region for donations and grants above the CLP affiliations made on their behalf. Guidelines will be produced for branches setting out the framework for financing APF branch activities.

CHAPTER 4

REGIONAL ORGANISATION

4.1 APF Regions

There will be 12 regional structures within the APF based on the UNISON regions excluding Northern Ireland. Where UNISON regional boundaries are not co-terminus with Labour Party regional boundaries separate arrangements will be made to ensure that appropriate meetings and delegations are coordinated across UNISON boundaries. This will be the responsibility of the regional political contacts in the regions concerned.

4.2 Regional Affiliated Political Committee

Composition

Each region will establish a Regional Affiliated Political Committee which will be elected annually, normally at the beginning of the year.

All members and ex officio members of the committee shall be individual members of the Labour Party and APF levy payers. Appropriate measures will be taken to obtain fair representation on the committee to reflect the make up of APF membership as outlined in Chapter 1.

The committee will be composed as follows:

a) Nine members elected on the basis of fair representation as set out in Chapter 1 (at least five of whom shall be women). These members to be elected at the regional forum, by branch ballot or by individual ballot of APF members, as determined in advance with the NAPC. There should aim to be a spread of service group and geographical representation.

b) Six members elected by the APF levy payers on the UNISON regional committee from amongst the members of that committee paying the APF levy. They shall be elected on the basis of fair representation as set out in Chapter 1 (at least three of whom shall be women). Variations to this may be agreed by the NAPC.

c) Ex officio members who serve on the National Affiliated Political Committee who may speak but shall not vote.

d) Ex officio members who represent the APF on the regional Labour Party Executive who may speak but shall not vote.

e) The Regional Political Contact, who will be a paid official and will act as secretary to the committee: and other paid officials, as appropriate, who may speak but shall not vote.

4.3 Chair/Vice Chair

The Committee shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chair (one of whom shall be a woman). The election shall take place at the first meeting of the Committee following the Regional Affiliated Political Forum. The Chair and Vice shall also act as Chair and Vice Chair of the regional forum.

4.4 Frequency of Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least quarterly at venues, dates and times to be agreed by the Committee.

4.5 Functions of the Regional Affiliated Political Committee

The Regional Affiliated Political Committee shall have the following functions:

a) Oversee the organisation and administration of all Affiliated Political Fund (APF) activities throughout the region, in between meetings of the Regional Affiliated Political Forum.

b) Control the regional Affiliated Political Fund and budget.

c) Ensure the widest participation of members in decision making and policy issues at all levels within the region using all appropriate democratic means.

d) Receive regular reports from the regional Labour Party Executive and associated committees and guide the work of the union's representatives.

e) Receive regular reports from members of the National Affiliated Political Committee.

f) Ensure effective liaison with sponsored MPs in the region.

g) Coordinate policy development on all issues relating to the regional Labour Party.

h) Encourage members to pay the APF and to persuade levy payers to join the Labour Party.

i) Organise political education events to develop the knowledge and skills of members and activists.

j) Coordinate campaigns on Labour Party issues.

k) Provide resources and support for the regional Labour Party before an during elections.

l) Request donations and sponsorship for particular candidates and campaigns from national level.

m) Develop links with Labour Councillors' representatives.

n) Oversee the effective and democratic involvement of Affiliated Political Fund representatives within the party's structures at regional and local level.

o) Enable the setting up of separate women's and youth groups, as appropriate.

p) Promote equality and fair representation at all levels of APF organisation in the region, monitoring progress and taking appropriate action to obtain these aims.

q) Prepare an annual report to be submitted to the NAPC on the development of the APF organisation in the region and activities during the year.

4.6 Regional Affiliated Political Forum

Each region shall hold an annual regional affiliated political forum prior to the National Affiliated Political Forum at a time and venue agreed by the Regional Affiliated Political Committee. A special meeting of the Forum may be called by the Regional Affiliated Political Committee.

4.7 Composition

The composition of the forum shall be as follows:

a) Up to two representatives from each UNISON branch entitled to be represented on the basis of fair representation as set out in Chapter 1 (at least one of whom must be a woman). Such representatives may speak and vote and must be individual members of the Labour Party.

b) Elected members of the Regional Affiliated Political Committee. Such members may speak and vote.

c) Representatives on the Regional Labour Party Executive Committee, Regional Labour Women's Committee and other Labour Party bodies. Such representatives will be ex-officio and may speak but shall not vote.

d) Representatives from the region on the National Affiliated Political Committee. Such representatives will be ex-officio and may speak but shall not vote.

e) Sponsored MPs and MEPs from within the region. MPs and MEPs will be ex-officio and may speak but shall not vote.

f) Secretary of the Regional Affiliated Political Committee and other paid officials as appropriate. Such officials may speak but shall not vote.

4.8 Eligibility to Participate

All representatives and ex officio delegates must be individual members of the Labour Party.

4.9 Changes to this Composition

Variations to this composition of regional committees and forums to take into account local circumstances can be agreed by the National Affiliated Political Committee. Requests should be submitted in writing setting out the proposed variation and the reasons why this is necessary.

4.10 Chair/Vice Chair

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Regional Affiliated Political Forum shall be the Chair and Vice Chair of the Regional Affiliated Political Committee.

4.11 Functions of the Regional Affiliated Political Forum

The functions of the Regional Affiliated Political Forum are as follows:

a) To receive reports from the Regional Affiliated Political Committee, the representatives on the regional Labour Party Executive and other representatives, as appropriate.

b) To conduct elections for APF regional representatives and delegates in accordance with these rules.

c) To receive and debate motions from APF branches and the Regional Affiliated Political Committee. Motions received will be circulated to branches and the RAPC. Each branch and the RAPC will be able to submit two amendments within a timescale agreed by the RAPC.

d) To develop the objectives and priorities for the region in the coming year.

e) To determine APF policy in the regional Labour Party within the overall national APF policy.

f) To develop APF policy and organisational proposals through workshops and political education initiatives.

g) To determine up to two motions to be forwarded to the National Affiliated Political Forum.

4.12 Voting at the Forum

When formal votes are required on policy and constitutional issues affecting the APF and Labour Party and for regional representatives and delegates, it shall be carried out using a weighted system of voting to reflect APF membership in branches as follows:

* one vote for branches with up to 250 APF members;

* one vote for each 250 APF members or part thereof above this;

* up to a maximum of 8 votes for any branch.

4.13 Regional Elections

The region is entitled to determine the following categories of representatives through branch ballot, through a ballot conducted at the forum or by an individual ballot of members, depending on the method laid out in these rules or agreed in advance by the NAPC:

a) 9 places on the Regional Affiliated Political Committee based on fair representation as set out in Chapter 1 (5 of whom shall be women).

b) The specified number of places at the National Affiliated Political Forum as determined by the size of the region, according to the schedule set out in Chapter 5.

c) Two delegates to the national Labour Party Conference on the basis of the schedule set out in Chapter 5.

d) The delegation to the regional Labour Party Conference.

All delegates to the Regional Affiliated Political Committee, National Affiliated Political Forum, Regional Labour Party and National Labour Party must be APF levy payers and fully paid up members of the Labour Party.

CHAPTER 5

NATIONAL ORGANISATION

5.1 The National Affiliated Political Committee (NAPC) Composition

The NAPC is a Committee established under Rule J8.2 of UNISON Rules. It comprises 12 members of the National Executive Council elected by members of the NEC who are contributors to the Affiliated Political Fund and one representative from each Region (save for Northern Ireland) elected by members in Branches in that Region who are contributors to the Affiliated Political Fund. All members of the NAPC must be contributors to the Affiliated Political Fund and paid up individual members of the Labour Party.

Members of the NAPC elected by the NEC are elected for a 1 year period. Regional representatives on the NAPC are to be elected for a 2 year period by an individual ballot of APF members in that region, unless a variation is agreed by the NEC on the recommendation of the NAPC.

Membership of the NAPC should meet our commitment to proportionality and fair representation, reflecting the membership patterns of UNISON APF as laid out in chapter 1.

Members of the NAPC will be expected to report back to and liaise with their respective Regional Affiliated Political Committees.

The NAPC shall meet quarterly. Meetings will be chaired by an elected lay member of the Committee.

The Head of the Affiliated Political Fund will act as secretary to the Committee. Labour Party NEC representatives and appopriate officers shall attend the meetings.

5.2 Functions

The NAPC will be responsible for the efficient overall administration and organisation of the Affiliated Political Fund.

The NAPC will -

a) oversee local and regional APF organisation to ensure its effective operation;

b) ensure effective liaison and communication with the Regional Affiliated Political Committees.

c) deal with all issues relating to the Labour Party, ensuring proper representation and input of policy;

d) be responsible for the Affiliated Political Fund and budgets which arise from its operation;

e) pay the affiliation to the Labour Party and consider other appropriate donations, grants and affiliations;

f) oversee issues relating to the sponsorships of Labour MPs and MEPs;

g) receive regular reports from APF representatives on Labour's NEC, other Labour Party committees and policy forums;

h) receive annual reports from APF regional committees and take any appropriate action to ensure good practice;

i) develop political education and policy debates, encourage Labour Party membership and campaign for UNISON APF and Labour Party policies;

j) oversee arrangements for delegations to the Labour Party Conference and other conferences, as appropriate;

k) assist the Labour Party financially and organisationally at election times;

l) promote equality and fair representation at all levels of UNISON APF and within the Labour Party, monitoring progress and taking appropriate steps to obtain these aims;

m) keep members informed of APF activities and promote good communications;

n) seek the widest involvement of members in decision making, elections and policy development using all appropriate means including membership ballots.

o) do everything necessary to ensure the proper administration of the Affiliated Political Fund.

5.3 The National Affifliated Political Forum

The NAPF shall meet annually at a time and place determined by the NAPC, taking into account the timing of the UNISON National Delegate Conference and Labour Party Conference.

5.4 Composition

The forum shall consist of representatives on the following basis, ensuring that our criteria for proportionality and fair representation described in Chapter 1 are met and that all representatives are individual members of the Labour Party:

a) Representatives from the twelve APF regions according to the APF membership:

up to 50,000 APF members : 6 representatives (at least 4 women)

50,000 to 75,000 " : 8 representatives (at least 5 women)

above 75,001 " : 10 representatives (at least 6 women)

They shall be elected each year by the Regional Affiliated Political Forums or any other manner approved in advance by the NAPC.

b) Members of the Labour Party Conference delegation for that year.

c) Regional APF representatives on Labour Party regional executives (ex officio).

d) Members of the NAPC.

e) APF sponsored MPs and MEPs (ex officio).

f) The APF Standing Orders Committee members.

National paid officials and regional political contact officers will also attend and carry out the responsibilities assigned to them.

5.5 Voting Rights

Voting rights at the Forum are restricted to those delegates who are lay members in the first two constituent groups (a) and (b) apart from any NAPC members who have been elected in these categories.

5.6 Standing Orders Committee

The APF forum standing orders committee shall consist of six members as follows:

a) two members from the NAPC;

b) four members elected from the APF regions. Each region will be able to nominate one person and the election shall take place at the national forum, meeting criteria for proportionality and fair representation as laid out in Appendix I : Rules and Standing Orders.

5.7 Motions

Each APF region and the NAPC shall submit up to two motions for consideration by the NAPF. These should be not more than three hundred words in length and be confined to one subject. The NAPC is also entitled to submit an annual report and statements to the forum on a basis approved by the SOC. Motions accepted by the SOC for consideration by the NAPF will be circulated to RAPCs. Each region will be able to submit two amendments within a timetable agreed by the SOC.

5.8 Changes to the APF Operational Rules

Changes to these APF Operational Rules may be submitted from among their two motions to the Forum by APF regions or from the NAPC. Rule changes require a two-thirds majority for approval.

If a motion is approved by the Forum that would require a rule change to put into practice, an appropriate rule amendment will be submitted to the next annual Forum by the NAPC for approval.

5.9 Responsibilities

The NAPF shall determine the policies of the APF through workshops and plenary debates. It shall look at the best ways to promote UNISON APF policies amongst members and within the Labour Party. The forum shall also seek to coordinate regional organisation and activities; receive reports of APF activities from the NAPC; and prioritise APF campaigns.

5.10 UNISON/APF Labour Party Conference Delegation Composition

The UNISON APF delegation to the annual Labour Party Conference shall consist of 49 members who are all individual members of the Labour Party. The delegation shall meet the requirements of UNISON APF and the Labour Party to proportionality and fair representation as described in Chapter 1. The delegation is made up of:

a) two representatives from each of the twelve APF regions. All regions must elect at least one woman each year and four regions, on a rotating basis, must elect a second woman;

b) the Chair and five members of the NAPC, at least three of whom should be women;

c) four members of the NEC who pay the affiliated political levy, at least two of whom should be women and not excluding members of the NAPC;

d) two APF members each from the black, disabled and lesbian and gay self organised groups, at least one from each being a woman;

e) two APF sponsored MPs, at least one being a woman.

f) seven paid officials as determined by the senior officer responsible for the APF, at least four of whom should be women.

5.11 Responsibilities

A group meeting of the delegation shall agree positions on policy motions and elections in accordance with UNISON APF policy, including the position of the previous APF partner unions, and taking into account the policies agreed at the UNISON conference as set out in the attached statement.

5.12 Sectional Labour Party Conferences

The NAPC will draw up a schedule for APF delegations to sectional Labour Party Conferences based upon the widest possible regional involvement and proportionality and fair representation.

5.13 Relationship with UNISON Conference

The relationship of the APF structure to UNISON Conference was discussed at the 1994 UNISON Conference. A statement from the NEC was submitted to the Conference clarifying the relationship. This is set out in Appendix IIA. A report from the Standing Orders Committee as set out in Appendix IIB was also adopted by the Conference. These two documents form the basis on which the APF relates to UNISON Conference decisions.

APPENDIX I

NATIONAL AFFILIATED POLITICAL FORUM

RULES AND STANDING ORDERS

1. Application of Standing Orders

1.1 These Standing Orders shall apply to all meetings of the UNISON National Affiliated Political Forum. The principles of proportionality and fair representation, as detailed in the APF operational rules, shall apply to all aspects of our work.

1.2 The National Affiliated Political Forum will be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and generosity. The Chair will take all necessary steps to create a welcoming atmosphere in which delegates can state their views freely and be heard without interruption.

1.3 The Chair will take all possible steps to guide the Forum through the business without recourse to procedural points unless absolutely necessary to maintain order. In such cases the procedures being adopted will be explained clearly to all delegates by the Chair.

1.4 The Standing Orders Committee will liaise closely with the Chair of the Forum to create a programme which is fair, democratic and understood by all delegates.

2. Standing Orders Committee

2.1 The members of the Standing Orders Committee shall hold office from the end of one National Affiliated Political Forum until the end of the next National Affiliated Political Forum.

The Standing Orders Committee will consist of six members, four elected from the regions and two nominated from the National Affiliated Political Committee (at least one woman).

The four regional representatives will be selected by the following procedure:

i) each Regional Affiliated Political Committee may nominate a candidate for the Standing Orders Committee taking regard of proportionality and fair representation;

each candidate to submit a statement of up to 250 words to be circulated to delegates to the National Forum; election by individual ballot of delegates with voting rights at the Forum;

iii) each delegate to have four votes for the four representatives needed; to ensure proportionality the two women candidates with most votes will be automatically elected together with the other two candidates with the highest votes.

2.2 At its first meeting after it takes office, the Committee shall elect a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson from amongst its members (at least one of whom shall be a woman).

2.3 The functions of the Committee, subject to these Standing Orders, shall be to:

2.3.1 ensure that the Rules and Standing Orders relating to the business of the Forum are observed, and notify the President of any violation that may be brought to the Committee's notice;

2.3.2 draw up the agenda of Forum business, and the proposed hours of business;

2.3.3 determine the order in which the business of the Forum shall be conducted, subject to the approval of Forum;

2.3.4 consider all motions and amendments submitted for consideration by the Forum and, for the purpose of enabling the Forum to transact its business effectively, the Committee shall:

1. decide whether such motions and amendments have been submitted in accordance with the Rules;

2. group together motions and amendments relating to the same subject, decide the order in which they should be considered and whether they should be debated and voted on separately or debated together and voted on sequentially;

3. prepare and revise, in consultation with the movers of motions, and amendments, composite motions in terms which in the opinion of the Committee best express the subject;

4. refer to another representative body within the Union a motion which in the opinion of the Committee should properly be considered there; the region shall be informed of the reason for so doing;

5. have power to do all such other things are may be necessary to give effect to these Standing Orders.

2.4 Any decisions of the Committee which are to be reported to the Forum shall be announced by the Chairperson of the Committee and shall be subject to ratification by the Forum.

3. Motions and Amendments: Pre-Forum Procedure

3.1 Each region may submit two motions in order for the business to be completed in the allotted time.

3.2 Motions may be proposed by the Regional Affiliated Political Committees on behalf of their Regional Affiliated Political Forum.

3.3 The National Affiliated Political Committee may also submit motions and other appropriate business to the Forum.

3.4 Motions shall be sent to the Head of the APF in order that the Standing Orders Committee may consider them for inclusion in the agenda.

3.5 Regional Affiliated Political Committees may submit up to two amendments. The date and time by which motions and amendments to be considered for the Forum shall be received by the Head of the APF shall be notified to Regional Affiliated Political Committees by the Head of the APF.

4. Conduct of the Forum

4.1 The National Affiliated Political Forum shall meet in public session, except that by direction of the National Affiliated Political Committee or by resolution of the Forum the whole or any part of a Forum may be held in private. In addition to the elected delegates and those who have the right to attend and speak at the Forum, the only persons permitted to attend a private session of the Forum shall be:

4.1.1 such members of the staff as have been authorised by the National Affiliated Political Committee or the Head of the APF to attend the Forum;

4.1.2 such other persons as the Chair may determine.

4.2 The agenda for the National Affiliated Political Forum shall be arranged so that the first session of the Forum shall be in public, subject to Rule 4.1 above.

4.3 Apart from the elected delegates and those persons who have the right to speak at the National Affiliated Political Forum no other person shall speak except by permission of the Standing Orders Committee.

4.4 Any questions of procedure or order raised during the Forum shall be decided by the Chair whose ruling shall be final and binding.

4.5 Upon the Chair rising during a Forum session, any person then addressing Forum shall resume her/his seat and no other person shall rise to speak until the Chair authorises proceedings to continue.

4.6 The Chair may call attention to continued irrelevance, tedious repetition, unbecoming language, or any breach of order on the part of a member and may direct such a member to discontinue his or her speech.

4.7 The Chair shall have power to call any person to order who is causing a disturbance in any session of the Forum and if that person refuses to obey the Chair, she/he shall be named by the Chair, shall forthwith leave the Forum and shall take no further part in the proceedings of that Forum.

5. Voting

5.1 The method of voting shall be by a show of hands of the delegates present, unless a card vote is called by the Chair or, immediately after the result of the show of hands has been declared, by at least 10 per cent of the delegates registered at the Forum standing in support.

5.2 In the event of a card vote being called, the vote shall be taken immediately, but no business shall be suspended pending the declaration of the result of the vote except that which in the Chair's opinion may be directly affected by that result.

6. Tellers

6.1 Conference shall appoint delegates to act as tellers for the duration of the Forum.

7. Withdrawal of Motions and Amendments

7.1 A motion or amendment which is shown on the agenda may not be withdrawn without the consent of the Standing Orders Committee, whose decision shall be reported to the Forum.

8. Motions not on Agenda

8.1 A motion which is not shown on the agenda may not be considered by the Forum without the prior approval of the Standing Orders Committee and the consent of the Forum, which shall be governed by the following rules:

8.2 Such motions shall be in writing, signed by the Secretary and Chairperson of the Regional Affiliated Political Committee on whose behalf it is submitted and shall be sent to the Standing Orders Committee at least five working days before the commencement of the Forum except if it relates to events which take place thereafter. It will state at which meeting it was debated and adopted.

8.3 If the Standing Orders Committee gives its approval to the motion being considered, copies shall be made available for delegates before the Forum is asked to decide whether to consent to the matter being considered.

8.4 An emergency motion will not be given priority over others on the agenda except where the Standing Orders Committee decide that the purpose of the motion in question would be frustrated if it were not dealt with at an earlier session of the Forum.

9. Procedural Motions

Delegates are requested to observe the intent of paragraphs 1.2 to 1.4 and to conduct the business of the Forum without recourse to procedural points unless judged essential to help the work of the Forum. In this context the following procedural motions may be moved at any time without previous notice on the agenda:

9.1 that the question be now put, provided that:

1. the Chair may advise the Forum not to accept this motion if in her/his opinion the matter has not been sufficiently discussed;

2. if the motion is carried, it shall take effect at once subject only to any right of reply under these Standing Orders.

9.2 that the Forum proceed to the next business.

9.3 that the debate be adjourned.

9.4 that the Forum (or any part thereof) be held in private session.

9.5 a motion under Rules 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 shall be put to the vote without discussion and no amendment shall be allowed.

9.6 the Chair may at her/his discretion permit a motion under Rule 9.4 to be discussed.

9.7 no motion under Rules 9.2 or 9.3 shall be moved by a person who has spoken on the motion in question.

10. Limit of Speeches

10.1 The mover of a motion shall not be allowed to speak for more than seven minutes and each succeeding speaker for not more than four minutes, except where the Standing Orders Committee have decided otherwise.

10.2 No person shall speak more than once on a question, except that the mover of the original motion may exercise a right of reply for not more than four minutes, introducing no new material.

11. Points of Order

11.1 A delegate may raise a point of order if she/he considers that the business is not being conducted in accordance with the Forum's Rules and Standing Orders.

11.2 Such a point of order must be raised as soon as the alleged breach occurs or at the earliest practicable moment thereafter.

11.3 The Chair's ruling on the point of order is final.

12. Grouped Debates and Sequential Voting

12.1 Where, in the view of the Standing Orders Committee, separate debates on specified motions dealing with the same subject matter would lead to undue repetition in the debates, a grouped debate and/or sequential voting may be adopted by the Forum.

12.2 The following procedure will be followed:

1. the Chair will advise the Forum of the order of business and of the sequence in which motions will be moved and voted on following a general debate, and of the effect of certain proposals on others;

2. all motions included in the debate shall be moved;

3. the general debate shall take place;

4. the Chair shall again state the order of voting and shall advise the Forum which, if any, motions will fall if others are carried;

5. voting will take place on motions preceded by relevant amendments, in the order in which they were moved;

6. a debate being conducted under this procedure may not be adjourned until after all the motions have been moved.

13. Reports by National Affiliated Political Committee

13.1 After the opening of the Forum the National Affiliated Political Committee shall present its report for the past year. The report shall be discussed on a subject basis and in conjunction with any motions on the agenda which bears directly upon any part of the report.

13.2 If the National Affiliated Political Committee presents a report to the Forum which contains proposals or recommendations, approval and adoption shall be sought from the Forum.

14. Reference of outstanding items to the National Affiliated Political Committee

14.1 If at the end of the National Political Forum the business of the Forum has not been concluded, all motions then outstanding shall stand referred to the National Affiliated Political Committee which shall in due course report to members its decision on these matters.

15. Suspension of Standing Orders

15.1 Any one or more of these Standing Orders may be suspended by a resolution of the Forum in relation to a specific item of business properly before that Forum and to the proceedings thereon at that Forum, provided that at least two-thirds of the delegates present and voting shall vote for the resolution or in the case of a card vote at least two-thirds of the votes cast are for the resolution.

APPENDIX II

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER UNION BODIES

UNISON CONFERENCE 1994

A. Statement on UNISON Policy-Making and the Labour Party

The UNISON Rules make it clear that the supreme policy-making body of the union is the National Delegate Conference and that between Conferences the National Executive Council is responsible for management and control of the union.

The Rules also provide for a political fund which maintains the relationships which reflect the traditions of COHSE, NALGO and NUPE. Therefore, the political fund is divided into two sections to enable continued affiliation to the Labour Party on the one hand and political independence on the other.

It is accepted that UNISON as a whole is not affiliated to the Labour Party and the National Delegate Conference does not debate motions in a Labour Party context.

Under the Rules, both sections of the political fund are under the exclusive control of two separate committees consisting of members of the NEC paying into their section of the fund. In this context the Affiliated Political Fund has set up a structure to mirror Labour Party areas of participation and decision-making involving their levy payers. Therefore, the Affiliated Political Fund, representing the members who are affiliated to the Labour Party, should decide the most appropriate ways to pursue agreed UNISON policy in the Labour Party.

The Affiliated Political Fund also receives policy consultation documents from the Labour Party to which it has to respond in a way which effectively promotes UNISON policy. This means that the APF must have a legitimate role in helping to develop UNISON policy.

Discussions are continuing on how the policies should be interpreted and any differences resolved in liaison with the GPF and Policy and Economic Committee representatives. There is a constructive dialogue taking place which should resolve any remaining concerns and it is recognised by all parties that agreement on this is in the interests of UNISON as a whole.

B. Report from the Standing Orders Committee on Reference Back on Point 7 of the Second Report

Conference, this morning you agreed a reference back from the West Midlands Region on that paragraph of the Second Report of the Standing Orders Committee which dealt with motions ruled out of order because of their effect on the Affiliated Political Fund.

The Standing Orders Committee has taken on board the views expressed this morning by Conference and subsequent representations we have received from a number of branches asking us to maintain our position. We have also taken full account of the Rule Book and the Final Report and now wish to report to Conference as follows:

The Rules set out the aims and objects of the Union. There are further sections on national delegate conference, standing orders for that conference, and a further section about the political funds.

With regard to this issue the Standing Orders Committee has had particular regard to Rule B.4.1, Page 3 within the Aims and Objects Section which states:

"To maintain a political fund and the relationships which reflect the traditions of COHSE, NALGO and NUPE."

The Standing Orders Committee has also had regard to rules on the political fund in Section J, in particular Section J.7.1 and J.7.2 referring to the existence of two distinct sections of the political fund and the creation of two separate committees with exclusive control of these sections of the fund.

The Standing Orders Committee consideration has also been informed by relevant sections of the Final Report which have been referred to in the discussions with branches and regions who have raised this issue with the Standing Orders Committee.

We have also been very aware of the manner in which the merger discussions took place and from which the Final Report was produced.

The Standing Orders Committee believes that the Final Report relates in particular to Rule B.4.1 in the Aims and Objects part of the Rule that I referred to earlier.

There is no doubt in our minds that this national delegate conference determines UNISON policy. We did, however, have to look very carefully at the words used in submitted motions because under Rule P.2.3.4.1 we have the duty to decide whether such motions and amendments have been submitted in accordance with the Rules.

Motions which sought to give instruction or direction in relation to Labour Party matters were ruled out of order. However, those which merely ask, urge, or call on were ruled in order. For example a motion which called on the NEC to ensure that a policy decision was taken into the Labour Party Conference, as did the West Midlands Region motion, was ruled out of order. A branch that called on Conference to press for the Labour Party to do something (Tower Hamlets/Composite S) was ruled in order. Conference, the Standing Orders Committee recognise the importance of this matter and the strong feelings which are held on both sides, but firmly believe given all that we have said that the Standing Orders Committee came to the only conclusion we could have come to in dealing with these matters and we therefore strongly urge Conference to accept this report and the position of the Standing Orders Committee.

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