Best of Scottish communications showcased in awards

The best of Scottish branches' communications work was recognised in this year's Scottish Communications Awards.

"Every entry reflected hard work, imagination and a real commitment to the lifeblood of UNISON organisation - communicating with members", said John Stevenson, chair of UNISON Scotland's Communications and Campaigns Committee.

"We were also delighted the awards were presented by National President Malcolm Cantello at the Scottish Council meeting so that the work activists do day in day out across the country could be recognised".

Best Publication

Best Publication went to Highland Healthcare for their UpFront magazine. Judges said: "Members are lucky indeed to have such an informative and well produced magazine in their branch. A pleasure to read - I'd wait for every edition."

In Second Place was Glasgow City's Voice, a magazine which gave "a strong feeling that the union works for members".

Third was UNISON Yarns from Shetland Local Government Branch. Judges said: "This is an excellent publication which shows that size is not everything! If a branch of 850 can produce something as good as this, then there is surely no excuse for every branch not to have a great magazine."

Electronic Media

The Best Use of Electronic Media Award went to the website of Aberdeen Universities Branch. "This has it all… Interactive survey, suggestions box, RSS feeds, a clean logical layout and an informal style", said the judges. see the site at: www.aub-unison.org.uk.

In Second Place was Fife Local Government's website at www.unison-fife.org.uk. The judges said: "Content is comprehensive and deals with the issues members are asking about".

Third was Glasgow City's website and emailed magazine. Judges comments included: "This website is a fantastic resource at a time of dispute in Glasgow with loads of information and campaigning stuff on the pay review." www.glasgowcityunison.org.uk.

Best Campaign

The Best Campaign Award went to the Equal Pay Campaign run by Aberdeenshire Local Government. This impressed because planning the campaign went in tandem with setting out the negotiating priorities. It also relied on full involvement of activists and training and supporting stewards.

As well as tackling a complex issue, it managed to deliver a 10% membership increase. It was, "Well thought out and properly planned showing this sort of campaigning can have results - even on difficult issues."

"Briefings from the negotiators were refreshingly in plain English."

In Second Place was Glasgow City's Local Government Pension Campaign. "This local campaign to get members involved in the day of action was a rousing success with an increase in membership equal to the total size of many Scottish branches."

In Third Place was Aberdeen Universities' six month campaign to increase membership with a £10 voucher for members introducing new members and for the new member themselves. It was: "Strong on design - bright and inviting".

The prize for the winners is a certificate with a logo they can use over the next year and a cheque for £250 for the branch. The judges were Chris Bartter, Scottish Communications Officer, John Stevenson, SiU editor and webmanager and Jane Carolan, NEC.

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