Walk rounds meet the organising challenge in Lothian Health

by Mary Scott, Area Organiser and Jane Fielding, Local Organiser

An organising project involving organisers working with stewards in Lothian Health Branch has led to an increase of 9.5% in recruitment.

By the end of July the branch had recruited 735 new members, compared to 493 at the same time last year.

Branch Secretary Mick McGahey said, “I think the initiative is excellent. The main positive elements are the opportunity and encouragement being given to stewards to develop and the increase in the visible profile of UNISON to our members and potential members.”

Following a meeting with Mick, a draft workplan and six month timetable were prepared, using issues raised by stewards in their personal development plans and the outcomes of the branch assessment. This was backed by the branch committee.

Arrangements were then made to start a series of workplace walk-rounds with local stewards to raise UNISON’s profile and speak to members and non members.

This proved particularly successful in the Royal Infirmary and theWestern General hospitals and gained a substantial increase in new members. Walk rounds are often undertaken along with recruitment stalls in staff areas over a lunch period.

A monthly activity report is discussed by the branch committee, enabling stewards to view their successes and have an input into future initiatives and events.

Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith said, “It is just this sort of success that Meeting the Organising Challenge was set up to deliver.

“I’d like to see branches in other areas and service groups looking at similar initiatives to address the serious issue of recruitment.”

One example of such an initiative was an Open Day organised by stewards at the Royal Victoria Hospital at the beginning of July. All staff were invited to look round stalls including UNISON service providers, Capital Credit Union and the Centre of Health and Wellbeing who were on hand to offer free blood pressure/ blood sugar tests, head massage etc. The Branch provided refreshments and a prize draw for all members.

Future initiatives planned include: Student nurse/young members social; Launch of migrant workers’ network; Health and safety surgeries; Registered nurse recruitment campaign; Recruitment in GP practices and health centre staff in West Lothian; Roadshows on the options offered by the NHS Pensions Choice.

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