21st Century Challenges & Opportunities
17-19 October 2008
Ashford International
Ashford, Kent
Venue/Date
The annual residential Seminar organized for African, Asian, Chinese, Caribbean, etc, PCS black members will be held from Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October in the Ashford International, Ashford, Kent. The seminar will commence approximately at 1.30 pm on the Friday, ending no later than 1 p.m. on Sunday 19 October 2008.
Please note that at national level PCS uses the term 'black' in the political context to encompass people who have the potential to experience discrimination based on skin colour.
Theme
This year's seminar theme is 'Equality, Freedom & Justice' Contemporary Challenges & Opportunities.
The overall aim is to increase the participation levels of black members in union activities and involve participants in a consultation about how they wish to organize and function in the union's democratic structures.
Target Audience
The primary target groups include black members who hold any of the following positions:
· Branch Secretaries
· Branch Organizers
· Departmental Trade Union reps
· Regional Network Co-ordinators
· GEC members
· Group Black Members sub/advisory committee/Network Coordinators/Chairs
· Branch/workplace reps.
· Equality reps
· Branch Women's reps
· Union Learning Rep Applicants are also invited from
· New members who would like to become active.
· Members with experience of community campaigns
Under- represented Groups
Applicants are particularly welcomed from young members [i.e. people aged 27 or under], women, disabled people, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people as these groups of members are also under represented in the union structures.
Confidentiality
PCS fully appreciates there are special sensitivities pertaining to disability, sexuality and trans issues and gives an assurance that all applications will be treated confidentially.
Participant Numbers
Although the Seminar is organized on a residential basis, members who can travel daily will be expected to do so. The Seminar will be limited to 150 residential participants.
Selection Criteria
Members matching the criteria set out in paragraphs above are invited to self nominate. There is no need to seek endorsement from any branch official.
Completed application forms should be returned to PCS by Monday 15 September 2008. This seminar is popular and is always over subscribed.
It is strongly recommended that all members provide a supporting statement with applications.
Child/Youth Care Facilities
Childcare facilities will be provided at the seminar for children aged between 6 months and 14 years of age. However, places may be limited. Delegates are encouraged to make alternative care arrangements where possible. PCS will provide financial assistance to meet the reasonable costs of additional childcare claims on production of a receipt from a carer.
Travel & Subsistence
The union will meet all reasonable travel, subsistence claims. The hotel accommodation expenses will be paid from central union funds. All participants (including non residential) will be provided with refreshments during the day and lunch on Saturday/Sunday. Anyone staying on residential basis will be provided with an evening meal on the Friday evening; breakfast, lunch and an evening meal on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. All participants will be expected to attend for the duration of the Seminar.
Application Forms
Application Forms are attached to this circular. Please duplicate as necessary and pass them on to members who are eligible to attend and you think may be interested in attending the Seminar. Copies may also be obtained by:
- Downloading a copy from the PCS Website here.
- Contacting the Equality Health & Safety Department on: 020 7801 2683
- E-mailing here.
Application Deadline
The deadline for receipt of applications by the Equality Health and Safety Department is Monday 15 September 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 3 October 2008.
Special Leave
The seminar is a training event organised by the union. Applicants are advised to make early applications for special leave to attend the Seminar as it will be easier to cancel leave arrangements rather than apply for special leave at short notice.
Further Information
Queries or requests for further information about the seminar should be made directly to Lorna Campbell on 020 7801 2683 or by email.
