Introduction
To encourage greater participation from black members who
are under-represented in the union’s structures and activities, PCS is holding
a seminar for its black members.
PCS uses black in the political context to apply to people
who are Asian, African, African/Caribbean, Arabic, Chinese i.e. people from
African and Asian Diaspora, including people of dual heritage.
The seminar is an educational event designed to help
members develop an understanding of the key issues facing black members at work
and in society and how they can organise effectively in PCS.
PCS National Black
Members’ Seminar 2013: Venue and Date
The PCS Black Members’ Seminar will be held at Novotel Hotel, 4 Whitehall, Whitehall
Quay, Leeds LS1 4HR - 12 & 13 October 2013.
The seminar will commence at approximately 12 noon on Saturday
12 October and close no later than 1pm on Sunday 13 October.
Aims of Seminar
The seminar will focus on putting “Race on the agenda?: 50
years on, how far have we come?”
It will look at what has been achieved in the 50 years
since the March on Washington for Jobs
and Freedom, where Martin Luther King made his “I Have a Dream” speech and in the UK, Paul
Stephenson, helped organise the Bristol bus boycott which led to the first ever
race relations act in 1965.
A full agenda will be published nearer the date of the seminar.
Participants will take part in a series of activities including debate,
presentations and workshops. Applicants from the National Black Members Committee
will act as facilitators.
Nomination and Selection
Members can nominate themselves by filling out the application
form attached to this circular. Forms are also available on the PCS website at www.pcs.org.uk
The selection criteria will include those who are new to
PCS or new to union activity.
Applications from black young, disabled, lesbian, gay,
bisexual and trans (LGBT) members are
particularly welcomed, as we are trying to encourage greater participation from
under-represented groups. In the event of over-subscription, a sift will be
undertaken.
Confidentiality
PCS fully appreciates that there are special sensitivities
linked to disability and LGBT issues. An assurance is given that all
applications will be treated confidentially.
Supporting statements
All applicants are strongly advised to fill in the supporting
statement with their applications, giving their reasons for attending the
seminar, as this will be used in the sift.
Participants
The seminar is for members on a residential basis however,
members who are within daily travelling distance will be expected to travel.
All successful
applicants are required to attend for the entire duration of the seminar Saturday & Sunday.
Child/youth care
facilities
Child/youth care facilities are provided for
children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years of age by Nipperbout.
However, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served
basis.
Delegates are encouraged to make alternative care
arrangements for children. PCS will
provide financial assistance to meet the reasonable
costs of additional childcare claims on production of a receipt from a
registered carer.
Application Forms
Application forms are attached. Please duplicate as necessary and pass
on to members who are eligible to attend the seminar.
Accommodation,
travel and subsistence
Accommodation, reasonable travel and subsistence claims
will be met from central union funds. No
lunch is provided on Saturday. An evening meal will be provided on Saturday
evening. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Sunday. The union will not pay
for any other meals.
Additional copies of this briefing and application form are
available from:
o
the PCS website
http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/events/
o
emailing: equality@pcs.org.uk
o
the Equality Department on 020 7801 2683
The application form can also be downloaded here.
Seminar
correspondence will be sent by email therefore please give both work and personal email addresses as you may not be in work to
receive emails.
Application Deadline
All
applications must be received by the Equality Department to equality@pcs.org.uk by 12 noon 20 September 2013.
