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Branch supports Black History Month

Leicestershire Police UNISON joined the what employers are going to do once the
wider UNISON family in marking Black month is over to improve the lives of black
History Month during October. workers.”
In a series of Facebook posts Labour MP and former UNISON
throughout the month, UNISON members, president Eleanor Smith reminded everyone
alongside police staff and officers, shared of the importance of remembering the
the sentiment ‘Never Forget’ to past.
acknowledge the 30th year of Black ““History defines what we are today.
History Month in the UK. You can’t forget it, and you shouldn’t. At
The event honours “inspirational the same time, Black people have not just
individuals” within the black and minority been slaves, but many, many other things.
ethnic communities. We have contributed so much, throughout
Chris Hanrahan, Leicestershire Police the world. That’s why Black History Month
UNISON branch secretary, said: “Its is so valuable. Those contributions have to
important to state that here at be recognised.”
Leicestershire Police UNISON we place
incredible emphasis on acknowledging the
history of all our employees and ensuring
the contributions of individuals in the past Leicestershire Police UNISON branch
are recognised today and always. secretary Chris Hanrahan.
“Black History Month is an event that BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS AN EVENT THAT WE ENCOURAGE
we encourage everyone in the wider “
community to get involved with, and like EVERYONE IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO GET INVOLVED
our posters said, to ‘never forget’ the
contributions of black and minority ethnic WITH, AND LIKE OUR POSTERS SAID, TO ‘NEVER FORGET’ THE
communities. Most importantly reminding
them, we are one UNISON.” CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC
Margaret Greer, the union’s national
officer for race equality, promoted lasting COMMUNITIES. MOST IMPORTANTLY REMINDING THEM, WE
support for Black History Month and not
just “tokenism” saying: “We want to know ARE ONE UNISON.

Our new training co-ordinator

Paul Gurney has been appointed as branch office with multiple job roles required a specialist person
Leicestershire Police UNISON’s first ever to always be on hand.
training co-ordinator. “As a branch we feel that education is an important element
The position will see him act as a of the union. Whether its branch officer, steward, health and
constant port of communication between safety or membership training, we need to have someone with
the membership and union some dedicated time to be able to source time and energy to
representatives. promote it,” said Lesley.
Paul will spend his time co-ordinating “It’s important, especially in the ever-changing work
educational courses, developing personal environment, to try to source training within our service area.”
strategies for members and working closely with other UNISON Lesley believes the development of the individual is
branches across the UK. paramount to the success of the team.
“I have been involved in training and development throughout “Training that benefits our members will ultimately benefit
my career, from arranging and delivering courses to leading, our organisation. UNISON can offer so much more than
tutoring and mentoring individuals. I am incredibly passionate standardised training. We hope the making of a specialist role
about getting the best from people,” said Paul. will help to develop and give value to our members, which they
“With training and development at the forefront of UNISON’s can then use out in the communities,” she explained.
work, it is important to give members the opportunity to learn “Paul has worked here at UNISON as a branch assistant for a PAGE 3
new skills so that they can overcome any challenges they face long time, his knowledge and understanding of the union is
with the relevant skills.” second to none and he is incredibly passionate about what he
Lesley Panton, branch treasurer, said the demands of a busy does.”