The AGM turnout on Monday 12^th March was as predicted, starting slowly and continuing in the same manor throughout the day. However, significant changes to Branch Officers and the addition of newly elected Stewards and Health & Safety representatives was evident across Suffolk suggesting healthy interest and concern by maintaining strong union support on behalf of our members.

Ratification of the AGM nominees was conducted, witnessed and concluded on Tuesday 14^th March. There were no significant changes, except Branch Officer posts were fulfilled and exceeded expectation with the exception of treasurer, which has been vacant for nearly a year. It was hoped that a member possessing the required skills needed to perform this responsible post would be found, but that was not to be. It was finally decided by a branch committee to buy in the service. This is not usual practice for Branches of this size but not unheard of. A contact is now in the process of being drawn up before Branch finances and books are to be handed over.

Branch practice has also changed significantly since the formation of Suffolk HealthCare due mainly to the vast geographical size and the sheer number of members as well as locations across Suffolk meaning we have had to adapt to a more flexible approach when dealing with members from outside individual constituencies. As you may be aware, Suffolk HealthCare was evolved from smaller Branches to absorb the emergence of the Primary Care Trusts (PCT) across Suffolk as well as including all other healthcare members who’s employees fall from outside NHS Trusts. As yet, we are still unable to find members from outside the NHS (excluding Sodexho) willing to be nominated as branch representatives. Hopefully this will change in the near future.

In the meantime, should you have any concerns or simply wish to find out how you can become more effective in you role within the branch, please contact any of the Officers listed on the Branch Reps list.