1. Apologies
Apologies were received.
 
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the Branch Meeting held on 23 June 2026 were accepted as a true and accurate record.

3. Matters Arising
Lee Barron/Lucy Powell Fundraiser
Ross advised that the fundraiser previously discussed by the branch had been postponed and will now take place on 4 September 2026.
The branch's agreed £100 donation for five tickets remains in place, with further details regarding payment arrangements awaited.

4. Correspondence
Alan reported on correspondence received during the month, including:

• Numerous member enquiries seeking advice and support.
• Labour Party correspondence and updates.
• Regional vacancy notifications and casework updates.
• Correspondence relating to branch restructuring discussions.
• Updates regarding St Andrew's Healthcare.
• Membership reports and membership analysis information.
• Retired Members Conference communications.
• Cuba Solidarity Campaign correspondence.
• Unity Trust Bank grant opportunities.
• Requests for promotional items from the Regional Organiser.
• Notification that the branch's motions for the Retired Members Conference had been accepted.

CLP Delegate Appointment
Alan advised that following Tommy Beattie's retirement from the role, Alison Dalziel had agreed to become the branch's additional Constituency Labour Party delegate alongside Ross Armour.
Members agreed the appointment.
Tommy Beattie
Alan confirmed that Tommy Beattie had received the branch's £30 book token and had expressed his thanks to members.
Donation Request – “Just Him”
Alan informed the branch of a request from Paula Bolton for support towards her play "Just Him", focusing on men's mental health.
Decision:

• Alan proposed a donation of £100.
• Members unanimously supported the proposal.

Resolved: Donation of £100 approved.
Promotional Materials
Rachelle requested the purchase of promotional materials for recruitment and organising purposes.
Decision:

• Branch agreed in principle to support the purchase of approximately 500 trolley coins and 500 pens, subject to obtaining the best available pricing.

Unity Trust Community Grants
Alan reported that Unity Trust Bank offers community grants.
Action: Alan to pursue a grant application to support the branch's ongoing community and food bank work.

5. Secretary's Report
Alan reported:

• Increased member contact through the branch website and social media platforms.
• Continued support for members seeking workplace advice.
• Ongoing work supporting local food banks, with six food banks currently receiving branch support.
• Consideration of expanding support to an additional food bank in the Rushden area.
• Concerns regarding email storage capacity due to growing casework workloads.
• Positive progress with the Midlands casework allocation system.
• Continued concerns regarding branch restructuring proposals and their implications for St Andrew's Healthcare members.
• The need to continue developing branch capacity, representation and workplace support structures.

Alan stressed that any restructuring must be assessed on the basis of what best serves members.

6. Financial Report
Alan reported the branch account balances.
 
7. President's Report
Jackie reported:

• Reduced activity recently due to family commitments.
• Continuing attendance at local Labour Party branch meetings.
• Concerns regarding low attendance at local Labour Party meetings and declining membership.
• Plans to write directly to members to identify barriers to engagement.
• Participation in Labour Party training but withdrawal from a campaign programme due to the financial contributions expected from participants.
• Continued work as a councillor and Police Liaison representative.

Alan Irwin formally thanked Jackie for her support to the branch and the work she undertakes as Branch President.

8. Digital Communications Officer Report
Adrian reported:
Website

• 320 visits from 293 users during the previous 30 days.
• Publication of:
  • Tommy Beattie tribute.
  • Summary minutes.
  • Branch meeting notice.

Membership Communications

• WhatsApp group remains at 51 members.
• July email newsletter issued to 1,803 members.
• 482 opens recorded (27% open rate).

Social Media

• Facebook content received 119 views from 26 users.

YouTube

• Subscriber count stable at 66.
• 14 views recorded over the previous 28 days.
• AI analytics indicate approximately 40% of viewers discovered content through platform recommendations rather than direct searches.

9. Equality Officer's Report
Pat reported:

• Attendance at the Regional Equalities Forum.
• Progress regarding the branch motions accepted for the Retired Members Conference.
• Ongoing encouragement to support Pride events where possible.
• Confirmation that "The Last Shift" will be performed at the TUC Women's Conference on 3 December 2026.
• Contact with Lee Barron MP regarding attendance at the performance.
• Updates regarding Labour fundraising events.

Pat suggested that the branch formally invite Lee Barron to attend the performance. Members supported the suggestion.

10. Youth Officer's Report
Alan presented Verena’s written report.
Key issue:

• NHS workforce uncertainty has resulted in training opportunities being reduced despite significant demand for therapists.
• No further matters were reported.

11. Regional Organiser's Report
Rachelle provided a comprehensive report covering:
Members welcomed Rachelle's return and thanked her for the update.

12. Accompanying Representatives Report
Alan reported:

• Casework remains extremely busy.
• St Andrew's Healthcare continues to generate a significant proportion of cases.
• Increasing complexity and emotional demands of representation work.
• The need for additional support structures and future representative development.

Rachelle confirmed that several new St Andrew's cases had already been referred to her since returning to the role.
 
13. Health & Safety and Education Report
Neil reported:
Chronic Conditions Campaign

• Continued development of a national campaign on workplace support and reasonable adjustments for workers with chronic health conditions.
• Positive support from national and regional GMB officers.
• Survey and campaign materials nearing completion.
• Launch planned for September.

Education

• Work progressing on a chronic conditions and capability training course.
• Development of associated educational materials and videos.

PPE Campaign

• Completion nearing on a national PPE campaign video for the GMB.

Members congratulated Neil on his continuing work and commitment to the campaign.

14. Workplace Reports
ASDA
Neil reported:

• Ongoing uncertainty and low morale as a result of restructuring proposals.
• Concerns around capability requirements, workforce flexibility and future redundancies.
• Increasing anxiety amongst members regarding future workforce changes.

15. Political Reports
Ross
Ross reported:

• Re-election as Trade Union Liaison Officer for Corby & East Northamptonshire CLP.
• Significant difficulties filling officer positions within the CLP.
• Low meeting attendance remains a concern.
• Alison Dalziel re-elected as CLP Treasurer.
• Future reporting arrangements will continue between branch delegates.

Jackie
Jackie reported:

• Continuing difficulties recruiting people into officer positions within local Labour Party structures.
• Ongoing membership and engagement challenges.

16. Any Other Business
WASPI Campaign
Pat reported that discussions involving Andy Burnham and WASPI campaign representatives may be progressing.
Care Home Consultations
Pat raised concerns regarding West Northamptonshire care home consultation proposals and encouraged members to participate in ongoing consultations.
Rachelle advised that she had begun engaging directly with care home staff regarding the proposals.
Members discussed care provision, workforce pressures and future policy developments.

17. Date of Next Meeting
It was confirmed that:

• No branch meeting will take place during August 2026.
• The next branch meeting will be held 24th September 2026.

Meeting Closed
The President thanked members for attending and closed the meeting

1. Apologies
Apologies were received

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting (28 May 2026)

• The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
• Proposed and agreed by members present.

3. Matters Arising

• No matters arising were raised.

4. Correspondence
Alan reported:

• Numerous confidential member enquiries seeking support, guidance and representation.
• Correspondence from East Midlands Labour Party.
• Information relating to Lee Barron and women's health initiatives.
• Kettering Labour Party updates.
• Regional Health & Safety Forum information.
• Retired Members Association minutes.
• Ongoing discussions with ACAS regarding case handling and time limits for employment tribunal processes.
• Funding request received from Ross relating to a Labour Party fundraising event.

​5. Secretary's Report
Alan reported:

• A significant increase in workload, particularly disciplinary and grievance cases.
• Growing concerns regarding support for members at St Andrew's Healthcare.
• Approximately 315 members are currently employed at St Andrew's Healthcare.
• Meeting scheduled with region to discuss branch structures, support arrangements and representation within Northamptonshire.
• Members were invited to submit ideas for motions to National Congress before 17 July 2026.

Tribute to Tommy Beattie
Alan advised that Tommy Beattie is stepping down from Labour Party delegate responsibilities.

6. Financial Report
Branch finances reported on.

7. President's Report
Jackie reported:

• Attendance at a Windrush celebration event.
• Recognition of the Mayor of Wellingborough as Northamptonshire's first Black female mayor.
• Ongoing Labour Party and councillor commitments.

8. Digital Communications Officer's Report
Adrian reported:

• Website received 390 visits from 346 users over the previous 30 days.
• Meeting notice and summary minutes published.
• Website domain renewed.
• WhatsApp group membership stands at 51.
• June newsletter sent to approximately 1,800 members, with 453 opens recorded.
• Continuing activity on Facebook and X.
• Facebook content generated 127 views during the previous 28 days.
• YouTube channel gained 4 subscribers and received 239 views.

9. Equality Officer's Report

• Apologies received from Pat.
• Written reports were received from absent officers.
• Congress-related matters were covered later under Neil‘s report.

10. Youth Officer's Report

• Written report received from Verina.

11. Regional Organiser's Report

• No report received.

12. Accompanying Representatives Report
Alan reported:

• Representational workload continues to increase significantly.
• St Andrew's Healthcare remains the primary source of casework.

13. Health & Safety, Education and Congress Report
Neil reported:

• Attendance at Congress through the Lifelong Learning programme.
• Strong interest in GMB educational opportunities.
• Discussions around potential IOSH and NEBOSH funding opportunities.
• Participation in fringe meetings and production of educational videos.
• Invitation to speak at the Regional Health & Safety Forum on chronic illness and workplace support.
• Development of a potential campaign focusing on workplace support and reasonable adjustments for workers with chronic conditions and hidden disabilities.
• Ongoing involvement in the PPE campaign and wider awareness work.

The President formally thanked Neil for his contribution and development within the branch.

14. Workplace Reports
Neil provided a workplace report and update

15. Political Reports
Ross

• Assisted campaigning activity for Andy Burnham's by-election campaign.
• Reported CLP AGM scheduled for 16 July.
• Intends to continue as Trade Union Liaison Officer.

Maggie

• Reported membership update within the Labour Party.
• Local office closure due to financial pressures.
• Difficulties filling officer positions.

Jackie

• Will continue as Trade Union representative and report back following AGM discussions.

16. Any Other Business
Regional Meeting Update

• Alan confirmed he would attend a meeting with regional representatives on 25 June.
• A full report would be provided to the branch afterwards.

Rail Incident

• Members noted a recent fatal rail collision.
• Sympathy and condolences were expressed to all affected.

​17. Date of Next Meeting

• Next regular branch meeting to be held on 30th July 2026.

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting – 30 April 2026
The minutes of the previous branch meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record.

3. Matters Arising
No additional matters arising were raised outside items already included on the agenda.

4. Correspondence – Alan
Alan Irwin reported on recent correspondence received, including:

• Member enquiries and ongoing casework.
• Banner Theatre productions focusing on climate justice.
• TUC AI forums and events supported by GMB.
• Labour Party summer campaigning events.
• Regional vacancies and Wortley Hall updates.
• Visitor tickets for GMB Congress in Blackpool.
• Expenses correspondence.
• Membership and branch data updates from region.
• Homestart AGM events in Kettering and Corby.
• TUC webinars and workplace events.

Discussion also took place regarding support for community and campaigning events during the summer period.

5. Secretary’s Report – Alan
St Andrews Update
Alan reported following a recent visit to St Andrews
Honorarium Payments
Alan advised that honorarium payments had not been processed this quarter due to an administrative issue at regional level.
Regional officials had apologised
Members discussed the financial and tax implications of processing payments directly through the branch and it was agreed that the matter would continue to be handled through the region.
It was confirmed that payments were expected to be corrected in August.
Retired Members Association
Alan and Pat attended the recent Retired Members Association meeting.
Strong concerns were raised around retired member activity and engagement within the union.
Casework
Alan updated members on a complex case he is currently involved with.
Discussion took place regarding increasing legal complexity in workplace representation, including the use of employment tribunal specialists by employers.
Concerns were raised regarding the level of support available to accompanying representatives dealing with increasingly complex employment matters.
Highland Gathering
The branch discussed a request for financial support towards the Corby Highland Gathering following reports that North Northamptonshire Council was unwilling to fully support the event.
Members acknowledged the cultural importance of the event and discussed possible support options.

6. Financial Report – Alan
Alan presented the financial report.
The financial report was accepted.

7. President’s Report – Jackie
No report was received due to Jackie’s absence.

8. Digital Communications Officer Report – Adrian
Adrian reported:

• Website activity recorded 430 visits from 392 users during the month.
• News items, branch minutes and agenda updates had been added to the website.
• Neil’s YouTube videos had been promoted across branch channels.
• The WhatsApp group membership had increased to 51 members.
• The branch newsletter had been distributed to 1,816 members.
• The newsletter achieved approximately 454 opens, representing a 25% open rate.
• YouTube engagement continued to increase, with the workplace violence and abuse video receiving strong viewing figures.

Members welcomed the continued growth in branch communications and online engagement.

9. Equality Officer’s Report – Pat
Discussion took place regarding Pride events and branch involvement.
Members considered the costs associated with having an official branch stall at Corby Pride.
It was agreed that while branch representation and attendance remained important, the financial costs requested for a formal stall were currently too high for the branch to commit to.
The possibility of making a financial donation instead was discussed.

10. Youth Officer’s Report – Verena
No report was received.

11. Regional Organiser’s Report
Discussion was incorporated within the Secretary’s report

12. Accompanying Reps Report
Alan reported continuing high levels of representation work across the branch.
Discussion focused on:

• Increasingly complex employment disputes.
• Pressure on branch representatives.
• The importance of experienced branch activists supporting newer representatives.

Members expressed strong support for the work being carried out by branch officers and representatives.

13. Health & Safety and Education Report – Neil
Neil reported positive feedback from the Hazards Campaign regarding branch-produced health and safety videos.
The branch’s workplace violence and abuse video had been requested for screening at the Hazards Conference.
Neil had also been invited to potentially participate on a conference panel, subject to branch approval.
Members welcomed the recognition being received nationally for the branch’s campaigning and media work.

 14. Workplace Reports
Members discussed:

• Ongoing workplace pressures.
• The increasing demand for union representation.
• Concerns regarding employer approaches to disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• The continuing importance of workplace organising and recruitment.

15. Political Reports –Ross, Maggie
Political discussion included:

• Local Labour Party events and campaigning.
• Community engagement activities.
• Concerns regarding Reform UK influence within local government.
• Broader political issues affecting trade unions and public services.

16. Any Other Business
Members discussed the importance of maintaining strong branch organisation, experience and activism within the union.
Thanks were expressed to all branch officers, activists and representatives for their continued work and commitment.

17. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next branch meeting is Wednesday the 24th June 2026 at 7pm on Zoom.

Meeting Closed