The April branch meeting of GMB Northants Community Branch (C51) took place on Thursday the 30th April 2026 at 7pm on Zoom.
Below are the summary minutes of the meeting. A full copy of the minutes are circulated to attendees and available on request from the branch secretary
A PDF file copy of the April Summary Minutes are here
GMB Northants Community Summary Branch Minutes 30th April 2026
1. Apologies
It was noted that political and equality reports had been circulated prior to the meeting.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting – 26 March 2026
The minutes of the previous branch meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record.
3. Matters Arising
The Secretary advised that matters arising, including Workers’ Memorial Day, would be covered within the Secretary’s Report.
4. Correspondence
Alan Irwin provided a summary of recent correspondence, including:
5. Secretary’s Report – Alan
Workers’ Memorial Day
Alan thanked all members and supporters who attended the Workers’ Memorial Day event.
It was noted that North Northamptonshire Council had refused permission for the branch to use the council building, requiring the event to be held outside.
Despite these difficulties, the event was considered a success.
Special thanks were given to:
The branch also intends to stage a Workers’ Memorial Day play later in the year, including performances linked to the Women’s TUC.
Development Plan and Honorariums
Alan raised concerns regarding correspondence from the region relating to the branch development plan and possible delays to honorarium payments.
Clarification had been requested from the regional office.
Website Image Licence Matter
Alan briefly referenced an image licence enquiry relating to branch website content. Further clarification would follow once Adrian Grover was available.
6. Financial Report – Alan
The financial report was presented to the branch.
The branch finances remained stable and up to date.
The report was accepted.
7. President’s Report – Jackie
Jackie thanked branch officers and members for their continued support and contribution to branch activities.
Particular recognition was given to the success of Workers’ Memorial Day and ongoing member engagement.
8. Digital Communications Officer Report – Adrian
In Adrian’s absence, it was noted that:
9. Equality Officer’s Report – Pat
Pat’s written report had been circulated prior to the meeting.
The report included:
10. Youth Officer’s Report – Verena
Verena’s report was expected to be circulated following the meeting.
11. Accompanying Reps Report – Alan
Alan reported continuing high levels of member representation and accompanying casework.
The branch continues to experience increasing workloads linked to:
12. Health & Safety Report – Neil
Neil’s ongoing involvement in Workers’ Memorial Day activities and health and safety awareness work was acknowledged.
Members discussed the continuing importance of workplace mental health and safety campaigns.
13. Workplace and Other Reports
Members discussed:
14. Political Reports – Jackie
Political reports circulated prior to the meeting were acknowledged.
Members discussed:
15. Any Other Business
No additional business was formally raised.
16. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next branch meeting is Thursday the 28th May 2026 at 7pm on Zoom.
Meeting Closed
It was noted that political and equality reports had been circulated prior to the meeting.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting – 26 March 2026
The minutes of the previous branch meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record.
3. Matters Arising
The Secretary advised that matters arising, including Workers’ Memorial Day, would be covered within the Secretary’s Report.
4. Correspondence
Alan Irwin provided a summary of recent correspondence, including:
- Requests for support from Labour Party campaigns in Milton Keynes.
- TUC seminars and training relating to the Employment Rights Act.
- Information regarding national auditor appointments.
- Increased engagement through the branch WhatsApp group.
- Correspondence from regional and local Labour Party representatives.
- Midlands region vacancies and training opportunities.
- Derby Silk Mill event scheduled for 20 June.
- Pride events taking place in Northampton, Peterborough and Corby.
- Correspondence from Lee Barron MP regarding Workers’ Memorial Day.
- Audit completion and thanks to branch auditors.
- Ongoing TUC webinars and educational opportunities.
- Branch member casework and increasing demand for representation.
5. Secretary’s Report – Alan
Workers’ Memorial Day
Alan thanked all members and supporters who attended the Workers’ Memorial Day event.
It was noted that North Northamptonshire Council had refused permission for the branch to use the council building, requiring the event to be held outside.
Despite these difficulties, the event was considered a success.
Special thanks were given to:
- Ian for organising equipment and sound.
- Neil for producing and filming the event video.
- Lee Barron MP for speaking at the event.
The branch also intends to stage a Workers’ Memorial Day play later in the year, including performances linked to the Women’s TUC.
Development Plan and Honorariums
Alan raised concerns regarding correspondence from the region relating to the branch development plan and possible delays to honorarium payments.
Clarification had been requested from the regional office.
Website Image Licence Matter
Alan briefly referenced an image licence enquiry relating to branch website content. Further clarification would follow once Adrian Grover was available.
6. Financial Report – Alan
The financial report was presented to the branch.
The branch finances remained stable and up to date.
The report was accepted.
7. President’s Report – Jackie
Jackie thanked branch officers and members for their continued support and contribution to branch activities.
Particular recognition was given to the success of Workers’ Memorial Day and ongoing member engagement.
8. Digital Communications Officer Report – Adrian
In Adrian’s absence, it was noted that:
- Branch website activity continues to increase.
- Social media and online communications remain active.
- Video coverage of Workers’ Memorial Day had received positive feedback.
9. Equality Officer’s Report – Pat
Pat’s written report had been circulated prior to the meeting.
The report included:
- Support for the ceramics industry.
- Equality and inclusion matters.
- Promotion of upcoming Pride events.
10. Youth Officer’s Report – Verena
Verena’s report was expected to be circulated following the meeting.
11. Accompanying Reps Report – Alan
Alan reported continuing high levels of member representation and accompanying casework.
The branch continues to experience increasing workloads linked to:
- Workplace disciplinaries
- Advice requests
- Member welfare concerns
12. Health & Safety Report – Neil
Neil’s ongoing involvement in Workers’ Memorial Day activities and health and safety awareness work was acknowledged.
Members discussed the continuing importance of workplace mental health and safety campaigns.
13. Workplace and Other Reports
Members discussed:
- Continuing workplace pressures.
- Increased demand for union representation.
- Recruitment and organising opportunities.
14. Political Reports – Jackie
Political reports circulated prior to the meeting were acknowledged.
Members discussed:
- Local election activity.
- Regional Labour Party campaigning.
- Trade union political engagement.
15. Any Other Business
No additional business was formally raised.
16. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next branch meeting is Thursday the 28th May 2026 at 7pm on Zoom.
Meeting Closed
| summary_minutes_300426.pdf |
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