Conference applauds the Local Service Champions

The second morning of UNISON’s local government conference opened with the presentation of awards for the union’s Local Service Champions, with delegates rising to their feet for a standing ovation for the three winners, who were chosen from over a thousand nominees. Paddy Toner from Halton Borough Council was the overall winner. A rehabilitation worker, who helps people who have a vision impairment to stay in their own homes and remain independent, Mr Toner was unable to be in Brighton, but will be receiving his award at the union’s national disabled members’ conference in the autumn. Susanne Ravenscroft had asked for no publicity, leaving her fellow runner-up, Dawn Hallewell, as today’s lone recipient of the award. Ms Hallewell is a County Durham family support officer who helps struggling families in the North East. “I do it because I’m a people person,” she said in a short film delegates watched beforehand. General secretary Christina McAnea handed over the award –  together with service group chair Glenn Williams – joking that it was like the Oscars, but she hoped nobody would slap her co-presenter. Down to business Returning to debates, Pam Howard for the service group executive moved a motion on school support staff. “Schools were open in the pandemic, so that key workers could keep going to work,” she told delegates – in spite of the UK government’s continued pretence that schools were closed. UNISON members who work in schools were crucia...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2022 local government conference 2022 Local Government Service Group Conference Source Type: news