I am seeking re-election as DWP Group Organiser. I was elected as Group Organiser in May 2024, having held the role since November 2023. Previously I was a GEC member and GECLO for Eastern England region, East Midlands region, and DWP Scotland. I am also currently regional chair for the PCS DWP North East and a rep for DWP Tyneside & Northumbria branch. I am a workplace rep, a socialist and a proud member of Left Unity.

The 2024-25 electoral year has posed significant challenges to PCS.

• The stalling of the national campaign due to the disappointing performance of the NEC majority ‘Alliance for change’.
• The delay in the pay award for members due to the previous government’s mismanagement of the pay remittance.
• The lack of a national organising strategy which was voted down by the ‘alliance for change’ at ADC.
• A new government which appears to be reneging on its pre-election promises of engaging with our union.
• Members resigning from PCS due to the continuation of the levy.

Despite these issues DWP group increased membership when other groups were experiencing a decline in membership. As group organiser I have significantly increased the training opportunities for new reps. I have done this by offering more courses with more flexibility and expanding our pool of tutors. I have also updated the training material to be more relevant to the post covid era and reflecting current DWP policy and guidance. DWP group has trained over 200 new reps in 2024 almost doubling the number of reps trained in previous years. I have also introduced regional organising events which focus on good organising practices and give reps improved tools to organise in their workplaces.

 I believe as Group Organiser working with our LU leadership I can continue to work with all branches and regions to put the DWP group in the best position possible for our ongoing campaign. In DWP group, as a GEC member from 2021, I have worked with the LU leadership to ensure that we continue to: –

• Campaign for pay, pensions and staffing
• Listen to our members and act in their best interests
• Oppose the involvement of recruitment agencies supplying staff to DWP and move current agency staff onto DWP contracts
• Campaign to bring back services within the department and ensure these workers have genuine representation in the workplace
• Increase membership and participation

 I believe the Left Unity agenda is leading the fight to restore fairness for our members and society as a whole. I believe that our union led by left unity should continue to work inclusively and democratically to make sure members’ voices are heard. I hope to be re-elected to continue working towards these shared goals.