Conference 2025
What is Conference?
The purpose of conference is to set Advance unions ’s agenda until we hold another conference in around 18 months time – it’s part of the democratic processes that make Advance your union. We achieve this by workplaces submitting motions which are debated and voted on by workplace reps who are elected to represent you. Any member can submit a motion for review so everyone has a role in shaping the unions future and can request to attend as a delegate as set out in our conference policy.
The agenda is divided into sections that reflect Advance Unions main campaigning areas:
- Dignity at work
- Fair reward
- Security of employment
- Union policy and external matters (such as rule changes)
Conference is hosted by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) and takes place over three days. When conference is in session, it’s chaired by Advance Union’s president, or vice-president.
Conference Arrangements
Approved Delegates to conference will only attend on Monday 9th June 2025, Representatives are attending Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th June 2025. Elected representatives are given facilities time to attend as part of their duties as a representative by the bank and all costs are covered. Delegates have to attend in their own time and travel to and from the venue at their own costs. The event is closed to representative and officials of the union along with delegates and invited guests. If you are coming please complete the form below.Why reps want to attend
Conference provides a fantastic opportunity for Advance union reps to meet new people from across the union – including those working for different employers, sites and business areas – and discuss the issues facing you and our members at work. It’s an opportunity to make your voice count, and to ensure that the union tackles the issues that matter most to you.
All our workplace reps are invited to attend the conference to hear from guest speakers from Santander and many external bodies such as the TUC and Together, we addressed issues of interest and relevance to our members and answered some burning questions.
Not an Advance Union rep? Take a look at becoming one for your workplace.
So what goes off at conference?
Accord union are the trade union for Lloyds Banking Group and TSB Bank. Here are highlights from their conference in 2018 that show the nature and importance of the conference to unions in the banking sector.
So what sort of specific motions should we think about?
The union is open to any motion that will help improve our endeavours, but we recognise it helps to look at the types of motions offered eleswhere.
This could be anything about anything linked to the success of the union proposition both internally for example:
- Additional benefits we should provide
- How we fund ourselves
- Our values
…or externally,
- How we operate with other unions
- Issues members want us to lobby Santander on.
The event takes place from Monday 9th June at 9am to Wednesday 11th June, around lunchtime at the Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel, Spinningfields, Manchester.
The conference promises to be a valuable opportunity for representatives to connect informally, discuss important issues, and shape the future of our union. We encourage you to attend and participate in the various events and discussions planned.
Conference Overview:
Sunday 8th June
Elected Representatives arrive.
Monday 9th June
This day will be dedicated to debating motions to create union policies on key matters our members have identified for the union to have a policy for or for AU to lobby Santander to help improve their working lives. Delegates who are attending will join for the daytime only and lunch will be provided.
Tuesday 10th June
This day will feature updates and presentations from key speakers to enable representatives to support their members better.
Wednesday 11th June
We will have some internal updates and a chance to create our plans for 2025 and beyond.
So, how do I write a motion and submit it?
Motions give delegates the opportunity to help shape Advance Unions agenda going forward. They seek changes to the way in which members are managed, changes to terms and conditions of employment and improvements to their working environment.
They will typically be submitted by groups of members, either by branches or department teams but individuals can put motions forward provided they are members.
Motions must be submitted by 30 April and will be considered by the Motions review committee.
Timeframe for motions:
Step 1: Submit a motion – Speak to your Rep or submit a motion below – Deadline 30 April
Step 2: Area committees discuss – Motions are discussed and refined – Deadline 30 April
Step 3: Motions are reviewed – Motions are reviewed to ensure they fit with the core values – May 2025
Step 4: Motions are shared – Motions are shared with delegates prior to the conference – 1 June
Those that make it into the agenda will usually be grouped together so that similar issues can be debated collectively, or where they seek conflicting outcomes.
Not all motions that are submitted will be debated at conference. The NEC (National Executive Committee) has overall responsibility for the agenda of the conference, and any motions that are not debated during the conference period will be decided upon and taken forward by the NEC.
Once a motion has been presented, we’ll open up for debate for those who wish to speak either in favour or against the motion. After the debate has concluded, or the conference chair has brought the debate to an end, we will open up for voting. You can read more about the voting process in the next section of this guide.
How to write a motion
Here are some tips on what to consider when writing motions
- Make your motion simple to follow – avoid technical terms & business jargon
- Make it easy to understand – keep it clear and simple
- Don’t try to explain everything at once – that’s what the supporting speech is for
- Ask for an outcome and suggest a solution to the issue
- Don’t criticise colleagues in other business areas – they may be at the conference and you may need their support