The SoR made a record number of contributions in key debates about delivering and supporting public services during the Trades Union Congress (TUC), held in Brighton on 13-16 September.
Incoming president Sarah Burn, past president Katie Thompson, executive director Dean Rogers and head of industrial relations Leandre Archer all spoke in debates covering the challenges facing SoR members and better, safer services for patients.
This TUC conference marked the most times the society had proposed or spoken on motions since he had been in attendance, Dean said: “I don’t think we’ve ever had as much direct input into the TUC and the profile of radiography hasn’t been higher industrially.”
'Highly relevant, important issues'
(Image: Dean Rogers speaking at the TUC)
The contributions included:
- Calling for greater accountability when the NHS outsources work to the independent sector.
- Challenging proposals in the immigration bill, which would make it more difficult to recruit and retain international radiographers.
- Calling for student loan forgiveness for new allied health professionals and greater support for early career retention.
- Recognition and protection for first line managers in public services, with recognition for the critical role they play in setting culture.
- Tackling racism in maternity services, with Katie seconding a motion from the Royal College of Midwives as a sonographer.
“These are all highly relevant, important issues for our members, the wider NHS workforce and ultimately patients,” said Dean. “Our leadership on issues such as immigration policy and supporting motions brought by unions such as the CSP and RCM shows the SoR and radiography professions have a higher profile than ever.”
Making a difference
(Image: Leandre Archer speaking at the TUC)
The SoR was at the heart of discussions about the most pressing issues for NHS and public sector workers around workforce capacity, culture and accountable senior leadership. Dean emphasised the clear consensus with other NHS unions on the need for a long-term workforce plan from the government to support the efforts of unions.
He added: “We need to be there to be influencing and leading in these spaces, and to be sharing our members’ experiences. The TUC is a collective voice for millions of workers and has significant influence with government and across communities, so raising issues and influencing their policies and priorities makes a difference – alongside our ongoing engagement with the TUC between the annual congress meetings, turning the motions into
tangible, positive policy asks and campaigns.”
Following the SoR’s contributions, Dean was also invited to speak on BBC Radio 5 Live about the impact of the government’s proposal to withdraw settled status for international recruits on the NHS. You can listen to the discussion here.
Find out more about the Trade Unions Congress and other motions online here.
(Image: (L-R) Leandre Archer, Katie Thompson, Sarah Burn, Dean Rogers)