The UVW Executive Committee (EC) is directly elected by, and accountable to, the membership. It is responsible for looking after the interests of the union as a whole and taking decisions on behalf of UVW members between AGMs.
Responsibilities:
- Provide direction, leadership and strategic oversight of the union on behalf of members
- Protect the union’s interests, legally and reputationally
- Ensure the union fulfils its statutory and constitutional obligations
- Oversee the union’s finances – ensure income is sustainable and resources are allocated appropriately
- Oversee the arrangements for AGMs
- Oversee union staffing, including recruitment and wellbeing
- Oversee staff and membership disciplinary and grievance processes
Composition:
The composition aims to ensure that the committee is representative of the diverse membership, across all sectors and groups, including those without a formal structure.
In monitoring shifts in membership, the committee will use its discretion to ensure that it remains representative of the UVW’s membership, and will consider applications from newly formed groups on a 6 monthly basis.
Term of office:
Elections for the EC will take place every 2-3 years. Once elected, the EC will after 18 months set the date for the next elections.
Role of committee members:
All UVW Executive Committee members are expected to attend monthly committee meetings (approx. 2 hours long, currently on the last Wednesday of the month). EC members should, wherever possible, attend EC meetings in person. EC members will share responsibility for EC related tasks, which may include checking the committee email, writing minutes for or chairing/facilitating meetings, attending staff meetings and staff interviews, participating in subcommittees, and encouraging cross-membership communication.
Elected committee members will nominate members of the committee to hold specific roles, including, but not limited to, the following:
| Title | Role |
| EC Chair or Co-Chair(s) | Important for running of the committee. To chair the committee meetings, help organise meetings, make sure EC members attend, act as a peacemaker within EC, prepare the agenda for meetings, and follow up action points. |
| Treasurer | To oversee finances of the union. Work closely with GS and Finance Officer. Make recommendations to EC and test the financial viability of decisions. |
| Finance Committee | Treasurer + 1 or 2 other members of EC (not GS). Finance Officer participates as an advisor. To share oversight of the finances of the union. Make recommendations to EC and test financial viability of decisions. |
The committee may also nominate both EC and general members for task groups or subcommittees to work on specific areas as needed – for example Disciplinary / Grievance, to oversee the investigation of issues raised by staff or members.
Support
English-Spanish interpretation will be provided for meetings, to support the full participation of Spanish speaking EC members.
Where EC members have specific accessibility needs, UVW will do whatever possible to support those needs.
Committee members will be provided with training, where needed, to help them perform their role effectively. Training could, for example, include chairing meetings; understanding union finances and accounts, or good governance.
In recognition of the EC’s responsibilities and to help ensure that EC members can commit their time and participate fully in EC business, every member will be given a small stipend for every meeting they attend. The stipend can be used to help cover travel costs and other expenses incurred by EC members (e.g. taking unpaid leave to attend meetings). The stipend amount and payment arrangements will be agreed by the EC.
In addition, staff will support the committee in the following role:
- Secretary to the EC – to work with the Chair(s) and GS to support the committee, e.g. circulating meeting documents, taking notes and circulating the minutes of the meetings, and ensuring committee records and documents are filed for future reference (e.g. queries from the TU certification officer).
This role will be performed on rotation. Staff will be able to take time off in lieu for any extra hours worked. This will help maintain a close link between staff and committee.
Approved by the Executive Committee – 5 July 2023