Informed 07 Update “It’s been brilliant having you at the helm” Mark Tomas


Use of Chapel Chair


Michelle, with the News Recovery Plan at the IFJ London meeting. She has been “moved and touched” since being showered with messages aſter revealing she is to step down


Members of the NEC queued up to heap praise and thank Michelle Stanistreet when she dropped her bombshell news that she will be stepping down as general secretary. Once the news was out, social media


was full of messages from branches and members across the union and beyond echoing their sentiments and wishing her the best of luck. “Tank you to Michelle for her energy, enthusiasm and hard work! It’s been brilliant having you at the helm,” tweeted NUJ London Freelance branch. “Tank you and good luck. You’re a


brilliant leader,” said NUJMags. Te news came as a number of other departures and changes among the union’s staff have been announced.


Applications, from members of the union, for the post of NUJ general secretary are now open. Te closing date is noon, Tuesday 27 August. More information can be found on the NUJ website.


Pamela Morton, will leave at the end of the month aſter 34 years at the union. Te senior organiser for magazines, books & Wales previously worked in the freelance office and started as a finance assistant in 1990. Sian Jones, national broadcasting officer, is leaving to become the head of communications at Equity. She is well known to members since she served many years on the NEC in the PR and communications seat and as president during the difficult pandemic period.


At the NUJ’s DM, a resolution was passed to replace the term Mother/ Father of Chapel with Chapel Chair in the union’s rule book. Tis rule change has been promulgated in the NUJ rule book. In the debate, delegates were supportive of the need to encourage the widest range of members to put themselves forward and take up positions within their chapels, and of the central role that equality plays in the NUJ. It was noted that chapels already use


differing descriptions alongside M/ FoC – including chapel/NUJ rep – and that the change would not mean these terms could not continue to be used alongside Chapel Chair. In Ireland, Cathaoirleach is frequently used instead of chair.


In making the rule change the NEC noted the importance of inclusivity and recognised that many members and reps have an affection for the longstanding traditions of the union. Te terminology arises from our roots in the printmakers’ union, where workers created voluntary associations to challenge and improve working conditions. It forms part of our proud history and demonstrates the power of collective action. All NUJ reps, officials and staff are encouraged to use “Chapel Chair” in their union communications, including in their correspondence with branches, chapels and members, in order to promote the term among our membership.


Welsh Executive Council chair Nick Powell presents Pamela Morton with a miner’s lamp


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