06 Tis DM instructs the NEC…


It’s that time of the year when NUJ branches will be agreeing the subjects and wording of motions to April’s 2025 Delegate Meeting (DM) in Blackpool


D


M is the union’s policy- making body and these motions are part of the democratic process which determines the


NUJ’s priorities and plan of work for the following two years. Any member can suggest a motion or subject to their branch for discussion, debate and agreement, and likewise put forward amendments to motions from the preliminary agenda. Before submiting your motion,


to make sure it is accepted by the Standing Orders Commitee (SOC), check it is within the rules and follows certain guidelines. Have the


Deadline for motions: 13.00, 25 November to be sent to dmmotions@nuj.org.uk


Action •


Deadline for amendments: 13.00, 28 February to be sent to dmmotions@nuj.org.uk


DM page on the website


• •


NUJ Rule Book 2023-2025 •


union’s current rule-book to hand during the draſting process. Our website has lots of useful


information about writing motions and the business of DM. Te best advice is to keep it simple. As with subbing any copy, spell out initials and explain organisations, legislation or anything that other members/ readers may not be familiar with. A concise motion is much beter than one which contains all the arguments; these can be made in the speeches at DM. Make sure it says what you mean, imprecise wording can lead to unintended consequences. Remember, there will be plenty of opportunities at DM to celebrate the union’s various successes and campaigns. Te main object is to look forward to the new challenges the industry faces and how the union can respond or to propose ways the union and its rules can be reformed. Te convention is to say: “Tis DM instructs the NEC …” followed by a set of action points, but this does not mean it is the NEC’s job to carry out the instructions. If the branch’s name is on the motion, it is the


branch’s responsibility to ensure it is carried out. So, if your branch calls for a special summit on an issue


close to its heart, the branch will be required to do the work once it has become a resolution. Your motion may call on other bodies, such as NUJ councils and commitees, to be involved in progressing the motion – make sure they are aware of this and happy to be included.


Once the deadline for motions has passed, that’s it. However, branches can put forward Late Notice Motions relating to events that have occurred aſter the deadline You will be expected to convince SOC there is a strong case for its inclusion, it’s a device that should be used sparingly.


Jess Hurd


DM


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