Message of Support from Eric Hill, Retired Member's Officer and Mike's Campaign Manager

I am writing in support of Mike Calvert who is standing for the post of Deputy Branch Secretary.
He is the current Deputy Branch Secretary and has held that position for five years. over those years he has built up a wealth of experience and knowledge which has stood the members in good stead over these years-both in individual cases and in Departmental and Branch disputes. I have witnessed Mike at work both in the Branch office and elsewhere and can vouch for his hard work on behalf of the membership. I also know other Branch Officers tap into his wealth of experience and knowledge on a regular basis when dealing with their own cases and/or disputes. It is accepted that his advice can always be relied upon and is therefore welcomed.

Another thing I would want to mention is the fact that we don't just have Branch Officers in the Branch Office, we have a team-in my view-in my view a well oiled machine-and Mike is an integral part of that team. It is therefore in the best interests of the membership to keep that team in place to deal with what I consider will be a difficult period of time ahead from a trade union point of view. This will give us the best chance of success in future disputes.

Mike does try and get to as many meetings as possible but given the nature and responsibilities of the post of Deputy Branch Secretary it is not possible for him to get to all the meetings he would wish to. he does however, prioritise what meetings it is in the best interests of the members for him to attend.
This can be a meeting with members either individually or as a group or a meeting with Management.
Whatever meeting it is, it is always with the members best interests in mind. Another important role is standing in for the Branch Secretary in her absence.
Mike and Jane have worked closely together over the last five years during which time he has successfully carried out that role. It is important therefore to maintain this continuity over this next period.

In conclusion it is in the members' best interest to return Mike as Deputy Branch Secretary. In doing so you will be voting for consistency, unity, responsibility, knowledge, experience and a person who is a team player and whom you can trust.

I was Mike's Campaign Manager last year and having witnessed on a daily basis his work for the members both individually and collectively, I am more than happy to be his Campaign manager again.

Eric Hill
Retired Members Officer
Former Approved Mental Health Professional

NB

As Mike's Campaign Manager I just looked at his opponent's blog: I just need to point out that the header is very misleading. Mike's opponent is NOT the Deputy Branch Secretary.

Eric