New reps join Accord: Issue 4 - November 2023 | Accord Magazine

Welcome to our new reps

Following elections in September, Accord has welcomed 19 new colleagues into our team of nearly 300 site and workplace reps. 12 new pool reps have also been elected for the first time in Lloyds Community Bank.

For the next two years, these trained reps will be at the heart of the union’s work in branches and sites up and down the country. They’ll listen to members’ concerns, communicate union news, and offer guidance and representation when things aren’t going so well at work.

We’ve spoken to a few of our new reps about their motivations and hopes for the role.

Iona McCallum

Iona McCallum is a Case Manager for Protection in Scottish Widows, Edinburgh.

Why have you decided to become an Accord rep?

Both my Dad and my Granda were union reps in their time, so I’ve always had a sense of how important a role this is. I think it’s as crucial as ever to advocate for workers’ rights, and I want to play a part in that.

What do you think are the important issues facing Accord members in today’s workplace?

I believe communication is key, and we have been surprised many times this year, leaving some colleagues in absolute panic. I think more needs to be done to ensure colleagues feel safe and secure within their roles with an ever-evolving landscape.

What new skills or development opportunities are you hoping to access by being a rep?

This is my first venture into this kind of role, so I hope to soak up information and get involved where I can. I want to hear people’s concerns and ensure they’re being heard elsewhere too.

Chloe Simmons

Chloe Simmons works as a Customer Service Consultant in Peterborough and Stamford.

Why have you decided to become an Accord rep?

I've always been one for trying to get myself out there, getting some extra experience within the bank and meeting new people, to see if we have common problems that we can solve together. I've been to rep meetings where we've managed to figure out a problem or figure out a solution to a problem. It's a great way to network, but also to be able to fix things that are going on in your branch. That’s probably one of my key things, because I like being a problem solver.

What do you think are the important issues facing Accord members in today’s workplace?

I think pay obviously is a big thing because of the cost of living crisis. I don't think that means that we're being paid unfairly. However, it's in relation to the cost of living crisis and what's going on in the economy, which we should obviously know about because we are bankers. And I would also say probably our working patterns, and IT problems. They're probably the top three that pop up within the branch.

What skills or development opportunities are you hoping to access by being a rep?

Communication skills are a big one, obviously. You go to the meetings, you also get to speak with the Area Directors more personally, so it gives you that bit more of a communication build. I’m at university as well so any extra communication and networking skills are going to be brilliant in my progression. I also think quite a lot of teamwork and trust because all of the information you provide is confidential, especially when you’re dealing with cases in the branch, so it gives you that level of responsibility that you potentially wouldn’t get in your normal day-today-role, which can be quite rewarding.

Wayne Plummer

Wayne Plummer works as a Senior Customer Finance Analyst in Stockport.

Why have you decided to become an Accord rep?

Having used Accord’s services in the past, I wanted to get involved to support other colleagues and help to make people aware of the fantastic tools that are available to colleagues.

What do you think are the important issues facing Accord members in today’s workplace?

As we transition back to the office in a time when everyone is feeling the pinch in their pockets, I’m sure many members will be under pressure with the daunting task of having to commute to work and the added cost that this will bring.

What new skills or development opportunities are you hoping to access by being a rep?

I would like to see more about how the business works from an HR standpoint as it’s easy to forget that there is a business within the business that is dedicated to colleagues’ wellbeing. So, understanding more about what it takes to create a great working environment for colleagues is important.

Charlotte Gale

Charlotte Gale works as a Customer Adviser in the Halifax branch in Spalding.

Why have you decided to become an Accord rep?

I’m a very passionate and caring individual and I want to make a difference for branch based colleagues. As a Customer Adviser I know what challenges and issues we have. I feel I can make a difference as staff are able to come to me for support and to help resolve their issues.

What do you think are the important issues facing Accord members in today’s workplace?

The uncertainty of branch closures, the pressure of staff being told they will have to work from home and the management of staff in branches, such as sickness absence. It’s a lot of pressure on front-line colleagues who are tightly resourced already.

What new skills or development opportunities are you hoping to access by being a rep?

Broadening my people skills even more and forever trying to support my colleagues to make their lives easier and to feel supported. And learning more about Accord to broaden my knowledge to not just help myself but to help others

Bank Workers Charity - improved website

The Bank Workers Charity has recently had a refresh of its website to help you find the advice and support you’re looking for. We wanted to highlight some of the changes which we think you’ll find useful.

Access quick links to their website sections below

More about the Bank Workers Charity