Conference in our reps' words: Issue 6 - June 2024 | Accord Magazine

A group of reps in discussion during a break at Accord conference 2024

How have you found conference?

“It’s been brilliant. It’s inspiring, it’s energising, it’s all the things that Accord wanted it to be," says Julie Hampson, Halifax Northwich. "It’s inspired me to go out and talk to members, talk to non-members about becoming members, growing our membership and continuing to represent them in the best way I can.”

Rob Graham, LBG Sheffield, called out our guest speakers, saying - "It’s been really, really good. The guest speakers have been inspiring, particularly the two union leaders we saw yesterday (Thursday 18th April)."

Dhiviya Rajeendran, Lloyds Slough, had this to say about the motions - "The motions that have been put forward have been very relevant. I can see that a lot of people have thought them through, got a lot of feedback from other colleagues and other members before putting things forward. It’s been quite hopeful, there’s a lot to work on over the next few years."

Gemma Gorman, LBG Dunfermline agreed, saying - "There’s been a lot of really good motions that have been put up and a lot of good discussion on the back of it. People opposing things as well because not everyone agrees. It’s been brilliant. The whole conference has been amazing."

Rounding things up, Rob added: "The debates have been conducted in the spirit you’d imagine with disagreements being very amicable and with the right intentions, plus lots of camaraderie. It's been really motivating.”

Delegate questioning a guest speaker during a Q&A session

What's the main thing you'll take away from conference?

“It gives you more of a fire in your belly to have those conversations with members," said Gemma. "It kind of resets everything to have the discussions and be really honest with them as well.”

“Energy," Julie agreed. "It’s hard to be energetic at work at the minute. There’s so much change going on and it’s so fast. But the energy and enthusiasm from this conference will see me through to the next one so that’s great.”

Dhiviya said "Greater awareness. From the motions I can see what’s going on and the current issues. I’ve seen a lot of Halifax people, a lot of TSB people speaking. But for me personally, we need to build Accord's presence in the mortgage section of Lloyds.”

“The spirit of how the union’s being run and how the conference has been conducted," Rob said, adding, "people would feel a lot better and colleague engagement would be stronger if everything was conducted the way it has been here.”

From the feedback submitted by attendees

95%

gave Conference 2024 a 5 star rating (out of 5)
And 100% of reps gave conference a rating of 4 or 5 stars!

What other delegates had to say...

This was my first conference. I feel inspired, energised and motivated to help us achieve the aims set out by the motions.
Delegate feedback

It was another great Conference. I love getting together with other reps and makes me feel re-energised in getting back out to members.
Delegate feedback

It was an exceptionally well run, encouraging, motivating and uplifting conference. It was my first conference and has given me lots of ideas to help me promote Accord at my workplace.
Delegate feedback

What other delegates had to say...

The conference was fantastic, and everyone was so welcoming. You've all done such a great job organising it and answering queries for newbies like me
Delegate feedback

Thank you to all the organisers and staff for all their hard work. I’m proud to be an Accord union rep.
Delegate feedback

I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and giving everyone the opportunity to speak on motions was great. It's the first time I have spoken too, but I was put at ease.
Delegate feedback