(out of 5)
from members' feedback given in 2024 - thank you!
According to you
This is your chance to have a say about the things that matter to you, and for us to celebrate good news stories.
This is your chance to have a say about the things that matter to you, and for us to celebrate good news stories.
From time to time, we all encounter unexpected challenges in our working lives. You might suddenly need more flexibility because a family member has fallen ill. A change of manager could create new tensions in your team. As the business evolves, you could find yourself being put on ‘Back to your Best’ even though you don’t think the quality of your work has changed.
Whatever the issue, it’s at times like these that you want a union in your corner. Through our helpline, staffed by our expert officers, Accord is always there to advise on any issue, big or small. And if your issue progresses, our officers can help you to prepare for discussions with the business and accompany you to meetings to provide representation.
Last year, we supported hundreds of members through these services and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. 145 of those who rated the service they received gave it five stars – an overall average rating of 4.976 stars. 143 said that they’re very likely to recommend Accord to their colleagues on the basis of the service they received.
Members describe our officers as supportive, knowledgeable, professional, friendly and caring. Many of those who gave feedback said they had been members of Accord for many years without needing any direct support and have only now realised the full value of the services the union can provide.
We’re encouraging all members to share their positive stories about the union, to show others the benefits of being part of the Accord family.
Sarah made me feel heard and supported and most of all, that I matter. I don't think I would of made it this far without her. What an absolute asset to the union and us lucky members! I'll never have reservations again about reaching out for support or help from the union. No stone unturned.
Krisna gave me so much confidence that everything would be fine. He was phenomenal. He put me at ease. He exuded professionalism. He was informative, respectful, a true 'Guardian Angel'. I've paid my union subs for years without use but highly valued the support, some 46 years later.
Sharon was a shining light in a horrific situation where I could only see darkness. I’ve been paying Accord membership for over 20 years. I've often questioned the monthly payment but always saw it as an insurance policy for me at times of need. This insurance finally paid out.
I am very pleased and happy with Accord's services. I was having a lot of trouble with a work-related issue and did not know where to turn. I really and truly could not have done it without Neil or Accord I will definitely be recommending Accord to colleagues.
I would definitely recommend Accord to friends. You don’t want to be in my situation, but when / if you are, it’s extremely helpful to have a support network around you.
Any major period of change in our working lives can be stressful and disruptive, and those are the moments when it’s most important to have a union on your side. Recently, we were glad to be able to help a retiring member with some issues related to pensions and severance.
In an email to the union, he said:
I do appreciate your help. The Group HR function offers little support through the severance process apart from some links to slides or docs. Perhaps they rely on Accord’s team to pick up the slack. That’s no help to non-union colleagues, but a reason to publicise the practical benefits of union membership, as I’ve learned.”
If you are approaching retirement, or moving on from LBG or TSB, you can stay with Accord as an Associate Member, at a reduced monthly rate. If you’re moving on, we can continue to advise and support you if you have issues with your new workplace. Or as a retired member you can retain access to valuable membership benefits, like legal advice, the travel club and our will-writing service.
Aside from the practical benefits, we’re always proud when retired members choose to support what we do by remaining part of the Accord family. Recently, we were delighted to hear from Colin, one of Accord’s longest-standing members said:
I have great respect and appreciation for all the help and advice that Accord gave me while I was employed by Halifax Bank. I retired from Halifax 10 and a half years ago, after nearly 48 years' service under an amicable leaving arrangement. I have continued to be a member of your great union and I have followed the progress of the union and your leadership. I will be 75 early next year and I must be one of your longest serving members as I joined the union when it was formed many years ago. I just want to wish you good health and all the good luck if needed for the continuing future growth and success of the union.”
Switching to associate membership is easy. There are 3 easy ways to make the switch...
We hope you decide to stay with the Accord family. Together we’re stronger.
As awareness of neurodiversity increases, we can all play a part in ensuring that our neurodiverse colleagues and friends have a positive experience of the workplace. Gary*, an Accord member, has shared his story of gaining understanding of his own neurodiversity, with help from Accord officer Mark Henderson.
On a number of occasions, Mark had supported Gary with issues he encountered at work. They came to know each other quite well and, having built up a relationship of trust, Mark suggested that Gary might benefit from seeking some professional guidance, to understand his own experience, behaviour and interactions with others, inside and outside work.
“I had a lightbulb moment when Mark was talking to me,” Gary said. But at that time, he wasn’t able to access support through the NHS. As an alternative, Mark and Gary’s line manager supported him to get in contact with BUPA, who have been able to offer counselling and an ADHD/Autism pre-assessment.
Gary now feels he’s getting to know himself and to understand his journey better, though it hasn’t been an easy process and he’s still waiting on an official diagnosis.
“Mark has been there in the background,” he says. “I cannot thank him enough and will always be indebted to him for his help.”
Neurodivergence is common, but neurodiverse people often still encounter lack of understanding in the workplace. You are entitled to reasonable adjustments to accommodate your neurodiversity. If you need guidance, get in touch with Accord.
*Not his real name.
When Accord member Darryl left his wedding ring in a hotel room in Turkey, he thought it was gone for good.
Until the Accord Travel Club came to the rescue...
We want to hear from you about the things that matter to you, and about the support you've had from Accord or our benefit providers. Please get in touch and we'll publish your story in a future edition of My Accord. Simply email us at: [email protected].
We reserve editorial rights and letters do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the union. We don’t publish anything we've received anonymously, but if you want us to withhold your name, let us know.
