The Napo AGM is known for its great sessions and this year’s fringe meetings are no exception. Packed with dynamic speakers and thought-provoking discussions, they offer fresh insights on crucial topics.
Sarah Woolley, GFTU PresidentParson Room – Calling all Reps and ‘wanna be’ Reps!
This is a session for current reps to talk about main issues and representations you are dealing with, without going into individual cases, but moreover for any members who may be thinking of taking up individual case work and what it might entail and how we can help you do this. Sarah Woolley, President of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) will explain also more about the courses that are available via the GFTU.
Sarah Woolley is the General Secretary of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, she became a member of the union when she started work as a weekend assistant at Bakers Oven, which later became Greggs and though not initially active within the union, she became a shop steward shortly after Greggs took over and became more active not only in the BFAWU but the wider union movement.
She was elected as a full time office in 2016, sitting on the unions national executive as the Women’s representative before that and was elected as the first Female General Secretary the union has at the end of 2019 and took up the role in 2020.
She is currently the President of the General Federation of Trade Unions and sits on the TUC General council.
Brief Summaries of Other Fringe Meetings:
- Approved Premises Network (Dobson Room): Review the E3 operating staffing model and contribute to shaping a new, more effective staffing approach. This session kicks off member consultation.
- Narcotics Anonymous (two sessions, various rooms): Get an insider’s view of Narcotics Anonymous meetings with this narrated “fishbowl” session, including readings and a Q&A.
- Napo Black Network (Dobson Room): A timely discussion on how Napo can help bring communities together following the recent rise in far-right riots.
- Young Members’ Network (Bewick Room): Focused on building the next generation of Napo activists, this session invites young members to share experiences and push for change, including campaigning for a £15 minimum wage.
- 5aSideCHESS (Swan Room): Learn how this shorter, practical version of chess is being used in prisons to build mental resilience, improve confidence, and support rehabilitation.
- Health & Safety Network (Parson Room): Discover how Operation Protect is helping raise awareness around workload pressures and staff safety, and learn more about the new laws affecting probation work, including the dangers of weapons like machetes and zombie knives.
- The Role of Probation in Reducing Reoffending: A look at innovative practices in rehabilitation and how probation services can make a lasting impact on communities.
