Napo was proud to be represented at the 2026 Trades Union Congress (TUC) Black Workers’ Conference, held over three days at the Bournemouth International Centre. The conference brought together Black workers and trade unionists from across the movement, with wide representation from numerous unions united in advancing equality, justice, and workers’ rights.
Napo’s delegation comprised Deborah King, Napo Assigned Delegate and Trainee Probation Officer, Pervez, fellow Napo delegate, and Ranjit Singh, Napo Assistant Secretary. The delegation actively participated throughout the conference, contributing to debates, supporting motions, and ensuring that the voices of probation staff—particularly those from Black and migrant backgrounds—were heard clearly and confidently.
Strong Napo Presence in Conference Debates
One of the highlights of the conference was the powerful contribution of Deborah King, who spoke as a key speaker across multiple debates, drawing on both her professional role within probation and her lived experience.
On Day 1, Deborah spoke in support of Motion 10: Defending Migrant Workers and Overseas-Trained Teachers from Precarity. Her contribution emphasised the insecure conditions faced by migrant workers, including those within the justice sector, and highlighted the need for trade unions to actively challenge exploitative practices, hostile environments, and inequitable employment structures. Her intervention was well received and reinforced the importance of solidarity with migrant workers across all sectors.
On Day 2, Deborah again addressed conference as a key speaker in support of Motion 6: Reform the Asylum System. She spoke compellingly about the intersection between immigration policy, racial injustice, and the lived realities experienced by asylum seekers. Her contribution underlined the critical role of trade unions in campaigning against harmful asylum policies and advocating for humane, fair, and just systems that uphold dignity and human rights.
Later in the conference, Deborah supported Motion 19: National Maternity and Neonatal Investigations, drawing directly on her lived experience. Her contribution resonated strongly with delegates and comrades, calling for action on the Maternity and Health care system development in all ramifications, specifically for effective communication with interpreters where necessary, inclusive staffing at all times, thorough health care support and professional trainings for staff to avoid loss of lives, especially for black mothers and children. This made a significant impact on the floor of conference and reinforced the value of lived experience in shaping union policy and collective action.
Motions and Collective Support.
Throughout the conference, Napo stood in solidarity with the trade union movement by supporting all motions presented, reflecting our continued commitment to anti-racism, equality, and social justice.
The conference demonstrated once again the strength of collective organising and the importance of Black workers’ voices within the labour movement. Motions were robustly debated and widely supported, illustrating the shared determination across unions to address inequality, precarity, and structural racism.
A Conference of Unity and Purpose
The 2026 TUC Black Workers’ Conference provided an invaluable space for reflection, challenge, and solidarity. Napo’s delegation was actively involved across all three days, ensuring that probation perspectives were embedded within the wider trade union agenda.
Napo remains committed to standing alongside Black workers, migrant workers, and all those facing injustice within the workplace and society. We will continue to amplify members’ voices, challenge inequality, and work collectively with sister unions to build a fairer and more inclusive future.
Pervez shares his experience:
Attending the TUC Black Workers Conference was a valuable and empowering learning experience. The conference provided an important platform for Black workers to share their experiences and highlight the challenges they continue to face in the workplace and wider society.
I learned more about how systemic racism and inequality impact recruitment, progression, and wellbeing at work. The workshops and speakers reinforced the importance of strong union involvement, allyship, and collective action in tackling discrimination and promoting equality.
A particularly positive aspect of the conference was seeing motions successfully go through. This demonstrated that Black workers’ concerns are being formally recognised and acted upon, and that democratic processes within the union can lead to meaningful change. It was encouraging to see delegates come together to support actions that will help improve workplace policies and strengthen equality agendas.
Overall, the conference increased my awareness, built my confidence to challenge inequality, and motivated me to take an active role in supporting inclusive practices and equality initiatives within my workplace.
