5 Getting members engaged rather than acting as 'consumers' is also vital for some: Getting more people involved in taking ownership of health and safety problems rather than passing it on to the health and safety rep. Making members feel connected to the body of the organisation. Decoding complex issues can also be significant: I've been able to directly help and advise our members on pension issues, which are complex and frankly baffling to most people. Recognising difficulties members may face is key to the role: More tolerance for members who contact us regarding mental health issues. Challenging remarks by ill-informed work colleagues.
Ways of working Many respondents commented on improvements they had made to the way they carried out their work as a rep. For example, setting priorities: Not to rush things – read, understand and focus on what's important. Being more thorough and getting the correct piece of guidance from policy before commenting. Or making sure of the facts: I gather evidence, facts and research before charging straight into a project! Knowledge is empowerment. Background research makes a difference. Listening and looking at different points of view was also important for some: I try to anticipate how situations could be interpreted from opposing points of view so as to be better prepared with counter arguments/supporting evidence. I have become more assertive and less aggressive. I have learned to listen more.
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Still making a dierence