NUJ structure review update

To all NUJ councils, committees, branches and chapels,

The review of the NUJ’s structure has now entered a second phase.

A report summarising the suggested changes received so far was made available at this year’s ADM and has been posted online at http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=853

Before anyone starts drafting rule change motions for ADM 2009, members are being asked to have a look at these proposals – and then comment again, by September 5th.

A working group – comprised of members of the Development Committee – will then prepare further draft proposals which will, in their turn, be sent back to members, chapels, branches, councils and committees for further discussion and comment.

Putting back the next ADM until November 2009 has allowed more time for the consultation process than had originally been anticipated. Consequently, the timetable has been extended – and there will be further opportunities for comments.

§ Responses to First Draft: September 5th
§ Report to Development Committee: for 19th September meeting
§ Drafting proposals for Development Committee: For 28th November meeting
§ Next consultation period: Close by 1st February 2009
§ Review of responses: By end February 2009
§ Further consultation period: Close Friday 20th April 2009
§ Final proposals to NEC: Papers out May 1st for meeting 8th May 2009
§ Close of Motions: 17th July 2009

If you want to make additional proposals, please put the suggestion in the first sentence and then following it with brief reasons or explanation, as – like all ADM proposals – each change will have to be costed and assessed for practicality.

Again, comments and proposals do not have to come formally from “tabling bodies”, the branches, councils and committees which carry out the union’s business. Suggestions from individual members continue to be very welcome.

The working party members – Adam Christie, Tom Davies and Donnacha Delong – are also will to come to branch, chapel or other meetings to talk through the process and answer other questions.

A detailed paper discussion Virtual Branches and meetings is available on request. Also, we will endeavour to answer questions as quickly as we can.

Suggestions, comments and questions can be sent to structure@nuj.org.uk or by post to:
Structure Review
National Union of Journalists
Headland House
308-312 Gray’s Inn Road
London WC1A 8DP

Yours sincerely,


Adam Christie
for the Development Committee working group.