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From the 25th to 27th of September 2024, representatives from Aviva's various sites—including Sheffield, Norwich, London, Maxim Park, Leeds, Eastleigh, York, and Perth—gathered in Birmingham for the annual Unite the Union conference. With around 25 attendees, the event provided a unique opportunity to come together, share insights, and strengthen our collective efforts as union members.

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One of the highlights of the event was a powerful address from National Officer Dominic Hook, whose speech set an inspiring tone for the days ahead. In addition, updates from the National Advisory Committee members gave attendees a comprehensive overview of their respective areas, helping to ensure everyone was up-to-date on key issues affecting us.

 

A key part of the conference was the series of workshops that allowed us to dive deeper into union organisation and strategies. These included:

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1. The Importance of Organising & Winning in the Workplace – This motivational session, held by Michelle Smith and Ben Graves, emphasised the importance of collective action. Michelle’s passion and insight into workplace organising left a lasting impact on the group, as she skilfully demonstrated how unity can drive meaningful change.​

2. Organising around a Pay Campaign – Led by Michelle Smith and Ben Graves, this session focused on effective tactics for mobilising around pay issues, with practical guidance on planning successful campaigns. Ben’s extensive experience and approachable style made complex topics accessible, and his ability to inspire confidence in even the most challenging campaigns was widely appreciated.

3. Overcoming Challenges to Join role play – A fun and insightful workshop where we engaged in role play scenarios to sharpen our organising skills.

4. Organising around Hot Topics – This workshop explored current hot-button issues in the workplace and how we can effectively address them.

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Each of these workshops left us feeling motivated, armed with practical tools, and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. The collaborative nature of these sessions also strengthened the sense of unity among us, as we learned a great deal from each other’s experiences.

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Outside the formal sessions, we also had time to unwind together, with evening meals in local restaurants and some light-hearted 'getting-to-know-you' games. These activities were not only enjoyable but also effective in fostering a sense of camaraderie, leaving us all feeling more like a cohesive team by the end of the event.

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A particularly fascinating aspect of the conference was the presentation from the Environment Network. They calculated each attendee's carbon footprint, comparing it to previous years, and were pleased to report that we collectively managed to reduce our carbon footprint compared to last year—a win for both the union and the environment!

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The conference ended on a high note with the "Reppie Awards" ceremony, celebrating the hard work and dedication of several outstanding representatives:

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• Christine Clark received the Award for Dedication and Commitment. Christine, who will be retiring soon, has been a pillar of strength in the union. Her dedication and wealth of expertise have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed by all who have worked alongside her.

• Jonathan Burford was honoured with the Award for Outstanding Commitment, recognising his tireless efforts and contributions over the past year.

• Julie Train was named Most Promising Newcomer, a testament to her rapid growth and the potential she’s already shown in her role.

• Stephen Tivey and Stuart Thomas both received Star Performer awards, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and achievements within the union.

• Finally, the Sheffield branch was awarded Best Team, a well-deserved recognition of their collective efforts and impact.

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Overall, the 2024 Aviva Unite the Union Conference was a resounding success. We left Birmingham with renewed energy, a deeper sense of community, and a commitment to making a positive impact both within Aviva and beyond.