Organising Award Winners Q&A: Jessa Battersby, Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Branch Award (Small)

First reaction and thoughts when you found out that you had won your award?

Really pleased and proud.

Was there any particular reason that spurred you into action, or that made you think you could make a difference?

Yes, getting a few new YPN Reps who have worked really hard to organise young/new professionals in JNCC, advise them of the benefits of being in a union and generally listening to their issues and presenting those to management.

In terms of your union activity, what are you most proud of in the last year?

See above – but also the activities of all the Prospect Reps in raising our profile in the organisation and holding useful discussions on pay and terms and conditions with management.

What help and support have you had? 

Fantastic support from our full-time officer, Lindsay Chapman. Also. from Sam Gipson for excellent training courses that many union reps have attended!

As a branch, what sort of engagement have you had with your employer?

Very positive. JNCC has a good relationship with the unions and tries hard to work with us.

What are some of the challenges and obstacles that you’ve had to overcome in this period?

Dealing with the pandemic and the impacts on staff morale and wellbeing, working remotely all the time, increasing workload and constant issues around pay.

What’s your advice to other members or branches hoping to replicate your successes?

Try to have a positive relationship with your employer and keep the exchange open. Enable platforms for members to discuss matters which are important to them and for social interaction, for example a coffee break, lunchtime chat or pub/home quiz!

What are going to be some of your branch’s priorities over the next 12 months?

Increase our membership to grow our voice and engagement with staff in the organisation.

For you, personally, what’s the best thing about bring in Prospect?

The community and support from reps and members.