Equality has clearly been a very visible and high priority at this conference, as it is in UNISON in general, with Equality Day in the information area, an equalities fringe meeting, and meetings throughout the week for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Disabled, Black, and Women's Self Organised Groups. Importantly there was a unanimous vote to support the LGBT Committee's motion to defend the Human Rights Act, currently under threat from our new government. There was also provision made for the new role of Equality Representatives to be elected for each workplace to work alongside and support the existing Equality Officers, to make sure that the equalities message reaches all areas of work, that more time is able to be specifically given to it, and that all UNISON members, including those from minority groups, have a voice of their own.

But as great as all this is, the more of us there are being represented by, and representing, our union, the more we can achieve. So I urge you all to encourage those around you who aren't members to join up, and those of us who are already members to make sure we are active and get the most out of that membership. The upcoming budget cuts will affect our LGBT community, and cuts to public services will disproportionately affect our services. We need to put our full weight behind opposing this, and unite to fight, and to win.

Jen Titley - Branch delegate and LGBT member