WORKPLACE POINTS OF CONTACT
and building the POC network
There is no Union without you!
As a member of the CWU we must remember, we are all an integral part of the power and influence of the Union. Growing our membership numbers is fundamental to us building our influence and negotiation strength. It is critical that information and knowledge flows in both directions within the Union and the membership. This ensures relevant issues and concerns can be dealt with and addressed. The work and direction of our efforts must come from a position of understanding the facts, while remaining fair and proportional.
What does POC stand for?
POC is an acronym for - Point of Contact. " a person or department that can be approached for information or assistance on a specific topic."
What is a CWU POC?
Communication Workers Union - Points of Contact, are the Eyes, Ears and Voice of the Union in the workplace. Informing and updating their team of important and relevant information affecting their job and area of business. Available and able to answer questions, get answers and recruit. POCs are able to raise issues and give feedback to the branch to be dealt with locally or passed up the chain to be addressed at a higher level of the Union.
Why are Points of Contact important?
Workplace Points of Contact will help to make the Union more effective by improving communication in both directions throughout the Membership and Union structure. From the CWU leadership, to branches, to the new Points of Contact and then membership, and back again. Communication and the sharing of information within the Union needs to be a 2 way street. The information communicated to the membership must also be relevant to that team and business. Points of Contact can highlight local issues as well as allowing their branch to recognise common and more widespread issues.
Be the Eyes and Ears
As the eyes and ears on the ground, you will be the person best placed to understand what is happening in your team and area of the business. It's expected the majority of the time there may be little or nothing that will need to be brought to the attention of the branch. However, there will be questions that you may be asked by your team that you may need to raise to the branch to later feedback.
Be the Voice
As the POC (Point of Contact) within your team we will make sure you have the knowledge and tools to:
• Advise and recommend the advantages and importance of being a member to non-members and members within your team.
• Explain and show others how to become a member.
• Direct people where they can access updates and information on our website & social media channels, including where to access and find out more about their member benefits and discounts.
• Relay urgent updates out to your team whenever necessary.
Knowledge is power
The better the Unions knowledge and up to date understandings, the better and quicker the Union can position, address and react to situations. Having a full understanding of the facts in any scenario will give us a fantastic advantage when negotiating and influencing.
Building the POC network
The workplace POC network is a completely new initiative within our Union structure. The first step is growing our database of members who are interesting in becoming a Point of Contact. You can register your interest by completing and submitting the form at the bottom of this page. If you have friends or colleagues you think would also be well suited to becoming a POC, please speak to them and recommend they complete the form on this page.
Network Reach
Our aim is to have a POC in every business, in every workplace, and in every department and team we have members in.
Progression
As a POC you may also get prioritised for opportunities to progress your Union experience and position. This may include but not limited to further training in recruiting, equalities, Health & safety, and formal representation. This could lead to future opportunities within the Union , possibly leading to becoming a USR, Rep or Officer.
What will happen next?
After we have built the POC network and database of contacts we will then make contact with you to brief out the next steps. This will include the initial information, contacts and tools you'll need to begin to enact the position.
Register your interest
Complete the form below and we will add you to the new POC network.
Register your interest to become a workplace Point of Contact
Please complete this form and submit.
* Required field