A

ADM

The Annual Delegate Meeting is the supreme policy making body of the NUJ.

Usually held over four days, the ADM is attended by representatives from all branches, councils and NUJ officials.

Another important feature of ADM is that it provides the chance to meet members from other areas. This highly sociable aspect of ADM is one in which committed members indulge with gusto.

B

Black Members Council

Represents the interests of black members and campaigns on issues such as racism and racial equality. The council is elected by black NUJ members. Glasgow branch member, Elyas Hussain sits on the Black Members Council.

Branch

The Union has a number of branches which are collections of members defined by area and/or sector.

The branch also provides an umbrella for a number of chapels and will assist with issues relating to chapels and individual members wherever possible.

Members or chapels with motions for ADM must do so through their branch.

C

Chair

A branch officer and representative, the Chair also presides over meetings ensuring that the correct procedures are followed. The current Chair of the branch is James Doherty.

Chapels

Chapels are the name given to the Union bodies in specific workplaces.

Our many atheist members will be relieved to hear that there is no religious connotation to this.

Chapels are led by an MoC (Mother of Chapel) or an FoC (Father of Chapel). The distinction should be obvious.

Councils

Bodies created by the Union to advise on policy and individual cases in specific areas.

They consist of members working in the sector, who are elected annually. Each Council is supported by a full-time official who acts as a servicing officer.

Examples are the Black Members, Disabled Members, Ethics and Equality Councils.

D

Delegate

Someone nominated to represent a branch, chapel, council or committee.

Deputy General Secretary

The DGS assists the General Secretary and is also elected every five years. John Fray was re-elected to the post in 2003.

Disabled Members Council

Campaigns for equal opportunities for disabled members and is elected by members who consider themselves to have a disability. The Disabled Members Council also helps the union to maintain awareness of inclusiveness issues within its own activities.

E

Equality

The NUJ is big on equality. As a matter of policy we oppose discrimination on grounds of age, gender, religion, race, sexuality and physical ability to name but a few.

If you were thinking of discriminating against someone on grounds not listed in the aforesaid categories, don't do it. We are almost certainly against you.

Equality Officer

A point of contact as well as an adviser to the branch on relevant issues, the Glasgow branch Equality Officer is Ann Coltart.

General Secretary

Head Honcho, Top Banana and various other ceremonial titles are accorded to union’s highest ranking official, currently Jeremy Dear. The GS is elected by members every five years.

J

The Journalist

The current editor of the NUJ magazine is Tim Gopsill. The Journalist also has an Editorial Advisory Board which considers specific ideas and discusses the general direction of the magazine.

M

Members In Need Fund

One of the NUJ's two major charities, the Members in Need Fund exists to assist NUJ members facing financial crises.

N

National Executive Council

Between Annual Delegate Meetings, the NEC is the union's major body. James Doherty is a Scottish member of the NEC.

NUJ

The National Union of Journalists - err, that's us.

O

Online Media Joint Council

Considers issues relevant to New Media, including organising recruitment and campaigning on pay and conditions. Graeme Smith and Glasgow branch member, Bernard Thompson, are Scottish representatives on the OMJC.

P

Provident Fund

The Provident Fund exists to give financial assistance to the families and dependants of deceased NUJ members.

S

SEC

The Scottish Executive Council is the main policy making body for the NUJ in Scotland.

Secretary

The branch Secretary is responsible for much of the administrative work of the branch as well as taking minutes during meetings. Angela Austin and Bernard Thompson are currently the Secretaries on a jobshare basis.

T

Treasurer

Looks after the books - cooks need not apply. Ann Coltart currently holds the post for the Glasgow branch.

V

Vice Chair

Assists the chair and acts in his or her absence. The branch vice chair is David Miller.

W

Welfare

The Union tries hard to be supportive when members run into difficulties.

Every branch should have a Welfare Officer to advise and help, if possible, in a variety of adverse circumstances. The Glasgow branch Welfare Officer is Grace Franklin and discretion is assured.