Women’s Equality Party Conference 2022

Saturday 26th November - Sunday 27th November

Party Business: At Conference

I can't find the Zoom link for party business, how do I get in to the session?

On 24th November, each delegate who is a member will be emailed their individual link for accessing the conference Zoom session and voting. The link is the same for all 3 party business sessions. This link is unique to you and is not shareable.   

How do I vote for my Steering Committee representative?

On 24th November, each delegate who is a member will be emailed their individual link for voting for their Steering Committee representative. The link will open at 1:30pm on Saturday 26th November and close at 9am on Sunday 27th November and member delegates will be able to vote during that time. 

What happens at a motion debate?

All motions, except any emergency motions proposed on the day, will have been proposed in advance. The Chair will invite the named proposer of a motion to the podium to introduce their motion to address the conference. Proposers will have five minutes to speak, followed by all other speakers with three minutes each. Timings may be altered by the Chair. The Chair will select speakers both for and against the motion (or the amendment) to allow for a balanced debate. The Chair will ensure that all debate stays reasoned, relevant and respectful. Once the debate is over, every member will be invited to cast their vote by raising their conference voting pass. Following the vote, the Chair will announce the result.

What is a named proposer?

All motions will have been proposed by a branch, the Leader, the Steering Committee, the Executive Committee or the Policy Committee, or by at least 20 party members. For each motion, the members who submitted it will have to select one person to be the named proposer. The named proposer of a motion will be responsible for presenting the motion to the conference.

I haven't proposed a motion, can I take part?

Absolutely! If you decide on the day - or even during the debate - that you would like to speak for or against a motion, all you need to do is fill in a speaker card with your name and whether you are for or against. Speaker cards will be available at all motion debates. The timeline for party business deadlines is here.

I proposed a motion but am not the named proposer - can I take part in the debate?

Members who are jointly responsible for putting forward the motion, but who are not the named proposer, may still participate in the debate as a speaker by filling in a speaker card. However, the Chair may limit their participation to ensure other delegates have the opportunity to speak to the motion.

I am a named proposer, what do I need to do?

• Read through the Standing Orders in advance. This is the best guidance available to help you understand what is expected of you as the named proposer. 
• Have a Plan B. If for any reason you are unable to present the motion, the Chair shall allow your chosen substitute to speak on your behalf.
• Be ready! Check the agenda ahead of time so you know when you will be called. All speakers must be ready to make their way to the podium in good time when they are called, or risk missing their turn.
• Think about what you want to say to conference in advance so you’re ready to make your case for your motion/amendment.

How do I know when my motion will be debated?

The order will be set out in the conference agenda and will be available in advance and on the day.