What does a spokesperson do?
Working with the Party Leader and central staff, as well the movement builder in their area, spokespeople spread our Party’s policies and aims as far and wide as possible through media engagement, events, branches and networks. They take a lead on the policy area they represent, always looking for opportunities for engagement and keeping abreast of political and sector developments in their area.
What does a movement builder do?
Working with the Party Leader and central staff, as well as the spokesperson in their policy area, movement builders focus on developing the relationships and networks with individuals and organisations working in their policy area, to build support and momentum for our work. From small grassroots organisations to national bodies, and including our branches and members with an interest in the policy area, this role is to connect and inspire people with our policies and related campaigns.
How do individual members work together as a committee?
As a collective, the policy committee supports the Leader of the Party’s strategic vision by providing advice and guidance on their policy area or nation.
The committee also ensures that new policy proposals are coherent and consistent with our aims and objectives. It monitors developments in each policy area and the nations of the UK and challenges other parties to improve their own policies in these areas. Committee members works with central office staff and the Leader on related campaigns and new developments.
The policy committee can use its knowledge and understanding to collectively prepare policy proposals for Party Conference. It also helps prepare manifestos for elections contested by the Party, and is responsible for approving all Party manifestos.
For more on the specific responsibilities see 7.6.1 - 7.6.9 of our constitution.
Contested Policy Committee positions
- Equal Representation spokesperson
- Equal Pay and Opportunity Spokesperson
- Equal Pay and Opportunity Movement Builder
- Equal Parenting and Caregiving Spokesperson
- Equality in the Media Spokesperson
- Equal Education Spokesperson
- Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Spokesperson
- Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Movement Builder
- Equality in Scotland Spokesperson
What are the requirements of policy committee members?
All members
- Party membership
- Believe in and abide by the Party’s mission and objectives
- Become experts in your policy area and WE policies, or WE policies as applied to your nation
- Attend quarterly Committee meetings
- Monitor developments in your policy area or nation
- Prepare manifestos for elections
- Prepare policy proposals for Party Conference
- Ensure the consistency of policy proposals submitted by others
- Keep abreast of and support external consultation responses, enquiries and WE campaigns
- Oversee actions and motions arising from Party Conference that are directed to the Policy Committee.
- Report back to Party Conference
Spokespeople
- Identify, respond to and contribute to speaker requests, media briefings and press request on an ad hoc basis (in accordance with your availability)
- Take part in and help prepare for regular events and debates
Movement builders
- Meet with stakeholders, partner organisations, branches, members and grassroots activists to build a diverse movement
- Support media briefings for speakers
What is the process for election?
All members will have the opportunity to vote electronically for one candidate for each of the roles between 7 January and 27 January 2020. The successful candidates will be elected by a simple majority.
The photos, videos and statements of all candidates who put themselves forward are available on the UK Engage portal https://nom.ukevote.uk/wep.