So long, and thanks for all the fish

As reported elswhere, I got a new job yesterday, as Senior Database Officer for the new BRICCS (Biomedical Research Informatics Centre for Cardiovascular Science - being able to remember that formed the central part of the job interview) project at Glenfield. While I will be staying with the UHL (sorry, Malcolm) this is a job which is going to require 100% of my time and concentration, at least for the next year or so. I therefore announced at last night's branch meeting, once the discussion on the private contractors' Agenda for Change campaign had come to an end, that I would be stepping down forthwith as a representative within the branch and concentrating solely on my work responsibilities for a while.

That's not an easy decision - UNISON activity has been a central part of who I am for a very long time, but having talked it over with people I trust, Ive come to the conclusion that trying to do it all would result in doing none of it well. The union, the branch - and probably some of the individual members who I've represented over the years - will still be here when I decide I've got enough time to get back into it. For the time being however, it's going to be 'work, work, work'.

I'm still serving on the Health SGE for the East Midlands - my calculation is that if I were to step down now there wouldn't be time for a by-election, leaving the region one short on the SGE until next summer. That doesn't appear to benefit anyone, so I'm minded to do my best to continue with that work but not seek re-election next spring when the biannual election cycle rolls round again. I'd welcome comments from UNISON members in the region on this, as I'm still undecided as to what the right thing to do really is.

Thanks to everyone who I've worked with in UNISON over the years - it's been fun, and I'll miss you. I'm not dropping off any email lists, and I'm certainly not leaving the union  These rumours of me becoming a manager and joining Amicus may be funny, but they are completely wrong! So long, and thanks for all the fish.