New to the NEC: Christine Danniell

Christine Danniell, one eight new members of the National Executive Committee, introduces herself to the wider membership

Tell us about your day job

I am a commercial manager for BT. My primary role is to provide commercial support and pricing analysis across a wide range of ICT Products.

How long have you been in Prospect and why was it important for you to join a trade union? 

I have been a trade union member throughout my working life but a Prospect member since joining BT. I feel it is important to join a trade union for the following reasons

Trade unions support:

• Individuals – they provide employment advice and support at work.
• Disadvantaged – they champion BAME & LGBT issues as well as other equality issues.

What’s your proudest moment so far as a Prospect member or rep?  

I have successfully represented members on issues that were very complicated with successful outcomes.

How has Prospect been of benefit to you in your career and professional development? 

Since I became an active member I have met so many helpful and knowledgeable individuals, whom I would never have met. It has boosted my confidence and really helped to hone my negotiation skills. I have been on training courses that have been quite useful in my representation of members.

Why did you decide to stand for the NEC?

I have enjoyed the work so far and felt that being a member of the NEC would enable me to develop my skills further, and thereby be in a position to help with policies and procedures that will help workers currently and in the future.

What are of some of the workplace issues that you hope to make a difference on as part of the NEC? 

Equality issues.

As a member of the NEC, how will you approach some of the difficult decisions that might pit the interests of close colleagues in your own sector against the greater good of the whole union?  

The greater interests of the union often, by and large, encompass individual interests. There are exceptions to the rule but there is always a solution to every problem.

What’s your message to a colleague who is perhaps reluctant to join a union?

I would try and impart the benefits of being a member of the trade union. I would also say that we are better together rather than alone; one cord can be easily broken, three cords or more offers greater resistance.

What are the best and worst things about attending Prospect National Conference? 

Attending conference involves a lot of work, which I don’t always enjoy! However, I do enjoy the positive outcome of conference.

Tell us something about yourself that maybe even some of your colleagues wouldn’t know…

In my leisure moments I enjoy going into the forest for walks. I am part of a walking group. I enjoy day trips with friends around the UK.