Source: Bob Smith | All Rights ReservedThe countdown to the NUJ’s biggest gathering of members has begun with the publication of the timetable for the 2027 Delegate Meeting.
Known as DM, this biennial event brings together activists from across the union – including representatives from every branch.
Those branch delegates will consider proposals put forward by different branches, councils and committees on topics including who can join the union, what they pay to be a member, how we organise in workplaces and what our campaigning priorities should be.
Each of the proposals put forward – known as motions – can be amended by others before being debated at the conference, which will take place in Brighton from Friday 23 April to Sunday 25 April.
Other topics likely to be on the agenda include pay and conditions of our members, industrial matters, press freedom, the safety of journalists, ethical journalism, government policy and international solidarity.
Branch member Rob Parsons, who was a delegate for the first time in 2025, said: “I found my weekend in Blackpool fascinating and enjoyable. It was great to see so many passionate journalists and NUJ members together in the same place and together we formalised the union’s position on a number of key issues.
“I’d definitely recommend members in West Yorkshire getting involved if they want to get some valuable insights into how the NUJ works at national and local level and spend two days learning from other delegates who’ve been doing this for years.”
To encourage wider participation, DM 2027 will officially open on Monday 19 April and include online events that week. They will be open to all members, not just our branch delegates.
The in-person conference will then begin on the Friday afternoon, enabling most delegates to travel that day. It is hoped this will make it easier for working journalists to get time off to attend, while also reducing the amount union has to spend on accommodation.
Key dates for branches to note are:
- 18 November: deadline to submit motions and nominations to NUJ Councils and DM Committees
- 1 December: deadline to nominate DM delegates
- 15 January: publication of preliminary DM agenda, featuring all submitted motions
- 26 February: deadline to submit amendments to motions, confirmation of motions, and statements from those standing for election
- 19 March: publication of final DM agenda and report
Our branch previously agreed to hold three separate sessions in addition to our regular branch meetings to give us dedicated time for discussing DM motions, amendments and voting attitudes. Recommendations will then be brought to the main meetings for confirmation.
Those meetings will be:
- 28 October, online, 7pm – DM motions
- 24 February, online, 7pm – DM amendments
- 31 March, online, 7pm – DM attitudes
Branch members with ideas for DM motions should send any drafts to nujleedswy@gmail.com no later than 5pm on 21 October. They will be compiled and circulated to all branch members along with the link for the 28 October meeting.
A shortlist of no more than four motions, agreed at our 28 October meeting, will then be brought to the main branch meeting on 11 November for confirmation.
Advice on drafting motions
Branch co-chair Georgina Morris said: “If you’ve got an idea for a motion that you’d like our branch to consider putting forward but you’re not sure where to start when it comes to writing it, we’ve got plenty of experience between us and can help you to put things in order.
“There’s some useful guidance on the main NUJ website on how to draft motions and having a look at the wording of motions agreed at the previous DM can be helpful too.
“Just drop us an email at the branch address – nujleedswy@gmail.com – if you want to get some more advice before the October deadline and we’ll be happy to have a chat. This is your union and this is your chance to help shape the way we work together to make life better for members.”
Details of union council and committee vacancies will be circulated to all branch members once available, along with an invitation for expressions of interest from those who would like to be one of our branch delegates (four places) or attend as an observer (one place). All nominations will be considered at our meeting on 11 November.