Conciliation Resources: working with Community

‘Conciliation Resources is an international organisation committed to stopping violent conflict and creating more peaceful societies. For nearly 30 years we have been bringing together communities torn apart by violence and mistrust, helping people resolve their differences. We connect the views of people on the ground with political processes, and share learning so others can find alternatives to violent conflict.’

Conciliation Resources signed a recognition agreement with Community in July 2020 and currently has two staff union representatives, Valeria Minisini and Adrian Platt. Valeria is the Research, Advisory and Policy Assistant, and Adrian the Finance Officer.

What does a typical day look like for us?

Valeria Minisini:

“No two days are the same in my role. I tend to float between different teams within the broader Research, Advisory and Policy department at Conciliation Resources, who act as a hub for all things gender, policy, advocacy and research. I also balance my role with responsibilities of being an elected union representative for Conciliation Resources.

“As an example, my department recently prepared for a busy period of financial and narrative reporting for a large grant which came to a close at the end of the last financial year, so my days were largely spent tracking expenditure, processing invoices and preparing a narrative report which contained a full list of activities and outputs from the past year of the grant.

“In addition, I am currently working my way through recent publications to extract policy recommendations around funding for peacebuilding. This will inform the Policy team’s wider advocacy priorities for the rest of 2023. 

“On the union side of things, myself and Adrian recently convened a quarterly meeting with our branch members to discuss current issues, including staff mental health and wellbeing.

“We have regular catch ups with management and representatives from Community, which are incredibly useful. Our members can approach us whenever something has come up in a confidential manner, and we’re always on hand to help them, and if we can’t, then Community has some fantastic resources for our members to access.”

Adrian Platt:

“I’m on the accounts payable side of finance, ensuring that all our partners and suppliers are paid on time, that all expenditure is appropriately authorised and has the correct supporting documentation. I induct new staff into the essential finance processes and provide particular support to Programme Officers who are liaising with finance colleagues in partner organisations in all the contexts in which we work around the world.

“As union Reps, we have a very amicable and positive working relationship with management. While, of course, we don’t always agree, they are open to hear our point of view and genuinely listen to us, as well as welcoming our ideas and suggestions.

“It’s great having Valeria as another Rep to share the responsibilities with such things as welcoming new members of staff and inviting them to join Community.”


Workplace Reps

Interested in becoming a Community workplace rep? Click here to find out more and register your interest.


Your voice

Read more about your sector in Your voice in the third sector. 

If you’ve got any comments about the magazines or suggestions for an article – especially if you’d be interested in writing one – please contact the editor. 


If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.



Get protection at work, join today!

Do you have insurance on your car, home and phone? Making sure the things you care about are protected against unknown risks is important.
       
           

Not a member?
Let’s get to know each other.