RESPECT is structured to ensure that its power is derived directly from the influence of its members. If the members are inactive then RESPECT will be ineffective, and lack the authority to challenge or influence change. All our efforts must be channelled into fulfilling the Aims of RESPECT.
The RESPECT membership is sub-divided into 14 RESPECT Areas. The Area boundaries are the thirteen HM Prison Service Management Areas (as was in 2001*) plus an additional area for London Headquarters staff.
Elections are held within each RESPECT Area where Full members elect an Area Committee, including a Chair, Secretary and a National Executive Committee member to represent their interests and act dutifully on their behalf.
Use the links on the right to find out more about your Area Committee > > >
Roles & Responsibilities of the RESPECT Area Committees
The main role of the Area Committee is to address issues brought by the members in that area. In order to do this it is important that Area Committees actively seek to promote and facilitate the setting up of Local Support Groups within their Area (Establishment based Support Groups).
Another important role of RESPECT is to network. This will help the Area Committee channel its efforts in the right direction, be more effective and lead to positive changes locally that translate into national changes.
The following are the core activities that Area Committees must undertake:
- Develop an Area Business Plan following consultation with members.
- Meet at least 3 times a year, though the actual frequency of meetings will depend on the types of activities undertaken.
- Promote RESPECT within their Area. This can be done by organising workshops, social events, holding surgeries and distributing RESPECT literature.
- Arrange local meetings of members in the Establishment where they work.
- Meet regularly with their Governing Governors, briefing them on local and national RESPECT initiatives and events.
- Build a good working relationship with their Area Managers or in the case of the Headquarters Area, the Prison Service Management Board.
* The North West Areas comprising Cumbria & Lancashire and Merseyside, Manchester & Cheshire have since been merged by HM Prison Service Management, but remain as two separate RESPECT Areas.
National Executive Committee
Area Committees
