Guidance on motions
PSC's AGM considers motions to establish the political positions and campaigning priorities of the PSC and to discuss matters of internal organisation.
As time at the AGM is limited, we are keen to ensure this is best used to consider motions which are:
- Easy to understand
- Within PSC's ability to deliver on
- Not repeat debates which have occurred at recent AGMs
You are fully entitled to submit the text of your choice, however if you are considering submitting a motion, we would encourage you to send a draft to [email protected] so PSC's elected officers can provide any feedback on the proposal and the way it is presented.
If you have campaign ideas or feedback on our activities you are always welcome to be in touch at any point in the year. Please consider whether this might be more appropriate than submitting a motion.
Please consider the following guidance before drafting a motion:
Easy to understand
Motions that are short, to the point and clearly formatted are easier for members to understand. We suggest motions are no more than 300 words (full details are in the Constitution).
There is not a set format for motions, but you may find that using the format 'This AGM notes' / 'This AGM believes' / 'This AGM resolves' with bullet points below each creates an easy to absorb text.
For shorter, simpler proposals, a series of bullet points or a short paragraph may be more appropriate.
Motions must not contain language contrary to the PSC’s Code of Conduct or place the PSC in legal jeopardy.
Please try to avoid referencing items which would not be understandable by members without them undertaking further research - for example proposing signing a statement by some external organisation that is not well known.
Within PSC's ability to deliver on
Please consider what you wish to happen as a result of your motion and whether this is something which it is within PSC's ability to deliver. Within this, please try not to be overly proscriptive (eg "organise the showing of film X in 30 towns and cities in May").
Not repeat debates which have occurred at recent AGMs
As there are only so many motions that can be considered at the AGM, we encourage motions that both avoid repeating the established positions of PSC nor return to proposals that have frequently been debated and defeated at previous AGMs.
What happens at the AGM?
The proposer and seconder of the motion are expected to attend and speak in support of the motion. Proposers speak for up to 3 minutes and seconders for up to 2 minutes. If the proposer of a motion cannot attend the AGM, the motion cannot be considered so please only submit a motion if you are able to attend the AGM in person.
Other members, branches, affiliates and the Executive Committee may submit amendments to your motion which will also be considered by and voted on by the AGM. Details of this process are regulated by the AGM Standing Orders. Members first vote on any amendments which may change your motion and then on the motion itself, potentially in an amended form. If passed this becomes the policy of PSC.
Motions may be withdrawn by their proposers at any point or alternatively sent directly to the Executive Committee (remitted) for them to consider. If you have already submitted a motion and wish to take either of these steps please email [email protected].