EQUITY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
2010 - 2012
(British Actors'  " Equity "   incorporating The Variety Artistes Federation)

RESULT 14th JULY
Malcolm Sinclair was elected as
Equity President
2010 - 2012

Dave was re-elected to the Equity Council 2010 - 2012

Thanks to everyone for their support.

*  *  *

"RADICAL ENTHUSIASM"

"PUTTING THE FUN BACK INTO EQUITY"

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Outline explanation by Dave

Are you happy to be a member of Equity?
I hope your answer is "YES" because, unless you are, it becomes
very difficult to sustain and build our membership.

In 1994 a change of Equity leadership, and the influence of a more
old-school Trade Union orientated General Secretary, meant that the way
the governing body perceived itself was like an old-style campaigning
trade union that happened to represent professional actors/variety artistes.
The emphasis was on "Trade Union" as distinct from "Professional Association".
Many became serious almost overnight.

In someway this may well have been a good thing, but with activists focusing
on "old-school" rebranded as "new-school" - working parties, focus groups,
reviews, mission statements and visions became the order of the day. 
We, as members, were referred to as "customers" and control of Equity
was slowly but effectively moved, on a basis of being
"modern and effective" to a small caucus group called the
"Senior Management Team".

I am deliberately not putting forward any argument as to this change being
a good or bad thing because, as President, this is something which falls within
the remit and decision of the Council. I sincerely believe that your President
should be demonstrably independent. In this context one has to refer
to Equity's rules. Equity's rules are very short about the duties
of the President, they only refer to a duty to chair meetings.
Nothing else. Your President has to sign an undertaking that they will only
act in accordance with the directions and policies of the Council.
In other words - your President should not and must not have a personal agenda
or mission to carry out their own policy.
Your President, to comply with Equity's rules, may only carry out the
Equity Council's policy.  Over the 14 years though, the role of the President
has become one where they see themselves somewhat akin to a
United States President, where they seem to think they have some right
to determine policy. The current and previous Equity Councils,
during these 14 years, have gone along with this.

Where our rules are silent, the Council has an ability to interpret, and this is what
my Presidential election statement seeks to do. In voting for me, you are saying
to the Equity Council, we want a President who is "Independent" on behalf of
all the members. By voting for me you are bringing about a
"CHANGE TO THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT"
A CHANGE where your President represents Equity under the directions of
the Council, but in the firm knowledge that your President is there to ensure
Equity is giving good value for money, it is fit for purpose
and it is member led.

Much may be said about a President's ability to negotiate with management.
Whilst I have experience, not only in UK but, internationally
I believe that the primary duty of your President is to be able to quickly assess
and sum up opinions and arguments, on the basis
of listening to members views, discussions, Council's deliberations and 
advice from our staff rather than taking the lead role in negotiations.
This latter role is the duty of the Council.
Your President should be the diplomatic peace maker in the
knowledge they have a strong determined will, on your behalf.
A will which is tempered with a love for our profession
and the fact that we are all "family".
"RADICAL ENTHUSIASM"
means just this - a vibrant lively approach where members know that,
even when being serious, we are still all united by a love of our profession.
We can laugh together, even in hard times.

For those of us who remember Kenneth Williams in person,
imagine what he would have Injected into the role of Equity President
in terms of
"LAUGHING AT HIMSELF"
Anyone who knew Kenneth also understood
"NOTHING BUT NOTHING"
got past Kenneth when he felt something was unfair.
I hope to update, in someway, what I believe would have
been Kenneth's approach and be a radical enthusiastic President for you.
This is the way, I believe, to promote a secure and stable future for Equity
"ON YOUR BEHALF"
Thank you.
Dave Eager  May 2010

Dave with Kenneth Williams and Colin Douglas circa 1988

EQUITY MEMBERS' and DAVE'S COMMENTS

Dave Eager
Members' Nominations