Delegate Meeting 2027 explainer
What should the NUJ campaign on? What issues matter most to journalists and media workers? And what should the union be doing to support its members in a changing industry?
These are not decisions made behind closed doors by a small group of people. Every member has a voice.
One of the most important places where you can make your voice heard is the Delegate Meeting (DM). Whether you are a seasoned delegate or new union member, DM offers an opportunity to have your say on the issues the union campaigns on, the policies it adopts and the priorities it sets.
Held every two years, DM is a chance for members from all parts of the union to come together, shape the NUJ’s work, and build the connections that make our union thrive.
Our last DM in 2025 in Blackpool saw debates and heartening solidarity in the face of challenges affecting our members across the movement and journalists around the world - and next year is another opportunity to do the same.
Our next DM will be held in Brighton in April 2027. This may seem a long way away but we're encouraging branches to start preparing early. The process begins with branches meeting to discuss issues affecting members in their workplace and the wider media industry. A motion is then submitted by a branch. This is simply a proposal asking the union to take a particular action or adopt a particular position, but it's important to write it in a specific form to avoid it being rejected.
Here’s an example of a motion passed last year: "This DM is concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) both in its potential effect on jobs and workloads, and for its effects in undermining editorial integrity and the public’s trust in the media...
"This DM instructs the NEC to lobby Government and relevant organisations and to campaign or support campaigns that use of creators’ work for training AI models must be on the basis of affirmative consent, an opt-in system, not forcing creators to try and opt-out their work."
A motion cannot instruct or ask DM to do anything itself as DM is a conference, not an organisation. Check out our guide for writing motions for more information.
Delegates discuss the motions, suggest amendments and debate the proposals by speaking for or against it. Delegates then vote on the motions and amendments. If a motion is passed, it becomes union policy and helps guide the NUJ's campaigning and work over the coming years.
For instance, the union has responded to the motion above by strengthening campaigning on artificial intelligence in the media industry. We have responded to government consultations, including the UK government’s call for evidence on AI licensing and copyright in creative industries, and the Joint Oireachtas Committee's call for input on artificial intelligence and copyright. We continue to reflect members’ concerns over the imposition of AI in the workplace and joined sister unions in Westminster to directly lobby MPs. And most recently, we wrote to the new AI Minister to highlight the need for an opt-in mechanism for both individual and collective licensing, and fair remuneration for creative workers.
If you're unsure how to get involved, a good place to start is attending your local branch meeting to take part in discussions and help decide which issues your branch wants to address. You can contribute to the development of motions, put yourself forward as a delegate and, if selected, speak and vote at the Delegate Meeting on behalf of your branch colleagues. The deadline to submit motions is 18 November.
We expect all colleagues attending DM to treat each other with respect and in solidarity. The DM is a positive event and a chance for members to come together and meet colleagues across the journalism industry. And first-time delegates always receive a very warm welcome from conference, so don't shy away!
Your experience at work matters and your voice, no matter how new, can help shape the NUJ. Have your say and get involved in next year's DM.