Drafting of Motions – Some advice on the submission of motions. It is sometimes the case that motions submitted for inclusion on the Conference agenda are well intentioned, but worded ambiguously. This can mean that motions feature lower in the section where they are unlikely to be reached. To try to avoid this here is some advice on how to draft motions. 1. What are we looking for when selecting a motion for the Conference Agenda? In order to increase the chances of selection, a motion must be easy to understand, logically argued and well presented. If Conference Chair and deputy find it difficult to understand the purpose of a motion or to follow the case it argues it is likely that the Conference will also have problems. A motion should be drafted in terms which are clear and unambiguous; a motion which is not clear is often relegated to the end of the section with little hope of debate. 2. What features will reduce the chances of a motion being chosen? Any motion that is unnecessarily long, uses too many words to convey its message, is incoherent or unclear in parts will reduce its chance of selection. Motions should be kept as short as possible. If it is necessary to incorporate more than one idea, and the author does not wish to divide the motion into two or more completely separate items, the various parts should be itemised (i) (ii) etc so that they may be voted upon separately. Similarly if the motion says nothing new, restates existing policy or is on an area of policy which has recently been fully debated by Conference its chances of selection are reduced. Attacking individuals is rarely helpful as it often detracts from the issues particularly if defamation is risked. 3. How should we go about deciding what our motion should be about and what it should say? It is useful for anyone drafting a motion to bear in mind the three Ps as these provide an outline structure for the motion: • • • the Problem(s) which need to be solved the Principle(s) which underlie the solution the Proposals which must be the heart of the motion.
4. Useful words All motions should begin with ‘that Conference’. Relatively few words provide the introduction and links in a motion. The preamble or introduction (which defines the Problem) expresses increasing degrees of concern, ranging from “welcomes”, “regrets”, “deplores”, “abhors”, “condemns”, and “denounces” to “rejects”. Some are linked with a “failure”, usually of the Government or the Department of Health. The motion can then “reaffirm”, “recognise”, “declare” or just list the principles that apply. Proposals are usually introduced by “affirms”, “believes”, “calls for”, “recommends”, “proposes”, “urges”, “demands” or “insists”. 5. Sample motion The following is an example of a relatively well-drafted motion that may be of assistance: That Conference notes with dismay the inability of the National Health Service to accommodate recent outbreaks of seasonal disorders, and the resulting threats to ongoing health provision for all citizens and calls upon the Government to redress this appalling situation by: i). Providing an immediate cash injection to underwrite an increase in high-dependency beds in all regions of the UK. ii). Funding critical care training for enough nursing staff to support the additional high-dependency beds. iii). Guaranteeing to improve salaries, conditions and career prospects for nurses.
iv). Taking urgent measures to attract back nurses who have left the profession. 6. Amendment of motions After a motion has been submitted the chair and his deputy retain the right to make small alterations to spelling, grammar and wording which do not alter the meaning of the motion