Prospect's international work and development advocates

Prospect's international work, led by a new genre of representatives, Development Advocates, provides the means to harness individual member aspirations to make the world a better place.

Prospect's international work over the last five years and the successful three-year Bargaining for International Development project funded by DFID is now documented in our new publication, "A world of difference". You can get a printed copy of this publication from beverley.hall@prospect.org.uk

Development Advocates (DAs) have engaged with their employers' business practices such as corporate responsibility, sustainable development, supply chains and charitable works. They have brought these issues to the union's bargaining agendas, to help bring about change that alleviates extreme poverty and addresses global workplace injustice.

How are international representatives supported?

Prospect supports the development advocates by:

Training and mentoring on corporate social responsibility, stakeholder engagement, procurement and supply chains, international solidarity and shared agenda.

Support working with employers and facilitate the creation of sustainable development workgroups that address CSR and supply chain work (development and environment reps working together)

Provide guidance to representatives on corporate responsibility, working with Global Union Federations, European Works Councils, NGOs, fundraising and Fairtrade.

Support representatives wanting to support NGOs and charities by researching and validating applicable organisations.

We also

• Research and act on international policy generated through National and Sector Conferences that address a vast range of issues both locally and abroad and,  
• Produce and cascade briefings on global issues and campaigns
• Lobby on behalf of trade unionists who are imprisoned and/or murdered around the globe
• Support trades unions in the developing world to face the challenges of climate change, HIV/Aids, equality, energy needs and to challenge corruption and exploitative labour practices
• Respond to humanitarian and natural disaster appeals from NGOs
• Represent Prospect at TUC/Ministreial forums, NGO and campaign groups, Ethical Trading Initiative, OECD contact point and work with TUC affiliates on global issues and projects.

What can you do?

1. Join the Network - electronic communication on global information including trade union solidarity, calls for assistance, global theme days, events and national campaigns. You can sign up by going to 'change your settings' on your member welcome page.
2. Become a Development Advocate - actively raise awareness of global issues either through championing a grass roots project or through working with employers on incorporating the Millenium Development Goals into corporate practices. Contact beverley.hall@prospect.org.uk for more information.