Parliamentary Selection CV

This is a copy of my CV I sent for the parliamentary selections for Amber Valley for the 8 June 2017 General Election Candidate CV GE17

Below is a copy of the CV I sent in respect of the Amber Valley Selections June 2013.  Click on the following link: pfinalcv – it’s also shown below.

 

 

Parliamentary and Assembly Selection

 

CANDIDATE CV – Contact details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date form completed

 

31 May 2013                     

 

 

 

 

 

Parliamentary and Assembly Selection

 

CANDIDATE CV – Monitoring

 

 

 

It is important for the Labour Party to monitor its candidate selection process. Please complete this form, using an X to indicate the relevant information.

 

 

 

18-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

Age

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x

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Ethnic background – I would describe myself as (please tick one):

White British

x

Asian or Asian British – Indian

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White Irish

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Asian or Asian British – Pakistani

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Other white background

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Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi

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Please specify

Other Asian background

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Mixed – White/BlackCaribbean

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Please specify

Mixed – White/Black African

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Black or black British –Caribbean

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Mixed – White/Asian

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Black or black British – African

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Mixed – Other

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Other black background

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Please specify

Please specify

Chinese or other ethnic group

¨

Please specify

Gender

Female ¨            Male x

Do you consider yourself to have a disability?

Yes ¨         No  x

If yes, what additional support, if any, do you require?

Current Employment Status

Full time

x

Part time

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Unemployed

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Retired

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Student

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Parliamentary and Assembly Selection

 

CANDIDATE CV – Personal details

 

Please complete the following sections to provide information about your skills and experience:

 

Length of Labour Party Membership

< than 1 year

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1-5 years

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6-10 years

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11-20 years

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> 20 years

x

Length of Trade Union Membership

< than 1 year

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1-5 years

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6-10 years

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11-20 years

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> 20 years

x

Experience of public office or candidature

Elected

Town or parish

x

District or County

x

Unitary

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National orEurope

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Candidate

Town or parish

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District or County

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Unitary

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National orEurope

x

 

 

 

And now in your own words please describe

 

 

 

Why you should be the candidate for the seat in question?

 

 

 

I have a deep personal connection with the area, having been born in the AmberValley constituency in the village of Holbrook. I married Sarah who was born and raised in Langley Mill and whose family still live there.  We were married within the constituency and Sarah currently works in the borough of AmberValley.  We have many friends and family in AmberValley and I have always taken a personal interest in the political and social issues in the area.

 

I have been campaigning in AmberValley and across the East Midlands Region for many years and in that time I have consolidated and built on my relationships with the local people and the local Amber Valley Labour activists.  I have become deeply involved in the issues that affect them, have already established a wide network of contacts and I am confident that together, we can win AmberValley back for Labour.

 

Through campaigning with the local Amber Valley Labour activists, I believe I have earned their trust.  We hold a common belief that Labour can achieve a better future for the local people.

 

I know this is a winnable seat for Labour but the Conservatives will not give in easily, that’s why we need a hardworking, experienced campaigner. I have the skills and expertise, as well as the knowledge and experience of running successful campaigns, to make the necessary gains to win back AmberValley for the Labour Party.  I also have the necessary passion, dedication and commitment to effect necessary changes.

 

I have been active in politics for the Labour Party for well in excess of twenty years, as a CountyCouncillor, Borough Councillor as well as the Labour Party candidate in Charnwood, Leicestershire (2005). In coming second, I achieved the 4^th lowest swing (0.68%) against Labour throughout the whole of the East Midlands, taking 2500 additional votes from the Tories (verified by House of Commons researchers).  I received commendation from the then General Secretary of the Labour Party for the result.

 

I have demonstrated my capacity to run a successful national campaign, as well as all year round campaigns on grass root issues, and an ability to build strong successful campaign teams.  My track record and experience as a Labour councillor fighting marginal wards, in neighbouring Broxtowe, is second to none.  I have defeated both the Tories and Liberal Democrats successfully in 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2011.  In May 2011 in my 3 member ward, we unseated two established Tory councillors (the only ward throughout Broxtowe to take seats from the Tories).  This experience of winning will prove invaluable in this critical, and highly marginal seat of AmberValley.

 

During my time on the doorsteps in AmberValley I have listened very carefully to the real issues which affect real people. My Labour Party colleagues and I are confident that we can put together a comprehensive strategy on how to tackle and effectively meet the challenges facing these local communities.  These challenges include the regeneration of town centres, unemployment, tackling deprivation and the numerous issues facing young people.

 

 

 

What do we need to do to win this election?

 

 

 

We need to demonstrate that we truly understand the depth of anger and despair of local people.  We need to persuade them of our sense of mission to put things right and we need to show our commitment to work hard on their behalf to provide a better future for all the people in AmberValley.  On 5 May 2010 at the GeneralElectionAmberValley was lost to the Tories by 536 votes, after two recounts.  My recent campaigning in AmberValley has convinced me that the people of the area are ready to give the Labour Party another chance. We need to grasp this opportunity and win AmberValley back for Labour.

 

I have identified four key campaigning themes which I know will help us re-establish our relationship and trust with the voting public of AmberValley.

 

1. Aclear and consistent message.
We will successfully communicate our message to voters: Labour is the only party able to deliver real change; change that affects the everyday lives of people throughout AmberValley, and change that not just identifies with their everyday struggles, but change that offers real hope for a better future against the misery of current economic policy.

 

2. I am a politician who leads by example.
Teamwork is the corner-stone of any successful endeavour – in politics and in life.  I will combine my considerable experience of successful Labour campaigning and winning over the past 20 years, with my ability to build strong teams, and get the best out of people.  Labour Party activists in AmberValley know me very well now; I’ve been part of the campaigning team since October 2011.  I have continually mobilised other Labour Party members, friends, family and colleagues from other constituencies in the East Midlands and further afield to help us build a campaign that can win the AmberValley seat. 

 

3. We need to restore faith and trust in the Labour Party and in politics.
Party affiliation has fallen substantially since the 1950s, and as demonstrated by declining voter turnout, the public are now more deeply sceptical of politicians than in earlier times.  What excites me about AmberValley however is that there is already a fantastic group of activists who campaign on the doorstep week in week out.  I have been part of the AmberValley canvassing team since October 2011 and we can see the difference it makes in winning council seats and helping ensure we elected a Labour Police and Crime Commissioner in October last year and the brilliant results in the County Council elections on 3 May 2013.  As Labour parliamentary candidate and then on becoming the Labour MP in AmberValley I am confident that together we can build on this success to recruit more members and engage strongly with the electorate.

 

I believe that the key to changing this landscape is connection with the grassroots.  This involves demonstrating our ability to listen, to understand and empathise, and to be wholly transparent and accountable.  I demonstrate these capabilities every day in my role as a councillor in neighbouring Broxtowe.  Some voters in AmberValley are already familiar with my passion for people, how I have championed regeneration in local areas, the needs of the disabled and other marginalised groups and those who don’t have a voice.  They know that I can honestly and directly identify with them through my own life experiences.  I have no doubt that trust is the essential pre-condition upon which all real success depends, and that I have earned that trust.

 

4. We need to win the support of voters who don’t normally vote Labour.
I will use my skills of being able to harness the support of those people who don’t traditionally vote Labour by both setting out a vision for a better future and highlighting the current failings in government policies and how they are having a direct effect in the constituency of AmberValley.

 

I work on the assumption that politics is local and I will engage with voters, as I have been doing, in their neighbourhoods on the local issues that affect them.  I understand the socio-economic make up of AmberValley, and the way that the local people think. Through my “on the ground” campaigning I have discussed a wide variety of issues with a broad range of people, irrespective of their political allegiances.  While we may not agree all the time, they respect my openness and honesty, and I believe they recognise my integrity.

 

I have an excellent record of winning over non-traditional Labour voters, as repeatedly demonstrated in Broxtowe where I have topped local election polls in 2003, 2007 and 2011. I will give people a reason to put a cross against my name.

 

Your Labour Party experience

 

 

 

 

 

The Labour Party, and what it stands for, play a huge part in my life.  I have been directly involved with politics in the Labour Party for well in excess of twenty years.   I believe in democratic socialism and strive to ensure that equality and justice is at the very core of the day to day work I do.

 

I have been actively campaigning for the Labour Party in AmberValley week in week out since October 2011.

 

 

 

I was first elected as a Borough Councillor in 1991 and since then I have held Borough Council and County Council offices as well as being the Labour Party candidate for Charnwood in 2005.

 

 

 

I currently work as Senior Caseworker to Gavin Shuker MP (Luton South), Shadow Waste Minister.

 

I am also the Labour & Co-operative Party Broxtowe Borough Councillor (Member of Cabinet with Portfolio for Environment) for Kimberley and Cossall in Nottingham.

 

 

 

I am proud to have been a contributory author to “What Next for Labour? Ideas for a new generation” launched 1 September 2011.

 

 

 

I was the Regional Organiser for Ed Miliband MP – East Midlands Labour Leadership Campaign.

 

 

 

I have been a Labour Party Nottinghamshire County Councillor from 1997-2005.

 

 

 

In 2005 I was the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood (Leicestershire) a safe Tory seat.

 

 

 

For the 2010 General Election I was runner up in the Labour Party selections for Shrewsbury constituency and came fourth in the South Derbyshire selections.

 

 

 

I have managed the Constituency Offices of Labour MPs Helen Clark and Andy Reed, and was a voluntary Campaigns Co-ordinator for Nick Palmer in Broxtowe.

 

 

 

I act as mentor for North West Leicestershire Labour Group.

 

 

 

I am already working with the Leader of the Labour Group at Amber Valley District Council on regeneration initiatives for the area and we included some of our campaigning work in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Labour manifestos for the 2013 County Council Elections.

 

 

 

I have campaigned for the Labour Party across the country and across the East Midlands in Erewash, Broxtowe, Loughborough, Ashfield, Derby, South Derbyshire, Leicester, Mansfield, Corby and Nottingham city.

 

 

 

I have attended the Labour Party conference every year since 2002 and spoke on the main platform in 2007.

 

I was extremely proud to have played a small part in helping Andy Sawford win Labour’s first  parliamentary by-election for 16 years in Corby last October.

 

Other life experience, including work and study

 

 

 

As a Full Time Officer for UNISON in the West Midlands during 2011/12 – I thrived on the challenge of organising and managing campaigns which affected the lives of millions of low paid public sector workers.  In this role I took the lead in recruiting new members in the local government sector.  I used my organising skills to win for our members.  I organised a branch structure to identify winnable issues and developed strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

 

When I worked for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) I developed an excellent working knowledge of the social security benefits system.  This knowledge has proven invaluable in helping constituents with welfare enquiries.  I am able to use my expertise to navigate successfully through the complexities of the benefits system in order to secure positive results for my constituents. As the government implements their awful welfare reforms I will be able to use my knowledge to campaign on the issues and stand up for the hard working families who are losing out in AmberValley.  I will use my experience of working in the DWP to campaign for a benefits system that does not penalise those people who need help the most.

 

As a mature student and, thanks to the last Labour government I undertook  a BA degree at Nottingham Trent University in Humanities, Sociology, History and Politics, graduating in June 2000.  I duly won an award for my writing in the same year.

 

I serve as a Community Governor at a local primary school giving me an invaluable insight into the huge range of work undertaken in primary education, as well as the integral role they play in the local community.

 

I served on Nottinghamshire Police Authority for six years and hugely enjoyed the role I played, forging better links between the local community and police.  I also initiated a pilot project to build closer relations between youngsters (primary school age) and the police.  The results of my work were sent to the Home Office under the last Labour government to help formulate policy on early intervention.

 

I am a Leader in my local community where I am recognised as “a person who gets things done”.  I have undertaken personal casework for hundreds of people on issues ranging from housing and social security benefit enquiries to planning matters, nuisance neighbours, anti social behaviour, funding for community groups and much more.

 

I have successfully pioneered a local farmers market which is helping to regenerate a local town.

 

I am also actively involved in helping members of the public feel involved in their local area.  For example I have set up a Citizens Focus Group (CFG) that gives a voice to local people and helps them exert influence on matters of importance to them.  The CFG has attracted positive publicity from the BBC Politics show and has also gained recognition from NottinghamTrentUniversity.  My motivation for setting up the CFG is that I want to reverse the view that politics is uninteresting and irrelevant.

 

I am a member of the recently formed Nottingham Fabian Society.  I am working with the group to widen its appeal and membership; I also contribute by arranging speakers through my broad base of national contacts, as well as actively participating in the stimulating and lively debates.

 

I am a member of both Unite and GMB trade unions, and attend monthly meetings of the GMB regional forum in the East Midlands.

 

I have assisted a number of charities with funding applications, and in particular over the last 3 years I have been successful in helping many of them obtain extra resources.

 

Outside of politics I take a keen interest in football, music and trying to keep fit, especially running.

 

 

 

What makes you a great campaigner?

 

 

 

I care passionately about the Labour Party and its values.  I am driven and committed to work towards achieving greater social justice and a fairer, more inclusive society.

 

When I campaign for the Labour Party I believe completely in what I am doing.  I have an abundance of energy and enthusiasm and I work extremely hard.  My experience and intuition have given me a good eye for constituency matters which are important to real people.  I have experience of running effective and successful campaigns, and of putting together strong campaign teams.

 

When I work on a campaign I have a clear and consistent message, and I work hard to ensure that I get my ideas across. I develop a campaign message which is simple and consistent throughout the whole campaign.  I have, in my many years in politics, worked hard to develop good media skills, and have the ability to use the media to communicate my ideas. I am committed to the tried and tested and most effective strategy in politics; meeting people face to face on their own door step.

 

I am fortunate in having worked with Labour colleagues who have described my campaign attributes as follows:

 

Nick Palmer Labour MP for Broxtowe 1997 – 2010:

 

“Richard Robinson is an indefatigable campaigner with a fine eye for constituency issues that have political implications and has been invaluable in his work for me as coordinator of political activity in his area. He is adept at winning allies from community figures not otherwise involved in politics, as well as having access to very good media preparation, and I’m certain would make an effective Labour candidate for the next General Election”.  

 

 

 

Keith Clafton – Secretary Charnwood CLP:

 

”It has been my privilege to know Richard since he successfully won the nomination to become Labour Party candidate for Charnwood (a rock solid Leicestershire Conservative stronghold), I can say with all honesty that Richard’s work rate is astounding.  I do not think in all my forty years as a Labour Party member I have come across someone who works so hard and is so focused”.

 

 

 

Give some examples of your communication skills

 

 

 

I communicate effectively and persuasively every day in my working and political life.  I am fortunate that I get to practice, refine and perfect my communication skills on a daily basis. 

 

As a councillor and member of the Cabinet, I have learned how to present arguments clearly, concisely and logically.  I am always mindful of the audience I am addressing, and am able to ensure that the message is framed with their communication needs in mind.

 

Working as Senior Caseworker for Gavin Shuker MP I engage daily with constituents and represent their concerns to a diverse range of organisations.

 

I regularly give oral updates and presentations to a wide range of people and interest groups, as well as communicating widely both formally and informally.

 

I write a monthly newsletter which is sent out to more than eight hundred people.  During the 2011 Broxtowe Borough Council elections, much of the campaign feedback suggested that my newsletter, as well as my regular knocking on doors, had been the reason people were persuaded to come out and vote for Labour.

 

I was delighted in 2010 to be the winner of the ePolitix.com Report of Year Award February 2010, for a series of twelve articles on a wide range of current affairs.  This award demonstrates my ability to communicate in writing to a wide audience.

 

I make extensive use of social media (especially Facebook and Twitter) to reach and connect with wider audiences, in addition to the traditional methods of campaigning like telephone canvassing and door knocking.

 

Describe the particular skills you have which will help you as an elected representative

 

 

 

As an elected representative of considerable experience I have been an advocate for many groups of people.  Part of my role is to represent and speak up for ordinary hard working people, the disadvantaged and those who cannot represent themselves.

 

I am an experienced politician who has the ability to connect with people and gain their confidence and trust.  I understand the issues which both inspire and concern them.  I am a good communicator with an eye for constituency detail. My work is always varied and at times very complex.  Part of my personal development over many years has been to learn how to problem solve on behalf of my constituents.  I get immense personal satisfaction and pride from being able to solve issues for people, which mean so much to them, and who, without my help, would not be able to resolve these problems on their own.  My skills have allowed me to help people in many ways, through my vast experience in government.  I also work with local community groups to secure funding and support for local projects.

 

I work with local communities in many different ways to improve their life experiences.  I have had many  successes where my skills and expertise have allowed me to problem-solve a number of very different and complex issues for my constituents. Three examples are:

 

• When I was case working for Andy Reed I helped a Loughborough constituent successfully obtain £14,000 via the Ombudsman in respect of lost pension entitlement from a previous employer.
• In my day to day work for Gavin Shuker MP I help many constituents who are suffering because of the callous Coalition government cuts.  I take pride in fighting for those who are unable to represent themselves because of disability, illness or who have been discriminated against in some other way.
• I played a significant part in getting £40,000 additional funding for new play equipment for a local park.  I worked together successfully with a local town council, private sector funding, and the local Education Authority in order to bring the project together.  The new equipment was installed in July 2012, making a big difference to an area that has seen little investment previously.

 

 

 

Give examples of Interpersonal, teamwork & liaison skills

 

 

 

In my role as Labour Borough councillor I judge my success on my ability to listen to the views of others, to communicate and relate well to a wide range of people, and to be able to work collaboratively with people from a wide range of different communities and backgrounds.  I work with both public and private organisations, as well as working with those leading these organisations.

 

In the community I listen to both individual constituents and community groups and balance their interests. They do not always coincide. One particular example was an issue in my ward where some individuals did not want a skateboard park to be sited on a local park. After meeting a number of people I was able to discuss their fears with them, negotiate and put measures in place to allay their concerns. Furthermore I successfully worked with local residents this year to prevent a highly controversial mobile telephone mast being erected.  I worked hard and used my skills and experience to reconcile the conflicting views that arose.

 

As Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood I quickly gained the respect of Labour Party activists and we developed excellent team working relationships that contributed positively to the success of that campaign.  I am able to motivate and bring out the best in people, enabling them to work positively and fulfil their full potential.

 

I am committed to the principles of inclusion and empowerment, and as such my style is inclusive and directive.  I use my leadership skills in an open, honest and transparent way to demonstrate my commitment to valuing and respecting individuals and communities.  I am people centred, and thrive on developing positive and supportive community relationships.

 

 

 

Apart from the skills and experience described above, please give any examples of other knowledge and/or skills which will assist you as a candidate:

 

 

 

I have considerable experience of working, over a long period of time, with the regional media in the East Midlands, including the BBC team at the East Midlands Today offices and their politics department.  I also work closely with various East Midlands radio stations.  I have worked with many of the local newspapers, and I have an excellent working relationship with regional reporters and journalists.

 

I will be able to combine my local knowledge of AmberValley and its constituents, with my relationship with the media, to effectively and successfully communicate my consistent message.  This will allow me to mount a successful campaign to win back AmberValley for Labour.

 

A key part of my role is my capacity to manage a varied and demanding work programme which involves a considerable amount of organisation and travel.

 

I seek always to practise good management skills and delegation, as well as working in a structured, focused way.  This allows me to manage a very busy and demanding work schedule, and to maximise efficient use of my time, and the time and efforts of others.

 

I have the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently and effectively.  I have proficient skills in using the internet, and modern social media.

 

 

 

References

 

 

 

Please give the name and contact details for two referees. If you have previously been a parliamentary or assembly candidate at least one reference should be from within that constituency (e.g. the Agent or Chair of the Labour Party):

 

Name	Marilyn Cowles	Name	Paddy Tipping
Position	Agent Charnwood CLP – Gen Election 2005	Position	Police & Crime Commissioner Nottinghamshire
Email	tommaz1@virginmedia.com	Email	paddytipping@gmail.com
Phone	0793 3539 221	Phone	0798 0813 574

 

Parliamentary and Assembly Selection

 

CANDIDATE CV –  Declarations

 

 

 

1. 1.             Are there any matters in my political or personal record which, if revealed, could publicly embarrass the Labour Party or affect public confidence in my position as a representative.* (If yes, a separate confidential note should be supplied to the Procedure Secretary which may be divulged to the Selection Committee).

 

☐Yes                  xNo  

 

1. 2.             I have completed a statement of my interests and this is attached. I understand that the Labour Party’s code of conduct requires me to declare membership of allegedly secret organisations such as the Freemasons, Knights of St Columba etc.
2. 3.             I know of no legal reason or party rule which would prevent me from being a Labour candidate.

 

 

 

 

 

Signed:       R S Robinson

Date: 31 May 2013

 

If you are submitting these forms by email you must still supply a signed copy of this page to the address below. An electronic signature inserted above is acceptable.

 

 

 

* If there is any matter which you feel might need to be declared under this provision, but which you would wish to discuss in confidence before making disclosure or completing this declaration, please contact

 

Your Regional Director  or General Secretary (details of your regional or national office can be found at www.labour.org) or the Compliance Unit at the Labour Party on 0207 783 1498

 

 

 

This form, complete with attachments, must be sent to

 

The Procedure Secretary of the selection concerned or as otherwise directed

 

 

 

Please keep a copy of the form and attachments for your own records.

 

 

 

Parliamentary and Assembly Selection

 

CANDIDATE CV – Statement of Interests

 

 

 

The NEC Procedural Rules for the Selection of Parliamentary Candidates states that all parliamentary candidates must submit a Register of Interest Form. Should there be any alteration to the information given, then a new Register of Interests form should be submitted 

 

 

 

Name – Last	Robinson
Name – First	Richard
Membership Number	A083763

 

 

 

Please list all your paid employments including directorships, partnerships, self-employment and fee-earning consultancies.

 

1) Senior Caseworker – Gavin Shuker MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA     2) Elected Member – Cabinet Portfolio Holder (Arts, Culture & Leisure), Broxtowe   Borough Council, Foster Avenue, Town Hall, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1AB

 

 

 

Please list all land and property owned (freehold or leasehold) or rented

 

7 Scargill Avenue, Newthorpe, Nottingham  NG16 2DZ

 

 

 

Please list the names of companies in which you have an interest greater than one per cent of the issued share capital.

 

None

 

 

 

Please list the names of any societies and organisations of which you are a member including, for example, Working Men’s Clubs, Co-operative and other Friendly Societies, and religious and secular organisations (e.g. Masonic and Orange Lodges, Knights of St Columbia)

 

Unite Trade Union  Fabian Society  Co-op Party  Christian Socialist Movement  GMB Trade Union

 

 

 

Signed:     R S Robinson

Date: 31 May 2013

 

If you are submitting these forms by email you must still supply a signed copy of this page to the address below. An electronic signature inserted above is acceptable.

 

 

 

This Form should be returned with your application form.