Contact:
AEGON Lochside Crescent, Edinburgh
0131-549 5767 07740-897-350
brian.linn@aegon.co.uk

Job/position:
General Secretary, Aegis

What does your job with AEGON involve?
The role of the General Secretary is to lead, direct and manage the union. To take overall responsibility for strategy and direction within a democratic framework. To delegate areas of responsibility to ensure effective results. To influence key decision makers at the highest level within AEGON UK, AEGON NV, government bodies and the trade union movement.

You can read more about what I do by clicking here.

What do you like best about it?
Two things – first, my job is all about people and communicating with people. Second, the vast variety of tasks and challenges within the role not only keep me on my toes, but push me to improve what I do and what Aegis does.

What do you think makes you good at it?
21 years of experience with Aegis and the business undoubtedly helps. Preparing thoroughly, accepting my responsibilities, keeping an open mind with a willingness to learn and be adaptable to change also help. Self belief, drive, enthusiasm, and a strong belief in the Aegis fulltime officers and representatives certainly contribute to the mix. I firmly believe in acting with integrity, honesty, respect and dignity at all times and I believe every Aegis member expects that of me – I also expect that from those I am dealing with every day. Bearing all that in mind, to single two things out, it may be my attitude and how I communicate with others, that are the key ingredients?

How can you use this strength to benefit/help our members?
Everything the General Secretary says or does should be with a view to benefiting the Aegis membership. Most days, I will be involved in consultations, restructures, negotiations or building relationships, hopefully to benefit Aegis members. Aegis also have 40 reps throughout the company who have volunteered for union training to help and support their colleagues. The General Secretary has to ensure the training and support for the reps happens and that every rep is motivated and organised to do their best for the Aegis membership.

What’s the most important thing about being a union Rep, as far as you’re concerned?
Activity and Commitment. Once they have been trained and coached, it is so important that the Aegis rep is active within their community, canvassing the opinions of the members in their area, making members aware of what Aegis are currently involved in or doing on their behalf and representing their members at every level, whether on a personal basis or within the consultation process.