Workplace contacts
This is an ideal role for someone who is interested in becoming a steward or safety rep and wants to find out more about what’s involved. Find out more

Stewards
A UNISON steward is an elected rep who helps organise, recruit and represent members in their workplace. Find out more

Health and Safety reps
A UNISON health and safety rep helps to make sure that people’s jobs and their workplaces do not cause injury or ill-health. Find out more

Branch Chair
Someone who facilitates branch and committee meetings (some are also senior negotiators).
Branch Secretary
The main contact person with the wider union who handles branch admin (may also be senior negotiators).
Branch Treasurer
Responsible for managing branch finances, including keeping accounts.
Branch Young Members Officer
Advises and helps recruit young members while ensuring their voices have an influence across the union.
Equalities Officers
Work on equal rights issues including sex, race, disability and lesbian and gay issues (there may be up to four per branch).
Branch Education Co-ordinator
Helps arrange training courses and education programmes for members, stewards, health and safety reps and branch officers.
Branch Communications Officers
Co-ordinates branch newsletters, websites and other media.
Branch International Officers
Develop and lead on international solidarity activities including campaigns, twinnings and support for projects abroad.
Retired Members Officer
Supports UNISON retired members by campaigning on their behalf and organising local activities.
APF Political Officer
Liases with the local Labour Party and makes sure the views of UNISON members who pay the APF levy are heard.

Stewards Handbook Essential advice for UNISON stewards

UNISON Rulebook Any questions about the rules of the union - you'll find them here!

UNISON Code of Good Branch Practice Its purpose is to guide branches and branch officers on how they should meet the requirements placed upon them by UNISON’s rules, and to give guidance and advice on the many practical, constitutional, organisational and procedural issues that confront branches.

Health & Safety 'Six Pack Guide to six European health and safety regulations

Helping members

When UNISON members face problems at work, the first person they should turn to is their UNISON steward. Being confident about how you advise the member is a critical first stage. Having a Case Form at hand to help the member record all the aspects of the problem shows that you have an efficient approach. Knowing how to advise the member - what should be done - comes next. Find out more...

Working with the employer

UNISON branches and stewards have always got involved in local bargaining, but now they are concerned with a far wider range of issues than a few years ago. Privatisation, contracting out and employers' policies mean that much more is dealt with at local level. Find out more...

Recruiting members

One of the most vital jobs of a steward is to recruit new members. Organised workplaces with a high density of union membership means UNISON will have much greater influence with local management and with employers.

Members will have a stronger sense of confidence and ability to change things, together with much higher chances of winning recognition in non-recognised workplaces. Find out more...

Download the tax relief form for claiming on your UNISON subscriptions here - If you are a member of UNISON and work in healthcare, you may be entitled to claim tax relief on your UNISON subscriptions. Guide to who can apply for tax relief

Did you know that following an agreement between UNISON and the Inland Revenue, you may be able to claim tax relief for shoes, tights and cleaning your uniform? Download the tax relief form here.