Get involved


Are you interested in getting more involved in your union? We are always happy to hear from
members who would like to be more active.

There are several different kinds of representative:

Workplace contacts
have a more informal role than stewards or safety representatives. They
can also operate as part of a network supporting an elected steward, as well as


  • Making sure members receive union and other important information
  • Helping groups of members to organise effectively
  • Maintaining contact between members and the union where there is an elected steward
  • Supporting other activists such as stewards and health and safety reps


  • Stewards
    are the backbone of UNISON. Without stewards there would be no one there to act
    as the link between members and the union and to organise and support people in the
    workplace. As a steward you can:


  • Talk to, recruit and organise members around workplace issues
  • Talk to members about workplace problems, advice them and keep them informed of latest developments
  • Represent members in your workplace
  • Be involved in how your branch and union is run.


  • Health and safety
    reps work to make the workplace as safe as possible. They can

  • Make representations to the employer on behalf of members on any health, safety and welfare matter
  • Represent members in consultation with Health and Safety Executive inspectors or other enforcing authorities
  • Inspect designated workplace areas at least every three months
  • Investigate any potential hazards, complaints by members and causes of accidents, dangerous occurrences and diseases


  • Branch officers
    are elected by their workforce to play different roles, including: Branch Chair,
    Branch Secretary, Branch Treasurer, Equalities Officers, Communications Officer,
    Recruitment Officer, Retired Members Officer, and others.


    A list of current representatives and officers is available here.

    Training, mentoring and support is available for anyone interested in becoming more active in the union – please contact the Branch Secretary if you are interested:

    Franco Henwood
    UNISON Senate House Branch Secretary
    UNISON@london.ac.uk

    Find more UNISON news on: