UNISON BRANCH STEWARDS
Stewards are the key members of UNISON locally. Without a proper steward system, the full benefits of
UNISON membership are lost. Stewards are the key to communications between members and the
Committee. Stewards are entitled to spend reasonable time on their union duties. For members who want
help, the steward is the first person to turn to.
It is essential that you have a steward in your area and you know who they are. If you haven’t then you need
one. So why don't you become a steward?
Q
A
I don't know anything about union business so how could I be a steward?
UNISON provides a wealth of training opportunities. There are free training courses for new stewards.
You are entitled to time off work and UNISON will pay your fees and expenses for the courses you go on.
Q
A
I have never done anything like this before and wouldn't know what to do.
You would have the support of the Branch Committee and people with experience to ask for guidance.
Even after training you would not be expected to 'go it alone'.
Q
A
I don't have time.
As a steward, and under the ACAS code of practice, you are entitled to carry out union business during
working time and this has the approval of University management. Your level of involvement will depend
on your situation. Even if you just distribute mailings and attend committee meetings you will be doing a
very useful job. Your School/Service is able to claim back for the time you spend on UNISON duties.
Q
A
When are the Branch committee meetings held?
Meetings normally occur once a month during lunchtimes and last about 1 hour. It will be up to the Branch
Committee (Stewards and Officers) to decide when to meet in the coming year.
Q
A
What happens if I cannot make all the meetings?
You do not have to attend all the meetings, but you will be sent agenda items and minutes for all
meetings. You should inform the Branch Secretary if you are unable to attend. Obviously it benefits your
members if you are able to attend most of the meetings.
Q
A
I'm not sure if I would be any good as a steward.
Nobody is perfect and you will probably be a lot better than you think. Put yourself forward and give it a
try. There’s plenty of help and support available.
Q
A
I do my job and the University pays me so why should I get involved?
If you want to make a difference, if you want things to improve not only for yourself but for your
colleagues, if you want to join together to be stronger and more effective, if you want to find out more and
be part of a group who are actively working together for everyone then get involved.
Q
A
I pay my money every month so why should I have to work for the union as well?
Most of the money you pay goes towards the more general work of UNISON such as negotiating pay and
conditions, legal advice, holiday facilities, negotiating concessions, administration and much more. Each
employer is different and UNISON nationally cannot make them all the same. If we want to maintain or
improve our situation at Huddersfield we need to work together locally - to consult and negotiate locally.
We can only do this by setting up a workable system of making our thoughts known to each other and to
management. Stewards can make this happen.
Q
A
I might give it a try, but what if it is all too much?
Stewards are elected on a yearly basis. Being a steward is voluntary and each individual has their own
level of commitment. No one will expect more than you can offer.
UNISON BRANCH OFFICERS
Stewards are the key members of UNISON locally but it is also useful to have people willing to take on special
duties as well. The Branch Officers may be Stewards as well, or may just want to help out in a less formal way.
There are many roles that you may be interested in doing – have a look at the following. Then get yourself
nominated, or if you think an office would suit a fellow member then offer to nominate them.
Branch Chair Acts as chair for the Branch Committee and General meetings. The Branch Chair has the
casting vote in the event of an equality of votes and is a joint signatory for the Branch bank account.
Branch Secretary & Assistant Branch Secretary These two officers need to work together to deal with all
correspondence with UNISON regionally, nationally and between UNISON and the University. They maintain
and update membership information. They are responsible for arranging Branch meetings, recording of
minutes and circulation of agenda. They ensure that the Branch is represented on all relevant UNISON and
University Committees. They liaise between members and Regional officials. They are joint signatories, with
the Branch Treasurer and Branch Chair, for the Branch bank account.
Branch Treasurer The Branch Treasurer manages the Branch bank account, paying moneys received into
the account and paying money out as required by the Branch Committee or on submission of authorised
expense claim forms. S/he prepares a statement of the accounts each December and arranges for the audit of
these accounts with the Branch auditors. The Branch Treasurer is a joint signatory for the Branch bank
account.
Health and Safety Officer The Health and Safety Officer represents the Branch Committee at University
Health & Safety meetings. S/he holds copies of all Health & Safety correspondence and documents received
from UNISON and the University. S/he advises the Branch Committee on any Health & Safety issues and
attends Health & Safety inspections at the request of Stewards.
Equal Opportunities Officer S/he will advise the Branch Committee on equal opportunity matters and will
hold copies of all correspondence and documents from UNISON concerned with this. S/he will represent the
Branch on any equal opportunity committees at which the Branch is entitled to representation.
Welfare Secretary This officer will arrange meetings of the Branch Committee (elected by the Branch
Committee from its membership) and keep records of all payments made out of the Hardship Fund. Any
applications for Welfare Assistance will be directed to the Welfare Secretary.
Education Officer This officer keeps information about trade union courses in the area. S/he will arrange
publicity for the courses, through the Branch Secretary and will assist members to book on to courses.
Publicity Officer The Publicity Officer will collect items from members and from the Branch Committee for
inclusion in the Branch Newsletter. S/he will arrange for publication of the newsletter. The aim is to produce
one newsletter each month whenever possible.
Sports & Social Officer The aim is to encourage members to participate in joint social activities. Any sport or
social activities that may be of interest to members will be publicised in the Branch Newsletter.
Youth Officer To encourage UNISON membership of younger members of staff. (The officer need not
necessarily be young.)
Affiliated Political Fund (APF) Officer To receive correspondence on APF matters and to distribute and
publicise information to affiliated members. To publicise interesting and relevant information to all members.