SECTION E. Role
of Branch Officers
1. Branch Officers
a) The Branch shall elect Branch Officers annually in terms of Branch Standing
Orders 4(6) “Election of Branch Officers”, and 19, 20 and 21,
“Elections”.
b) The procedure for nomination and election will be that contained in Standing
Orders 4, 19, 20 and 21 with the exception of the APF officer who shall
be elected by APF members only subject to Branch Rule E.20 APF Officer.
2. Role of Branch President
1.The role of the Branch President reflects elements of the role of the
union’s national president, as well as a more hands on branch role.
The post is geared towards an experienced branch activist who can provide
the advice, leadership and continuity required by a large branch with many
activists.
2.The President will
a) Chair Branch General Meetings, liaising with the Branch Chairperson and
fulfiling all the roles connected with these meetings as outlined under
the Role of Branch Chairperson in A3.2 below.
b) Represent the branch on official occasions.
c) Oversee the work of the branch, providing advice and direction as required.
d) Maintain a knowledge of UNISON’s rules and procedures nationally
and locally and provide opinion on these as required.
e) Maintain a knowledge of service conditions matters and advise on these
as required.
f) Act as an arbiter in terms of internal disputes or disagreements, except
where branch procedures state otherwise
g) Act as the ultimate route of appeal on staffing matters in the context
of agreements applying to branch employed staff.
h) Take on a negotiating role as and when requested to do so by the Chairperson
and Service Conditions team.
3. Role of Branch Chairperson
1. The Branch Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the Branch in the
absence of the President and (in liaison with the Branch Vice Chairpersons)
shall chair the Branch Committee and other established Committees.
2. He / She shall ensure all meetings are conducted in line with Branch
Standing Orders and that all motions / decisions are in accordance with
the Policies of the Union.
3. He / She shall liaise with the Branch Secretary in relation to the convening
of meetings and the drafting of agendas.
4. He / She will be a member of and chair the Service Conditions Team and
convene regular meetings of the Branch President, Branch Secretary, Service
Conditions Coordinator, Conveners and Officers.
4. Role of Vice Chairpersons (2)
To deputise for the President or Chairperson in terms of E.3 paragraphs
1,2 and 3.
5. Role of Branch Secretary
1.Within UNISON rules the remit of the Secretary is defined as;
“4.1. convene and attend all meetings of the Branch and Branch Committee
and shall arrange for the minutes and other Branch records to be kept in
a proper manner.
4.2 co-operate with the Union’s Head Office in keeping a record of
all members’ names, addresses and work groups and in communicating
any changes in these matters to the Head Office.
4.3 be responsible for communicating with members and with the Union’s
Regional and Head Offices on behalf of the Branch.
4.4 in conjunction with the Branch Committee, ensure that the Branch observes
Union Rules.
4.5 at the end of his/her appointment (and at any other time when so required
by the General Secretary) deliver to the Branch Chairperson or to such person
as the General Secretary may appoint all accounts, financial records and
money belonging to the Union.”
2. The above statements are very generalised and should only be considered
indicative of the nature of the post.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Policy and Finance Committee.
4. Within the City of Edinburgh branch it is considered the role of the
Branch Secretary should be one of co-ordinator in addition to those tasks
itemised within National Rules.
5. He/She should overview the work of all other Branch Officers ensuring
those individuals fulfil the tasks and responsibilities allocated to them.
This may involve providing direct assistance in addressing workloads or
discussing programmes of work. Liaison should be an ongoing process.
6. He/She should ensure there is an active union organisation in each Department
and that the body is representative of those members it represents.
7. He/She should be delegation leader to all other forums of the union or
appropriate bodies to which the Branch is affiliated unless he/she or the
Branch Committee decide it would be appropriate to appoint that role in
a particular delegation to another delegate.
8. The Secretary shall be the Branch spokesperson at all times unless the
Secretary or the Branch Committee decide it would be appropriate to delegate
a particular matter to another individual. All decisions concerning who
should be branch spokesperson on an issue and how that issue is presented
to the media should be taken in consultation with the Communications Officer.
9. The Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring administration of Branch
business is carried out timeously and effectively.
It should be stressed the Branch Secretary is leader of a team and should
at all times attempt to involve other members of the team.
6. Role of Assistant Branch Secretary
1. To assist and deputise for the Branch Secretary in the aspects of his/her
duties contained in E.5 paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8.
2. The Assistant Secretary and the Secretary should work as a team and agree
on a regular basis, an efficient allocation of tasks between them
7. Role of Branch Treasurer
1. Within UNISON rules the role of the Branch Treasurer is defined as follows;
“4.3.1 conduct the Branch business and keep accounts in accordance
with the rules.
4.3.2 at the end of his/her appointment (and at any other time when required
by the General Secretary) deliver to the Branch Chairperson or such person
as the General Secretary may appoint all accounts, financial records and
money belonging to the union.”
2. These clauses should be viewed as generalist and only indicative of the
Treasurer’s pivotal role in all aspects of finance relating to the
Branch.
3. Specific aspects to be recognised are;
a) the requirement to provide union representatives with travel and subsistence
payments and other appropriate financial assistance (e.g. childcare) when
carrying out duties relating to the Branch. These should be linked to those
rates applied at Regional level.
b) the requirement to adjudicate in all matters relating to the payment
of union subscriptions.
c) the requirement to ensure all bills/invoices are dealt with timeously.
d) the requirement to regularly inform the Branch Committee of the current
financial position of the Branch.
e) the requirement to provide assistance to any bona fide individual who
by law or rule has the right to examine the Branch's financial records.
f) the requirement to produce estimates for the following years expenditure
which should be submitted to the Branch Committee for approval and to monitor
individual budget headings.
g) the requirement to ensure the financial records of the Branch are audited
at least once yearly.
It must be stressed the above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
8. Role of Branch Equalities Officer
1. The following are agreed areas of work pertinent to the post;
a) In consultation with Regional Self-Organised Group Committees, support
and develop the ongoing development of Branch Self-Organised structures
b) in consultation with branch self organised groups the postholder should
initiate and facilitate proposals which would improve the conditions of
service for disadvantaged groups.
c) in consultation with branch self organised groups the postholder should
participate in the negotiation of and monitor all proposed local agreements
to ensure they are nondiscriminatory and lend positive assistance to eradicating
existing discrimination.
d) the postholder should continually monitor the application of agreements
to ensure they are being applied consistently and in a nondiscriminatory
manner.
e) the postholder should be aware of the National policies of the union
as they refer to Equality issues and to advise the Branch/Branch Committee
on such matters which require Branch action.
f) the postholder should be aware of appropriate legislation and advise
the Branch/Branch Committee of any implications.
g) the postholder should highlight Equality issues in the Branch and positively
pursue an ongoing publicity/education programme which will raise members
awareness of Equality issues.
h) the postholder should proactively assist the creation of self organised
groups supporting self identified local members.
i) to provide advice and assistance where required in individual Conditions
of Service cases.
j) in consultation with branch self organised groups to develop measures
to ensure that members of structurally disadvantaged groups can be empowered
and included in the branch and in the workplace.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. This wide ranging remit will require ongoing mutual liaison and information
sharing between the postholder and Steward Committees and with other Branch
Officers if the Branch is to positively address Equality issues.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Equalities Sub Committee
4. The scale of the job also dictates a requirement for the active participation
of all members of the Equalities Sub Committee if the Branch is to be proactive
in this area of work.
5. All work in this field must be co-ordinated by the Equalities Officer
if continuity and consistency is to be applied and positive results are
to be forthcoming
9. Role of Health & Safety Convener
1. The following are agreed areas of work pertinent to the post;
a) the postholder should initiate and facilitate proposals which would improve
the work environment.
b) the postholder should be aware of the National policies of the union
as they relate to Health and Safety issues and to advise the Branch / Branch
Committee on such matters which require Branch action.
c) the postholder should be aware of appropriate legislation and advise
the Branch / Branch Committee of any implications.
d) the postholder should participate in Branch negotiations on issues of
a Health and safety nature.
e) the postholder should highlight Health and Safety issues in the Branch
and positively pursue an ongoing education / publicity programme which will
raise members awareness of Health and Safety issues.
f) the postholder should provide advice and assistance where required on
specific Departmental Health and Safety matters.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. This wide ranging remit will require the postholder to liaise to a high
degree with other Branch Officers if the Branch is to positively address
Health and Safety issues.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Health and Safety Sub
Committee
4. The scale of the job also dictates a requirement for the active participation
of all members of the Health and Safety Sub Committee if the Branch is to
become pro active in this area of work.
10. Role of Branch Service Conditions
Coordinator
The Service Conditions Coordinator will be responsible for the provision
of a comprehensive service conditions resource for the membership, ensuring
full access to representation, guidance and advice.
He/she will be lead officer for the branch on service conditions issues
with the employer(s).
In addition to the range of duties outlined for Service conditions Conveners,
this postholder’s prime responsibilities will include:
a) Maintaining an overview of service conditions matters
b) Ensuring all relevant officers/stewards are updated on progress in negotiations
at all levels of the union
c) Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Service Conditions Sub
Committee
d) will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Service Conditions Team"
e) Maintaining and updating a service conditions information bank and an
appropriate filing system for issues/ cases.
f) Preparing strategies for negotiations in liaison with appropriate officers
g) Assisting service conditions team in addressing casework.
11. Role of Branch Service Conditions
Conveners (3)
1. The three Conveners will have specific roles in their particular work
grouping, i.e. APT & C, Manual, or Craft
Their remit would include;
a) negotiating on behalf of the Branch on appropriate Conditions of Service
issues.
b) representing individuals/groups in relation to local claims, disciplines
or the pursuance of grievances in liaison with local representatives.
c) initiating and facilitating proposals for improvements to conditions
of service.
d) monitor application of agreements to ensure consistency and proper interpretation.
e) awareness of appropriate legislation and advising the Branch/Branch Committee
of any implications.
f) awareness of the National policies of the union and advising the Branch/Branch
Committee on such matters which require Branch action.
g) respond to all appropriate correspondence.
h) provide assistance and advice to other levels of the organisation.
i) maintain contact with Full Time Paid Officer and seek advice and assistance
where appropriate.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. The postholders should work within a team chaired by the Branch Chairperson
and involving the Branch Secretary and Service Conditions Team. The postholder
should work in close liaison with other Branch Officers and Departmental
Conveners.
12. Role of Branch Service Conditions
Officers (4)
1. The postholders should work within a team chaired by the Branch Chairperson
and involving the Branch Secretary and Service Conditions Team.
2. The postholders should work in close liaison with other Branch Officers
and Departmental and Self Organised Group Conveners and undertake work on
behalf of the membership across all sectors.
3. They will participate in the provision of a comprehensive service conditions
resource in liaison with the coordinator, conveners and other appropriate
officers.
4. Their prime function will be to work with the Coordinator and Conveners
in fulfiling the full range of tasks identified in E10 and 11.
13. Role of Branch Communications Officer
1. This postholder will have specific responsibility for maintaining contact
between the members and their union and would co-ordinate all Branch publicity.
2. Aspects of the remit of the Communications Officer are;
a) the co-ordination of a Branch Magazine to be issued on a regular frequency
(10 issues are recommended and at least not less than 6 times a year)
b) produce, as required, special one - off literature.
c) to co-ordinate publicity aspects of Branch campaigns.
d) to provide advice and assistance on publicity aspects of Departmental
campaigns.
e) to co-ordinate (but not initiate without approval of Chair & Secretary)
the publicising of the aims, policies and activities of UNISON in all suitable
media
f) to advise on all aspects of communications with the media
g) to develop a database of media contacts and to monitor press
h) to co-ordinate branch involvement in wider campaigns.
i) to maintain an awareness of local and national issues and ensure they
are profiled within the Branch.
j) pursue a positive image for the union with members of the public.
k) to put in place and maintain a distribution network which will ensure
the timeous distribution of relevant materials.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
3. The postholder will require close liaison with other Branch Officers
to ensure information is correct, up to date and relevant.
14. Role of Branch Education Officer
1. The Branch Education Officers remit will focus on the provision of an
educational programme which will ensure all stewards and office bearers
have access to appropriate training. In fulfiling this task the Education
Officer will have to make an assessment on the appropriateness of particular
training packages to the needs of the particular Stewards and Self-organised
group committees./ Branch Officer.
2. Aspects of the remit would be;
a) identifying and addressing individual and Branch training needs
b) the co-ordination of a Training Plan making use of both internal and
external resources.
c) liaison with outside agencies and other levels of the union on relevant
matters.
d) programming and participating in internal Branch courses
e) assessment of course materials
f) ensuring administrative support is provided (e.g. arranging time off,
accommodation, travel arrangements etc)
g) maintaining records of individual participation in training
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
3. If the remit is to be fulfiled the postholder must maintain close contact
with other Branch Officers and with Departmental and Self Organised Group
Conveners.
15. Role of Branch Welfare Officer
1. This post is different to other Branch Officers due to the confidential
nature of the tasks involved.
Normally the only people aware of a Welfare case would be the Welfare Officer
and the local steward although there will be occasions when the advice of
another Branch Officer may be required.
2. Aspects of the remit would be;
a) to stimulate and foster support for the Welfare Fund
b) visits to beneficiaries
c) knowledge of benefits available through the union and other agencies
d) ensuring members are aware of welfare provision
e) giving advice and assistance to Shop Stewards
f) providing direct advice to members
g) to do all the above either directly or through the Welfare Committee
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
16. Role of Branch Recruitment/ Membership
Services Officer
1. While it is every activist and member’s job to recruit, this position
is key to the recruitment and retention of members and as such key to the
whole branch organisation. The post involves:
a) to co-ordinate recruitment in the branch in conjunction with Departmental
Committees, Self-Organised Groups and other Branch Officers as appropriate.
b) Liaise with National and Regional Officers in mounting targeted recruitment
campaigns
c) to deal with matters concerning applications for membership
d) to assist in maintaining membership statistics
e) to correspond with UIA Ltd, Britannia Building Society etc
f) to develop services available to members outwith conditions of service
issues, eg local discounts etc.
g) to promote such services to members.
17. International Relations Officer
a) to raise and co-ordinate activities for the increase in members knowledge
and understanding of international issues
b) to keep the branch informed, via the Policy and Finance Committee, on
international issues.
18. Branch Auditors (2)
To conduct an efficient audit in accordance with the NECs general principles
at least once per year
19. Youth Officer
a) To develop and co-ordinate youth activities in the Branch in line with
national and Scottish guidelines which are issued from time to time.
b) To develop youth structures within the Branch.
c) To develop strategies for recruiting, retaining and involving young members.
d) To act as one of the Branch delegates to any approved UNISON or other
Youth conferences etc.
20. APF Officer
a) The Affiliated Political Fund Officer will be elected annually by a meeting
open to all qualifying members paying the Affiliated Political Fund levy.
The APF Officer will:
b) co-ordinate APF activities within the branch within National and Scottish
rules and guidelines.
c) act as a line of communication between the Branch, the APF and the Labour
Party, ensuring that UNISON’s policies are understood within the Labour
Party at the appropriate levels and communicating Labour Party issues to
the branch membership via the Branch Communications Officer.
d) keep a record of and convene regular meetings of APF members in the Branch.
e) set up measures to recruit and retain APF members.
21. Retired Members’ Secretary
The Retired Members Secretary will be elected annually by a meeting open
to all qualifying members under the National Rules.
22. Other Officers
The Branch may appoint other officers from time to time as it thinks fit,
for example Womens' Officer, etc. | 
