Equalities

The branch equalities officer is supported by a committee made up of reps from each stewards committee, branch officers and reps from the self organised groups. The post is part of the service conditions team so it is central to branch negotiations. The branch equalities officer is Mark Laidlaw.

Self Organised Groups

Women | LGBT+ | Disabled Members | Black Members

To make sure all our members have a voice in the union, UNISON members have set up ‘self-organised groups’ to provide a voice for people who are traditionally under represented.

UNISON has groups at national, regional and branch level for women, LGBT+ members, black members and disabled members. These groups are designed to be self-organising but also integral to the union’s structures. The branch encourages the formation of all of these groups.

If you are interested in any of the groups, if you would like mailings or if you want to record any needs to facilitate your involvement in the union, please contact the equalities officer.

Equalities Committee

The committee’s role is to work in consultation with self organised groups to promote improvements in conditions for disadvantaged groups and to ensure equality is an issue considered in any negotiations. The equalities officer is a member of the service conditions team.

The equalities committee also has a role to act as a ‘clearing house’ for information on equalities issues and ensure that this is channelled into Branch activities and committees.