General secretary
The general secretary is the principal officer of our union
The role of general secretary
The general secretary is responsible for all aspects of our organisation. They stand up for all of our members and hold employers and the government to account in pursuit of the strong, well-funded public services that our communities need and deserve.
The general secretary reports to the national executive council, UNISON’s governing body, which ensures the decisions made by the union are carried out.
The general secretary takes part in UNISON’s conferences, national executive council meetings and national service group executive meetings.
How the position is elected
The general secretary is elected by all our members for a five year term.
They choose from candidates nominated by:
- the national executive council; or
- at least two national service group executives; or
- at least two regional councils; or
- at least 25 branches.
Current general secretary
Andrea Egan (pictured above) was elected on 17 December 2025.
Her five-year term as general secretary began on 22 January 2026.
Previous general secretaries
- 2021: Christina McAnea
- 2001: Dave Prentis
- 1996: Rodney Bickerstaffe
- 1993: Alan Jinkinson
Table of contents
More about our general secretary
News
‘I’m excited and humbled’
Andrea Egan began her five-year term as UNISON’s general secretary last month. We sat down with our new general secretary to find out more about her and what her priorities are for the next five years
News
Andrea Egan begins five-year term as UNISON general secretary
‘We will put faith in members’ decisions and stand up to any employer, politician or cabinet minister who acts against our interests’
Press release
Andrea Egan to be next UNISON general secretary
Five-year term begins in January 2026
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