NEC by-election 2026 (Scotland female seat)
A by-election will be held for the vacant Scotland female seat on the national executive council (NEC)
NEC by-election 2026, Scotland female seat
A by-election will be held for the vacant Scotland female seat on the national executive council (NEC).
Nominations have now closed.
What is the NEC?
The NEC has the power to act on behalf of the union and is responsible for implementing UNISON policy and delivering on the union’s objectives and priorities. It is made up of representatives elected from all of UNISON’s regions and service groups, as well as seats for four Black members, two young members and two disabled members.
UNISON’s rulebook confirms that we elect our NEC every two years.
For more about by-election procedures, read the NEC election procedures and timings 2025-2027.
Full details and procedures are available: NEC 2026 by-election procedures Scotland
When is the ballot?
The ballot opens on 16 July 2026 and runs until 13 August 2026.
The results will be announced on 8 September 2026.
FAQs
The national executive council of UNISON, at a meeting on 8 April 2026, agreed a timetable for the NEC by-election for the Scotland female seat.
Full details and procedures are available: NEC 2026 by-election procedures Scotland
Branches may make nominations for candidates in this election. The nomination period runs from 23 April 2026 to 5pm on 4 June 2026.When is the ballot?
The ballot opens on 16 July 2026 and runs until 13 August 2026.
The results will be announced on 8 September 2026.
Only full members who are on the UNISON membership system on 9 April 2026 will be eligible to vote in this election.
Ballot paper(s) will be sent to members’ home or other notified address in writing. Members will be provided with a pre-paid envelope for the return of the ballot paper to the independent scrutineer. By law, all voting must be by post.
The despatch of ballot paper(s) to individual members will begin on 16 July 2026.
The ballot pack will consist of:
- a covering letter from the union;
- a booklet containing the candidates’ election addresses and a full list of nominating bodies;
- ballot paper(s);
- a return envelope.
Where members have previously requested materials in a special format (for example in large print), they will automatically receive the ballot pack in that format. Any additional requests should be made to the ballot helpline.
The voting helpline will be open from 23 July 2026 to 6 August 2026.
If individual members have not received a ballot paper by 23 July 2026, contact the ballot helpline via UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.
Members with hearing difficulties can use textphone 0800 0 967 968.
It would be helpful if callers have their membership number to hand.
The latest that members can request a ballot paper is 12 noon on 6 August 2026, in order to ensure members have the opportunity to vote in time.
Please note that the ballot helpline can only deal with queries from individual members. If branches believe there is a wide-scale problem with receipt of ballot papers amongst their members (for instance if whole departments or geographical areas have not received ballot papers) then the branch should contact the Member Liaison Unit via [email protected].
The deadline for receipt of ballot papers by the scrutineer is 13 August 2026.
The candidates will be informed of the results on 8 September 2026, and the results will be published the same day.
The returning officer and scrutineer for this election is Civica Election Services.
Email: [email protected]
Any complaint about the conduct of this election must be received no later than 25 August 2026. Complaints must be in writing and should enclose any supporting documentation. Complaints should be sent to Civica Election Services.
Email: [email protected]
Any queries on this information or this election should be directed to the Member Liaison Unit.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7121 5399
Activist Q&A
The by-election for the Scotland female seat of our union’s NEC is underway. What is happening and why is voter turnout important?
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.
The national executive council (NEC) is elected by our members every two years.
The election timetable and procedures were agreed by the national executive council of UNISON on 8 April 2026.
All full members who were on the union’s membership register as of 9 April 2026 will be entitled to vote in this election.
The candidate application and nomination period runs from 23 April 2026 to 5pm on 4 June 2026.
The member ballot will open on 16 July 2026 and will close on 13 August 2026.
The candidates will be informed of the results, and the results will be published, on 8 September 2026.
The member liaison unit runs the election. Civica Election Services (CES) is the returning officer and the independent scrutineer.
UNISON is run for and by its members through its democratic and lay structures.
All of our elections are important, as they allow the union to function in the best interests of our members.
The NEC you elect make important decisions about the future of our union, so it is vital that as many members as possible have their say.
As our activists, you have a role in encouraging participation in our elections. This is not about supporting particular candidates, but about providing general information about the ballot, when it opens, why it matters, and encouraging members to vote.
The more people who vote, the stronger our democracy and the better the union can serve its members.
Please note, it is not about promoting one or more candidates. There are strict rules to ensure that UNISON branches or other nominating bodies do not use any funds, property, or resources to campaign for any particular candidate in the election.
The exception to this is if a nominating body has nominated a candidate. In this case, you may advise your members of this nomination using up to 100 words via your usual communication channels.
Please check the election procedures if you are planning to do this.
As usual, there is a voting helpline. The helpline will open on 23 July 2026.
Phone: 0800 0 857 857
Textphone: 0800 0 967 968
The voting helpline will close at 12 noon on 6 August 2026.
Other information
Read the election procedures and timings
Or contact the Member Liaison Unit on 020 7121 5399 or email [email protected]
Voting packs will be sent to members’ homes directly by CES from 16 July 2026.
If you have not received your voting pack by 23 July 2026, please contact UNISONdirect using the number above.
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