UNISON rulebook

Our rulebook, published each year, sets out the way the union runs

UNISON rulebook 2025 cover image

What is the UNISON rulebook?

UNISON’s rules, published in the UNISON rulebook, govern the way the union runs and how branches, regions, service groups and membership groups work. They also outline the rights and responsibilities of members.

A new edition is produced after the annual national delegate conference, which incorporates the latest updates and rule changes (agreed by a two-thirds majority of delegates to the conference).

Every member is entitled to a copy of the latest edition. Contact your branch for a hard copy, or download a digital version below. 

What the rules cover

The union’s aims and objectives, including:

  • organising and representing people employed in providing services to the public, whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors;
  • improving pay and conditions;
  • protecting the rights of members and ensuring they are treated with equality;
  • promoting trade unionism;
  • promoting and protecting public services;
  • members’ rights, responsibilities and membership benefits;
  • organisation, structure and democracy;
  • subscriptions, finance and political funds;
  • legal assistance.

Download the rulebook

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