Branch Procurement Service

This service has been designed to support branch treasurers and branch secretaries in the purchase of goods and services on behalf of UNISON branches.

Our objectives are to achieve financial and operational efficiencies, embed responsible/ethical procurement and share procurement best practice.

We are establishing preferred supplier arrangements so that you can buy with confidence. Using our arrangements will mean that you do not need to spend time sourcing suppliers, carrying out due diligence checks, negotiating pricing and contract terms, etc. 

You will need to determine your individual branch requirements, but our suppliers can help you where you need additional advice on this. We will also build guidance on specific categories and items to provide you with additional support.

In the resources area you will find toolkits and guidance to support you. It’s not possible for us to have preferred suppliers or agreements that cover everything that you may buy so this guidance will help you where we do not have such arrangements in place.

Benefits of using the Branch Procurement Service

Saves you time

We’ve carried out the procurement work so you don’t have to source suppliers for commonly purchased goods and services, so you can concentrate on supporting members.

Good customer support and relationship

Combined branch spend and volume means our suppliers value the overall relationship with UNISON compared to placing one-off orders with suppliers and this gives us better relationships and leverage with suppliers.

Pre-agreed terms and conditions 

We’ve negotiated and agreed terms and conditions with the suppliers so you don’t need to renegotiate terms.

Competitive pricing 

Achieved by aggregating demand we can obtain lower pricing.

Supplier due diligence 

We’ve carried out due diligence checks to ensure the suppliers are suitable and can meet the requirements to provide quality goods and services and can supply to all branch locations. We monitor and manage the suppliers.

UNISON policy compliance 

The suppliers comply with UNISON policy and ethical standards.

Responsible Procurement and Sustainability impact 

We build environmental and social considerations into decisions to seek to minimise UNISON’s negative impact.