UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside awards evening winners

This weekend saw the region’s first awards evening held in Leeds, to recognise and celebrate some of the extraordinary work happening across branches every single day. The evening was to acknowledge the vital and often unseen work carried out by branch activists, officers and reps – from answering late night calls, supporting frightened members, and quietly holding branches together.

Outstanding Union Rep – Michelle Hickman, University of York

Michelle has been a cornerstone of the University of York branch for almost a decade, progressing from finance support to steward, deputy branch secretary and now branch secretary.
She has tirelessly represented members through complex workplace change, voluntary severance programmes and difficult negotiations - always with calmness, determination and real compassion.
Michelle is known for fearlessly standing up for members when others feel unable to speak, while also mentoring new activists and strengthening the future of the branch.
Quietly formidable, deeply respected and utterly committed, Michelle is a truly worthy winner.

Other nominees: Rebecca Burgess Dawson, Northern Health and Community; Julie Marsland, Sheffield Community Health

Best Collective Bargaining Achievement – Sheffield Local Government

This award recognises extraordinary work negotiating the Sheffield Role Review Programme and historic equal pay outcomes.
Through determination, negotiation and persistence, the branch secured redress for thousands of employees while helping establish a fairer and nationally recognised framework moving forward.
Their work demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when unions negotiate collectively, strategically and relentlessly for fairness.

Other nominees: Tony Whoreley and Emma Schofield – South Yorkshire Police

Equality and Inclusion Champion – Abdul Rashid, Rotherham Local Government

Abdul is somebody many people rely on in difficult moments.
As a convenor, disabled members officer and chair of the Yorkshire & Humberside Black members self-organised group, he has consistently supported members facing discrimination and workplace injustice with care, professionalism and determination.
He has played an important role in strengthening conversations around race, inclusion and representation across our union, while supporting members through difficult and sensitive processes with empathy and integrity.
And perhaps most remarkable of all, Abdul continues to give so much to others while managing his own health challenges.

Most Improved Workplace Engagement – Sheffield Community Health: Leo Karran, Joseph Dawes and Shola Akanbi

Over the last year, this team has shown incredible commitment to building a stronger workplace presence.
Through recruitment events, workplace walkarounds, visible campaigning and meaningful one-to-one support, they have significantly strengthened engagement with staff and members.
Perhaps most impressively, they have helped build a branch team that is united, confident and increasingly influential - earning recognition through nomination to share Vice Chair positions of the Joint Negotiating Committee.
That is no small achievement.

Strike Solidarity Award – Dave Robertson, Leeds Local Government

Dave has been a committed trade unionist since 1970, supporting workers through different unions before becoming part of UNISON.
Most recently, he has shown extraordinary solidarity through regular support for workers at the National Coal Mining Museum dispute - standing on picket lines week after week, offering practical support, encouragement and friendship.
As a retired activist, Dave reminds us all of something important: trade union values do not retire.

Union Legend Award – John Campbell, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

John has given years of outstanding service as branch secretary and deputy convenor.
He has championed members tirelessly, strengthened branch organisation, negotiated improvements for activists and supported countless colleagues.
Beyond his workplace, John has also shown extraordinary commitment to community work - helping families, organising affordable trips and supporting communities who otherwise may miss out.
His commitment to solidarity reaches far beyond the workplace.

Unsung Hero Award – Emma Lee Bayliss, Sheffield Community Health

Emma is described as the heart and soul of her branch.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, she helps ensure members are supported, informed and connected to the right people.
Reliable, compassionate and endlessly committed - Emma quietly keeps things running, often stepping in without recognition and always putting members first.
Her work strengthens communication, inclusivity and community across the branch - and quite simply, things would not function in the same way without her.