Preferences explained

UNISON is starting to unveil a major overhaul of its digital services, as you'll see with this new website. This marks the end of a long-term project designed to modernise how the union connects with you, its members.

The new system brings multiple platforms together, creating a single, streamlined experience that makes it easier to manage your membership, access training and stay informed.

At the heart of the upgrade is this brand-new website, replacing more than 50 existing UNISON sites. This unified website will host all our content in one place. Alongside it, members will have access to a personalised account, offering tailored content based on their role, sector and region.

The member account will enable users to update their profile, access key resources and take part in online ballots, consultations and surveys. Look out for your invite to activate your account soon.

Managing what we send to you

In that account, users will also be able to more easily control what the union contacts them about through a new ‘preference centre’.

As part of how we represent and protect members, UNISON will always contact you about:

• Ballot notices required by law
• Essential information about your membership and representation
• Elections and democratic activities you are entitled to participate in

This also includes information, campaigns, and consultations about pay offers or changes to your job.

But the preference centre, found under the ‘personal details’ tab will allow members to opt in or opt out of six categories of ‘marketing communications’. These are things that legally, we need your permission to contact you about. If you are opted out, you will not receive those types of communications.

These categories will be:

• Branch news and updates
• Newsletters
• Campaigns and collective action
• Learning and training with UNISON College
• Member benefits and exclusive offers
• Events and conferences

Changes to how we communicate

As part of this overhaul, UNISON is also making big changes to how we communicate with members. This means that what you see will be more tailored to you.

You’ll still hear about the union’s overall priorities and major news, but email newsletters will be consistent and filled with information which is directly relevant to your job, your sector and the region or nation where you work.

For activists, the various updates you receive from your sectors, your regions and elsewhere will be rolled into your Activist weekly email so it’s all accessible in the same place.

Elsewhere, campaigns will be more clearly defined, learning and training opportunities will be easier to access and presented to you in one place, and you’ll be able to hear about events coming up that are relevant and you might be able to attend.