About UNISON North West

UNISON North West follows a robust structure that ensures accountability, transparency, and representation at all levels. Information on how the democratic structures of our region work can be below.

We encourage all members to get involved in our democratic structures, attend meetings, and actively participate in shaping our union’s agenda. Your voice matters, and together we can make a real difference in improving the lives of public services and the communities we serve.

Nationally, UNISON holds elections for its general secretary, national executive council (NEC), service group executives (SGE) and the Labour Link committee in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Every member of UNISON is in a service group, and they make sure that UNISON’s services stay relevant and useful to all members.

Every member is entitled to stand for election for the service group executive, which oversees each service group, including matters such as national bargaining. These elections take place every two years, between elections to the national executive council.

You also have a right to seek election as a delegate to your annual service group conference, representing colleagues in your branch

Equality is at the heart of UNISON. We challenge discrimination and win equality in the workplace and beyond. Everyone shares responsibility for equality in UNISON.

Our equality work includes groups for members who experience particular types of prejudice and discrimination. These groups meet locally and nationally to discuss, campaign and organise around the specific issues that affect them. They help UNISON understand equality and meet our equality aims.

Our four self-organised groups are for: 

• black members;
• disabled members;
• lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) members;
• women members. 

We also have equality groups for young members and retired members.