Unsung public servants recognised for their outstanding work by UNISON

Four council and college workers have been celebrated for their dedicated and outstanding service to their communities. They were highlighted as “champions” in their fields at UNISON’s annual local government conference, which began today (Sunday) in Brighton.

Each year union members nominate colleagues worthy of special recognition for their devotion and outstanding work to be crowned as Local Service Champions and Champions In Our Colleges.

Jacob Beaumont, a homeless assessment officer at Cardiff Council was named the overall Local Service Champion for 2026. In his role he supports some of the city’s most vulnerable residents at times of crisis.

Colleagues who nominated him praised his empathy, compassion, and respect. They said he goes “above and beyond” so those who require help feel heard, understood, and supported.

Jacob said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award and to be recognised for my work. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support, encouragement and collaboration of an incredible team. It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented and dedicated people every day.”

In addition, there were two runners-up for the awards, now in their fifth year and supported by actors Sunetra Sarker and Fay Ripley.

Eleanor Siddall is lead practitioner in the strengthening families team at Salford City Council, where she’s worked since 2002. She provides access to specialist services promoting stability and wellbeing for parents and children, reducing the likelihood of infants entering care.

Eleanor said: “I feel honoured to be in a position where I can really make a difference.”

Ferzana Bhatti is a senior housing solution and support case worker at Birmingham City Council working with homeless people. She has also taken on a team-management role, with colleagues praising her for bringing “an energy to her work and her workplace, that is unmistakable”.

Ferzana said: “We support people who are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I believe services are strongest when we support each other and put people first.”

The Champions In Our Colleges overall winner was Thomas Hewitt, a digital skills trainer at Nottingham College.

He was recognised for the outstanding support he gives students and colleagues, as well as his mental health advocacy, which includes producing a regular newsletter to help others.

Fellow workers praised him for “his kind and cheerful personality and the way he's able to support people around him, either directly or indirectly”.

Thomas said: “I was just shocked that people would nominate me. I was overcome with emotion. I can't thank people enough.”

Announcing the awards today, UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan said: “Staff across our public services give everything to the jobs they love.

“We all owe them a great debt of gratitude. And it’s important for UNISON to celebrate what they do.

“I’d like to thank our worthy winners for their hard work and incredible contributions. Our communities wouldn’t be the same without these otherwise unsung champions.”

Notes to editors:

– UNISON’s annual two-day local government conference takes place today and tomorrow (14 and 15 June 2026) at the Brighton Centre, BN1 2GR. This will be followed by the union’s national conference, which takes place from Tuesday to Friday (16 to 19 June). 

– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [email protected]

Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: [email protected]