The election for the NEC of our union is underway. This is the largest election within UNISON, taking place every two years, where every member takes part in electing the most senior body of activists in the union.
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.
Why is this happening?
The National Executive Council (NEC) is elected by our members every two years. The election timetable and procedures were agreed and published by the NEC at the end of last year.
Who is eligible to vote?
All full members who were on the union’s membership register as of 17 January 2023 , will be entitled to vote in this election. As this is a statutory ballot, governed by the law, voting can only be done by a ballot paper sent to the members’ home addresses.
When is it happening?
The candidate application and nominating periods have already taken place. our branch had the chance to nominate candidates to seats representing our region, service group (health, higher education etc) and to the reserved Black member, Disabled member and Young member seats.
The member ballot will open on 17 April when ballot papers will be sent to members’ home addresses and it closes on 19 May. The results will be announced on 8 June.
Who Did our Branch Nominate for these elections?
Regional council seats: Becky Everett, James Minto, Emma Proctor.
Health Service Group: Pat Heron, Gordon McKay.
Black Members seat: Misty Harmon Russell, Hugo Perry.
Disabled Members Seats: Angela Hamilton.
These members were nominated by our branch committee which sat on the 8th February 2023.
Activists cannot promote any particular candidate(s). There are strict rules to ensure that UNISON branches or other nominating bodies don’t use any funds, property or resources to campaign for any particular candidate in the election.
The only exception to this is if a nominating body (the branch) has nominated a candidate. In this case, you can advise your members of this nomination via our usual channel(s) of communications. as we have done above.
Does it matter how many people vote?
Yes! The NEC that members elect will make decisions about the future of our union and these decisions will directly affect our members.
that is why we would encourage you and all our members to vote and ask that you encourage your colleagues and fellow members to vote in these important elections.
if you require support you can get this via the ballot helpline, The helpline will open on 25 April and closes on 15 May.
Telephone: 0800 0 857 857.
Text phone: 0800 0 967 968.
Or go to the UNISON NEC election webpage
Posted: 25th April 2023