Giving a voice to the branch
As discussed in 'The Basics' tab, the branch is run by a committee consisting of members elected to take on different roles. The committee are referred to as branch officers and are elected by the members each year at the branch AGM (annual general meeting).
Within the committee, key roles include those of Chair, Branch Secretary and Treasurer. The exact duties of each branch officer may differ between branches and between unions but their core functions are explained below. However, they do share one common theme: they are all volunteers.
The current list of branch officers (listed below) were elected at the 2011 branch AGM (annual general meeting):
| Branch Officer Position | Representative |
|---|---|
| Branch Chair | Tina Roberts |
| Branch Secretary | Anne Villegas |
| Branch Treasurer | Richard Elson |
| Health and Safety Officer | Chris Wood |
| Labour Link Officer | Richard Elson |
| Welfare Officer | Nathaniel Weiner |
Chair: To agree the agenda and preside at branch meetings. The Chair ensures that business is properly conducted and works closely with the secretary to provide leadership to the branch.
Secretary: To convene all branch meetings and to ensure representation of members within the branch in accordance with national guidance. The Secretary is also responsible for ensuring the processing of membership applications in addition to regular communications with members.
Treasurer: To conduct the financial business of the branch, to keep accounts in accordance of the rules and to provide financial reports to the branch, in addition to providing an audited financial report for the AGM.
Health and Safety Officer: To increase the awareness of members, H&S representatives and branch officers of health and safety issues. The H&S Officer also advises the branch committee on H&S issues arising in the branch and recommends policies and priorities.
Labour Link Officer: To explain and develop the role of the UNISON Labour Link within the branch and to circulate information to Labour Link members in the branch. The Labour Link Officer is elected and accountable to the Labour Link section within the branch and must be an individual member of the Labour Party.
Welfare Officer: To ensure that branch officers, stewards and workplace representatives, and also employers, have regular up-to-date information about UNISON Welfare and its range of services. The Welfare Officer is also responsible for ensuring that members seeking welfare assistance receive a prompt, supportive and effective response.