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SECTION E. Role of Branch Officers
1. Branch Officers
a) The Branch shall elect Branch Officers annually in terms
of Branch Standing Orders 4(6) “Election of Branch Officers”,
and 19, 20 and 21, “Elections”.
b) The procedure for nomination and election will be that
contained in Standing Orders 4, 19, 20 and 21 with the exception
of the APF officer who shall be elected by APF members only
subject to Branch Rule E.20 APF Officer.
2. Role of Branch President
1.The role of the Branch President reflects elements of the
role of the union’s national president, as well as a
more hands on branch role. The post is geared towards an experienced
branch activist who can provide the advice, leadership and
continuity required by a large branch with many activists.
2.The President will
a) Chair Branch General Meetings, liaising with the Branch
Chairperson and fulfiling all the roles connected with these
meetings as outlined under the Role of Branch Chairperson
in A3.2 below.
b) Represent the branch on official occasions.
c) Oversee the work of the branch, providing advice and direction
as required.
d) Maintain a knowledge of UNISON’s rules and procedures
nationally and locally and provide opinion on these as required.
e) Maintain a knowledge of service conditions matters and
advise on these as required.
f) Act as an arbiter in terms of internal disputes or disagreements,
except where branch procedures state otherwise
g) Act as a route of appeal as required by Rule B5 on staffing
matters in the context of agreements applying to branch employed
staff.
h) Take on a negotiating role as and when requested to do
so by the Chairperson and Service Conditions team.
3. Role of Branch Chairperson
1. The Branch Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the
Branch in the absence of the President and (in liaison with
the Branch Vice Chairpersons) shall chair the Branch Committee
and other established Committees.
2. He / She shall ensure all meetings are conducted in line
with Branch Standing Orders and that all motions / decisions
are in accordance with the Policies of the Union.
3. He / She shall liaise with the Branch Secretary in relation
to the convening of meetings and the drafting of agendas.
4. He / She will be a member of and chair the Service Conditions
Team and convene regular meetings of the Branch President,
Branch Secretary, Service Conditions Coordinator, Conveners
and Officers.
5. Any other responsibilities as outlined in Rule B5
4. Role of Vice Chairpersons
(2)
To deputise for the President or Chairperson in terms of E.3
paragraphs 1,2 3 and 5.
5. Role of Branch Secretary
1.Within UNISON rules the remit of the Secretary is defined
as;
“4.1. convene and attend all meetings of the Branch and
Branch Committee and shall arrange for the minutes and other
Branch records to be kept in a proper manner.
4.2 co-operate with the Union’s Head Office in keeping
a record of all members’ names, addresses and work groups
and in communicating any changes in these matters to the Head
Office.
4.3 be responsible for communicating with members and with
the Union’s Regional and Head Offices on behalf of the
Branch.
4.4 in conjunction with the Branch Committee, ensure that
the Branch observes Union Rules.
4.5 at the end of his/her appointment (and at any other time
when so required by the General Secretary) deliver to the
Branch Chairperson or to such person as the General Secretary
may appoint all accounts, financial records and money belonging
to the Union.”
2. The above statements are very generalised and should only
be considered indicative of the nature of the post.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Policy
and Finance Committee.
4. Within the City of Edinburgh branch it is considered the
role of the Branch Secretary should be one of co-ordinator
in addition to those tasks itemised within National Rules.
5. He/She should overview the work of all other Branch Officers
ensuring those individuals fulfil the tasks and responsibilities
allocated to them. This may involve providing direct assistance
in addressing workloads or discussing programmes of work.
Liaison should be an ongoing process.
6. He/She should ensure there is an active union organisation
in each Department and that the body is representative of
those members it represents.
7. He/She should be delegation leader to all other forums
of the union or appropriate bodies to which the Branch is
affiliated unless he/she or the Branch Committee decide it
would be appropriate to appoint that role in a particular
delegation to another delegate.
8. The Secretary shall be the Branch spokesperson at all times
unless the Secretary or the Branch Committee decide it would
be appropriate to delegate a particular matter to another
individual. All decisions concerning who should be branch
spokesperson on an issue and how that issue is presented to
the media should be taken in consultation with the Communications
Officer.
9. The Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring administration
of Branch business is carried out timeously and effectively.
It should be stressed the Branch Secretary is leader of a
team and should at all times attempt to involve other members
of the team.
6. Role of Assistant Branch
Secretary
1. To assist and deputise for the Branch Secretary in the
aspects of his/her duties contained in E.5 paragraphs 1, 2,
3, 5 and 8.
2. The Assistant Secretary and the Secretary should work as
a team and agree on a regular basis, an efficient allocation
of tasks between them
7. Role of Branch Treasurer
1. Within UNISON rules the role of the Branch Treasurer is
defined as follows;
“4.3.1 conduct the Branch business and keep accounts
in accordance with the rules.
4.3.2 at the end of his/her appointment (and at any other
time when required by the General Secretary) deliver to the
Branch Chairperson or such person as the General Secretary
may appoint all accounts, financial records and money belonging
to the union.”
2. These clauses should be viewed as generalist and only indicative
of the Treasurer’s pivotal role in all aspects of finance
relating to the Branch.
3. Specific aspects to be recognised are;
a) the requirement to provide union representatives with travel
and subsistence payments and other appropriate financial assistance
(e.g. childcare) when carrying out duties relating to the
Branch. These should be linked to those rates applied at Regional
level.
b) the requirement to adjudicate in all matters relating to
the payment of union subscriptions.
c) the requirement to ensure all bills/invoices are dealt
with timeously.
d) the requirement to regularly inform the Branch Committee
of the current financial position of the Branch.
e) the requirement to provide assistance to any bona fide
individual who by law or rule has the right to examine the
Branch's financial records.
f) the requirement to produce estimates for the following
years expenditure which should be submitted to the Branch
Committee for approval and to monitor individual budget headings.
g) the requirement to ensure the financial records of the
Branch are audited at least once yearly.
It must be stressed the above list is indicative rather than
exhaustive.
8. Role of Branch Equalities
Officer
1. The following are agreed areas of work pertinent to the
post;
a) In consultation with Regional Self-Organised Group Committees,
support and develop the ongoing development of Branch Self-Organised
structures
b) in consultation with branch self organised groups the postholder
should initiate and facilitate proposals which would improve
the conditions of service for disadvantaged groups.
c) in consultation with branch self organised groups the postholder
should participate in the negotiation of and monitor all proposed
local agreements to ensure they are nondiscriminatory and
lend positive assistance to eradicating existing discrimination.
d) the postholder should continually monitor the application
of agreements to ensure they are being applied consistently
and in a nondiscriminatory manner.
e) the postholder should be aware of the National policies
of the union as they refer to Equality issues and to advise
the Branch/Branch Committee on such matters which require
Branch action.
f) the postholder should be aware of appropriate legislation
and advise the Branch/Branch Committee of any implications.
g) the postholder should highlight Equality issues in the
Branch and positively pursue an ongoing publicity/education
programme which will raise members awareness of Equality issues.
h) the postholder should proactively assist the creation of
self organised groups supporting self identified local members.
i) to provide advice and assistance where required in individual
Conditions of Service cases.
j) in consultation with branch self organised groups to develop
measures to ensure that members of structurally disadvantaged
groups can be empowered and included in the branch and in
the workplace.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. This wide ranging remit will require ongoing mutual liaison
and information sharing between the postholder and Steward
Committees and with other Branch Officers if the Branch is
to positively address Equality issues.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Equalities
Sub Committee
4. The scale of the job also dictates a requirement for the
active participation of all members of the Equalities Sub
Committee if the Branch is to be proactive in this area of
work.
5. All work in this field must be co-ordinated by the Equalities
Officer if continuity and consistency is to be applied and
positive results are to be forthcoming
9. Role of Health & Safety
Convener
1. The following are agreed areas of work pertinent to the
post;
a) the postholder should initiate and facilitate proposals
which would improve the work environment.
b) the postholder should be aware of the National policies
of the union as they relate to Health and Safety issues and
to advise the Branch / Branch Committee on such matters which
require Branch action.
c) the postholder should be aware of appropriate legislation
and advise the Branch / Branch Committee of any implications.
d) the postholder should participate in Branch negotiations
on issues of a Health and safety nature.
e) the postholder should highlight Health and Safety issues
in the Branch and positively pursue an ongoing education /
publicity programme which will raise members awareness of
Health and Safety issues.
f) the postholder should provide advice and assistance where
required on specific Departmental Health and Safety matters.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. This wide ranging remit will require the postholder to
liaise to a high degree with other Branch Officers if the
Branch is to positively address Health and Safety issues.
3. Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Health
and Safety Sub Committee
4. The scale of the job also dictates a requirement for the
active participation of all members of the Health and Safety
Sub Committee if the Branch is to become pro active in this
area of work.
10. Role of Branch Service
Conditions Coordinator
The Service Conditions Coordinator will be responsible for
the provision of a comprehensive service conditions resource
for the membership, ensuring full access to representation,
guidance and advice.
He/she will be lead officer for the branch on service conditions
issues with the employer(s).
In addition to the range of duties outlined for Service conditions
Conveners, this postholder’s prime responsibilities will
include:
a) Maintaining an overview of service conditions matters
b) Ensuring all relevant officers/stewards are updated on
progress in negotiations at all levels of the union
c) Will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Service
Conditions Sub Committee
d) will convene and attend monthly meetings of the Service
Conditions Team"
e) Maintaining and updating a service conditions information
bank and an appropriate filing system for issues/ cases.
f) Preparing strategies for negotiations in liaison with appropriate
officers
g) Assisting service conditions team in addressing casework.
11. Role of Branch Service
Conditions Conveners (3)
1. The three Conveners will have specific roles in their particular
work grouping, i.e. APT & C, Manual, or Craft
Their remit would include;
a) negotiating on behalf of the Branch on appropriate Conditions
of Service issues.
b) representing individuals/groups in relation to local claims,
disciplines or the pursuance of grievances in liaison with
local representatives.
c) initiating and facilitating proposals for improvements
to conditions of service.
d) monitor application of agreements to ensure consistency
and proper interpretation.
e) awareness of appropriate legislation and advising the Branch/Branch
Committee of any implications.
f) awareness of the National policies of the union and advising
the Branch/Branch Committee on such matters which require
Branch action.
g) respond to all appropriate correspondence.
h) provide assistance and advice to other levels of the organisation.
i) maintain contact with Full Time Paid Officer and seek advice
and assistance where appropriate.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
2. The postholders should work within a team chaired by the
Branch Chairperson and involving the Branch Secretary and
Service Conditions Team. The postholder should work in close
liaison with other Branch Officers and Shop Stewards Conveners.
12. Role of Branch Service
Conditions Officers (4)
1. The postholders should work within a team chaired by the
Branch Chairperson and involving the Branch Secretary and
Service Conditions Team.
2. The postholders should work in close liaison with other
Branch Officers and Shop Stewards and Self Organised Group
Conveners and undertake work on behalf of the membership across
all sectors.
3. They will participate in the provision of a comprehensive
service conditions resource in liaison with the coordinator,
conveners and other appropriate officers.
4. Their prime function will be to work with the Coordinator
and Conveners in fulfiling the full range of tasks identified
in E10 and 11.
13. Role of Branch Communications
Officer
1. This postholder will have specific responsibility for maintaining
contact between the members and their union and would co-ordinate
all Branch publicity.
2. Aspects of the remit of the Communications Officer are;
a) the co-ordination of a Branch Magazine to be issued on
a regular frequency (10 issues are recommended and at least
not less than 6 times a year)
b) produce, as required, special one - off literature.
c) to co-ordinate publicity aspects of Branch campaigns.
d) to provide advice and assistance on publicity aspects of
Departmental campaigns.
e) to co-ordinate (but not initiate without approval of Chair
& Secretary) the publicising of the aims, policies and
activities of UNISON in all suitable media
f) to advise on all aspects of communications with the media
g) to develop a database of media contacts and to monitor
press
h) to co-ordinate branch involvement in wider campaigns.
i) to maintain an awareness of local and national issues and
ensure they are profiled within the Branch.
j) pursue a positive image for the union with members of the
public.
k) to put in place and maintain a distribution network which
will ensure the timeous distribution of relevant materials.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
3. The postholder will require close liaison with other Branch
Officers to ensure information is correct, up to date and
relevant.
14. Role of Branch Education
Officer
1. The Branch Education Officers remit will focus on the provision
of an educational programme which will ensure all stewards
and office bearers have access to appropriate training. In
fulfiling this task the Education Officer will have to make
an assessment on the appropriateness of particular training
packages to the needs of the particular Stewards and Self-organised
group committees./ Branch Officer.
2. Aspects of the remit would be;
a) identifying and addressing individual and Branch training
needs
b) the co-ordination of a Training Plan making use of both
internal and external resources.
c) liaison with outside agencies and other levels of the union
on relevant matters.
d) programming and participating in internal Branch courses
e) assessment of course materials
f) ensuring administrative support is provided (e.g. arranging
time off, accommodation, travel arrangements etc)
g) maintaining records of individual participation in training
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
3. If the remit is to be fulfiled the postholder must maintain
close contact with other Branch Officers and with Shop Stewards
and Self Organised Group Conveners.
15. Role of Branch Welfare
Officer
1. This post is different to other Branch Officers due to
the confidential nature of the tasks involved.
Normally the only people aware of a Welfare case would be
the Welfare Officer and the local steward although there will
be occasions when the advice of another Branch Officer may
be required.
2. Aspects of the remit would be;
a) to stimulate and foster support for the Welfare Fund
b) visits to beneficiaries
c) knowledge of benefits available through the union and other
agencies
d) ensuring members are aware of welfare provision
e) giving advice and assistance to Shop Stewards
f) providing direct advice to members
g) to do all the above either directly or through the Welfare
Committee
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive.
16. Role of Branch Recruitment/
Membership Services Officer
1. While it is every activist and member’s job to recruit,
this position is key to the recruitment and retention of members
and as such key to the whole branch organisation. The post
involves:
a) to co-ordinate recruitment in the branch in conjunction
with Shop Stewards Committees, Self-Organised Groups and other
Branch Officers as appropriate.
b) Liaise with National and Regional Officers in mounting
targeted recruitment campaigns
c) to deal with matters concerning applications for membership
d) to assist in maintaining membership statistics
e) to correspond with UIA Ltd, Britannia Building Society
etc
f) to develop services available to members outwith conditions
of service issues, eg local discounts etc.
g) to promote such services to members.
17. International Relations
Officer
a) to raise and co-ordinate activities for the increase in
members knowledge and understanding of international issues
b) to keep the branch informed, via the Policy and Finance
Committee, on international issues.
18. Branch Auditors (2)
To conduct an efficient audit in accordance with the NECs
general principles at least once per year
19. Young Members Officer
a) To develop and co-ordinate young members activities in
the Branch in line with national and Scottish guidelines which
are issued from time to time.
b) To develop young members structures within the Branch.
c) To develop strategies for recruiting, retaining and involving
young members.
d) To act as one of the Branch delegates to any approved UNISON
or other Young Members conferences etc.
20. APF Officer
a) The Affiliated Political Fund Officer will be elected annually
by a meeting open to all qualifying members paying the Affiliated
Political Fund levy. The APF Officer will:
b) co-ordinate APF activities within the branch within National
and Scottish rules and guidelines.
c) act as a line of communication between the Branch, the
APF and the Labour Party, ensuring that UNISON’s policies
are understood within the Labour Party at the appropriate
levels and communicating Labour Party issues to the branch
membership via the Branch Communications Officer.
d) keep a record of and convene regular meetings of APF members
in the Branch.
e) set up measures to recruit and retain APF members.
21 Lifelong Learning Convenor
The role of the Lifelong Learning Convenor will
include the following in conjunction with the Education Officer:-
1) Developing the profile of Lifelong Learning
in the branch
2) Encouraging members to become Lifelong Learning
Advisers/ Representatives
3) Setting up schemes and structures to support
advisers and members in Lifelong Learning
4) Co-ordinating the activities of Lifelong Learning
Advisers/ Representatives to:-
a) raise awareness of Lifelong Learning issues in the workplace
and the branch
b) raise awareness of Lifelong Learning opportunities amongst
members and potential members
c) help to identify and articulate the learning needs of
particular groups of members or potential members
d) raise awareness of the UNISON partnership approach to
learning
e) liaise with employers on learning opportunities in the
workplace
f) create a positive experience of what UNISON can do for
members in the workplace around learning issues.
g) encourage colleagues to join courses such as Return
to Learn and supporting them while they are learning
h) work with the branch to encourage learners into branch
activity
i) work with other branch officers to promote Lifelong
Learning opportunities.
22. Retired Members’
Secretary
The Retired Members Secretary will be elected annually by
a meeting open to all qualifying members under the National
Rules.
23. Other Officers
The Branch may appoint other officers from time to time as
it thinks fit, for example Womens' Officer, etc.
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