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Branch roles

UNISON has 1,200 branches in the UK. A branch is made up of all its members. Some members are elected by their workforce to play different roles, including:

Branch Chair
Someone who facilitates branch and committee meetings (some are also senior negotiators).

Branch Secretary
The main contact person with the wider union who handles branch admin (may also be senior negotiators).

Branch Treasurer
Responsible for managing branch finances, including keeping accounts.

Branch Young Members Officer
Advises and helps recruit young members while ensuring their voices have an influence across the union.

Equalities Officers
Work on equal rights issues including sex, race, disability and lesbian and gay issues (there may be up to four per branch).

Branch Education Co-ordinator
Helps arrange training courses and education programmes for members, stewards, health and safety reps and branch officers.

Branch Communications Officers
Co-ordinates branch newsletters, websites and other media.

Branch International Officers
Develop and lead on international solidarity activities including campaigns, twinnings and support for projects abroad.

Retired Members Officer
Supports UNISON retired members by campaigning on their behalf and organising local activities.

APF Political Officer
Liases with the local Labour Party and makes sure the views of UNISON members who pay the APF levy are heard.

Branches may create other posts according to their rules.

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