UNISON equality scheme - making it happen

Equality matters in UNISON. We've have a tailormade equality scheme to give us the tools to embed equality in everything we do, systematically and consistently.

There was extensive consultation on our draft scheme and our equality action plans. The scheme was revised following the consultation and remains a living document.

Equality matters

UNISON's equality scheme is a tool to help us make sure equality is promoted in everything we do. The equality strands in UNISON's scheme are age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation - plus low paid members and other groups facing discrimination, for example migrant workers. It includes detailed equality action plans for every head office unit and region.

We are now at the end of the first year of the three year scheme. Regions and head office units are completing reports on what they have achieved in year one and any revision to their plans for years two and three.

Equality makes sense

The equality scheme:

• demonstrates that UNISON is a best practice organisation
• brings new members into the union
• builds the skills that activists and staff need to integrate equality into our work
• assists us equality-proof our organising, negotiations and campaigns
• sets smart targets so we can measure progress and communicate achievements.

Members in the driving seat

UNISON's lay member committees, UNISON staff and their trade unions have all been involved in the development of the equality scheme.

A new guide for UNISON branches sets out how they can make sure equality is part of everything they do. It introduces the equality scheme and explains how it can be put into practice locally.

Making equality happen in UNISON branches

Guide setting out how branches can make sure equality is part of everything they do.
Acrobat PDF (2503369 bytes)

For more information, email:
equality@unison.co.uk or write to us at
UNISON Means Equality, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ.