Frequently asked questions
What opportunities are there to get involved in our registered charity UNISON Welfare?With the emphasis on improving training and support for our volunteers alongside the development of services, this is an exciting time to get involved in UNISON Welfare. As well as the satisfaction gained from supporting their colleagues at times of difficulty many of our volunteers have used the experience for personal and professional development and even as a stepping stone to a new career.
The branch welfare officer is the person who has volunteered to be the local representative of UNISON Welfare. Their tasks include helping members to apply to the charity and to be the contact person for UNISON Welfare staff at national office. They also have a role in publicising and promoting the service to members and keeping other officers and stewards informed of developments.
The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of six members of the national executive council of UNISON and a further six members who are either branch welfare officers or members of the regional welfare committees.
Although the day to day running of the charity is undertaken by a staff team at national office, Board members play a hugely important role in setting the overall strategy and direction of the organisation, reviewing performance and adding value to our work. The Trustees also have a legal responsibility to ensure that the organisation complies with relevant legislation governing charities.
What attributes do I need to have for these roles?
For branch welfare officers, a desire to help members in a variety of situations is perhaps the most important attribute. Listening skills and an ability to empathise without being judgmental are also necessary as are an understanding of equal opportunities issues.
You do not have to be an expert in everything but must be prepared to seek advice when necessary and to undergo training to develop your skills and knowledge. Training at regional level can be accessed through the branch and support is available from the casework team at national office.
Trustees, like welfare officers, must be prepared to put in the necessary time and commitment. Strategic vision, independent judgement, an ability to think creatively and to exercise care and skill in decision making are all needed. We are particularly seeking Trustees with financial knowledge or awareness and an appreciation of the voluntary sector. Trustees also receive training and support.
How do I go about becoming a welfare officer or Trustee?
The branch welfare officer position is a core branch position elected at the branch Annual General Meeting. In the first instance you will need to contact the branch and let them know of your interest. Do not be put off from volunteering for welfare work if you discover there is already a branch welfare officer. There is a lot to do and your offer of help will be appreciated.
As UNISON's code of good branch practice explains the core branch officer posts can be shared and you do not need to be an elected officer to help out with tasks.
If you are a welfare officer or member of a regional welfare committee you can stand for one of six non-NEC Trustee positions which are advertised every two years.
Are there any other opportunities for volunteering?
You don't have to take up an elected position to volunteer for UNISON Welfare. Anyone can help us to promote our services to members in the workplace. You can also get involved in any of the fundraising events organised by UNISON Welfare nationally or regionally or organise your own.
Further information
If you are interested in becoming a branch welfare officer let us know at welfare@unison.org.uk and we can send you an information pack including our annual report and latest newsletter.
How long does someone need to be in UNISON membership before they can qualify for financial assistance from UNISON Welfare?
In general terms, applicants to UNISON Welfare need to have been in membership for at least 13 weeks before qualifying for financial assistance. You may have heard that it is 4 weeks, but this appears to be a misunderstanding arising from National Delegate Conference when the qualification period for legal help only was changed.
Details are checked against the RMS when a case is created and if membership is shown to be less than 13 weeks we will try to verify this with the branch. Assistance can be given when membership is less than 13 weeks in exceptional circumstances, for example, in an emergency situation or exceptional trauma, in which case the decision will rest with the Board of Trustees.
Alternatively if, weighing up all the circumstances surrounding an application, the conclusion is reached that the member has taken out membership of UNISON with the primary aim of accessing financial assistance from the charity, this can be declined even after 13 weeks. Again the Board of Trustees is consulted in these instances.
How can I keep stewards and members informed about the help that is available?
There are many ways for you to do this and many different materials you can use.
Have you introduced yourself in the branch newsletter?
You can copy articles and case stories from UNISON Welfare News for your branch publication as well. Stewards are a key channel for information and some welfare officers like to address steward meetings. There is an updated Powerpoint presentation with speaker's notes on the website which you can use. As well as our leaflets, booklets, publicity cards and newsletters we also have a set of two new posters one of which carries a space for branch welfare officer contact details.
Our new poster set can be ordered through the online catalogue quoting the relevant stock numbers:
A4 UNISON Welfare services poster (with welfare officer info box) stock no. 2563
A4 UNISON Welfare debt service poster stock no. 2731
Who do I contact if I need more forms?
You need never be without a form. Both our application for financial assistance and wellbeing breaks forms and accompanying guidance notes are available to print off in printer friendly versions from the welfare pages on the UNISON Website http://www.unison.org.uk/welfare. Hard copies can be ordered via the UNISON Communications online catalogue quoting the relevant stock number. There is an order limit of x25 copies per order. Do not stock pile or hoard large quantities as they will go out of date. Keep a small quantity and periodically check the website to confirm you have the current edition. If you experience difficulty obtaining forms e-mail welfare@unison.org.uk
Application for financial assistance form and guidelines (printed version)
The printed version of the application for financial assistance form and guidelines copies of which can be ordered via the online catalogue 12pp. Please note there is a limit of x25 forms per order. Stock no. 1955
Acrobat PDF (505586 bytes)
Wellbeing breaks application form and guidance notes (printed version)
Full colour wellbeing breaks application form with guidance notes 10pp (printed version). This is the form that needs to be completed when applying for family holidays, get well breaks and all other types of wellbeing break. Copies can be oreded via the online catalogue but please note there is a limit of x25 copies per order. Stock No. 2391Wellbeing breaks application form and guidance notes (printed version)
Both available to order on via the online catalogue:
Visit online catalogue
What are rule book benefits?
UNISON offers three main areas of assistance to members - rule book benefits, grants for education and training and support through its charity UNISON Welfare. So rule book benefits are distinct from UNISON Welfare and administered by the union and not by the charity. A full member is entitled to death benefit, accident benefit and fatal accident benefit. Rule book benefits are not available to retired members but with some exceptions. You will need to check the UNISON rule book available on the UNISON website www.unison.org.uk to obtain full details of entitlement. There are forms which need to be completed and your UNISON branch should be able to supply these. Alternatively UNISON Direct can help on 0845 355 0845
