Q&A for Activists
The by-election for the Scotland Female seat of our union’s NEC is underway. What is happening, when, and why is voter turnout important?
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.
Why is this happening?
The National Executive Council (NEC) is elected by our members every two years.
The election timetable and procedures were agreed by the National Executive Council of UNISON on 8 April 2026.
Who is eligible to vote?
All full members who were on the union’s membership register as of 9 April 2026 will be entitled to vote in this election.
When is it happening?
The candidate application and nomination period runs from 23 April 2026 to 5pm on 4 June 2026.
The member ballot will open on 16 July 2026 and will close on 13 August 2026.
The candidates will be informed of the results, and the results will be published, on 8 September 2026.
Who is running the election?
The Member Liaison Unit runs the election. Civica Election Services (CES) is the Returning Officer and the independent scrutineer.
Why is this election important?
UNISON is run for and by its members through its democratic and lay structures.
All of our elections are important, as they allow the union to function in the best interests of our members.
The NEC you elect make important decisions about the future of our union, so it is vital that as many members as possible have their say.
What can I do?
As our activists, you have a role in encouraging participation in our elections. This is not about supporting particular candidates, but about providing general information about the ballot, when it opens, why it matters, and encouraging members to vote.
The more people who vote, the stronger our democracy and the better the union can serve its members.
Please note, it is not about promoting one or more candidates. There are strict rules to ensure that UNISON branches or other nominating bodies do not use any funds, property, or resources to campaign for any particular candidate in the election.
The exception to this is if a nominating body has nominated a candidate. In this case, you may advise your members of this nomination using up to 100 words via your usual communication channels.
Please check the election procedures if you are planning to do this.
Is there any support?
As usual, there is a voting helpline. The helpline will open on 23 July 2026.
Phone: 0800 0 857 857
Textphone: 0800 0 967 968
The voting helpline will close at 12 noon on 6 August 2026.
Other information
Read the election procedures and timings
Or contact the Member Liaison Unit on 020 7121 5399 or email elections@unison.co.uk
What happens next?
Voting packs will be sent to members’ homes directly by CES from 16 July 2026.
If you have not received your voting pack by 23 July 2026, please contact UNISONdirect using the number above.