SGE 2014 election – notification of ballots

A ballot will take place for the WET Environmental Agency general seat. The candidates are Jamie Rossi-Stephenson and Katie Hunter.

Uncontested seats

The list of unopposed candidates is available to download here.

NB unopposed candidates are not confirmed until the election results have been declared by the returning officer on 15 December 2014.

Voting process

Members not on the UNISON central membership system on 3 August 2014 will not be eligible to vote in these elections. Only full members in WET Environmental Agency branches are eligible to vote in this election. 

Ballot papers

Ballot papers will be sent to members’ home or other notified address. Members will be provided with a pre-paid envelope for the return of the ballot paper to the independent scrutineer. All voting will be by post.

The despatch of ballot papers to individual members will begin on 3 November 2014.

Where members have previously requested (via the RMS) materials in a special format e.g. in large print, they will automatically receive the ballot pack in that format. Any additional requests should be made to the ballot helpline. 

Ballot helpline

If individual members have not received a paper by 10 November 2014 then they should contact the ballot helpline operated by UNISONdirect on 0800 0 858 857.

Members with hearing difficulties can use textphone 0800 0 967 968.

Members should endeavour to have their membership number to hand when telephoning.

The latest point at which members can request a ballot paper is 12noon on 25 November 2014.

Please note that the ballot helpline can only deal with queries from individual members. If branches believe there is a wide-scale problem with receipt of ballot papers amongst their members (for instance if whole departments or geographical areas have not received ballot papers) then the branch should contact their regional office. 

Close of ballot and result

The deadline for receipt of ballot papers by the independent scrutineer is 5pm on Friday 28 November 2014.

The result will be available on 15 December 2014 and the successful candidates will take office immediately.

Independent scrutineer and returning officer

The scrutineer and returning officer for this election is Electoral Reform Services, the contact details for which are: Electoral Reform Services The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW. Email unison@electoralreform.co.uk Fax 020 8365 7013. Tel 0208 365 8909 

Complaints

Any complaint about the conduct or fairness of this election must be received no later than 5pm on 5 December 2014. Complaints must be in writing and should enclose any supporting documentation. Complaints should be sent to the Returning officer, Electoral Reform Services, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW. Email unison@electoralreform.co.uk Fax 020 8365 7013. 

Queries

Any query regarding this information or this election should be directed to the Member Liaison Unit at the UNISON Centre. Telephone 020 7121 5312. Fax 020 7121 5196. Email elections@unison.co.uk