We all expect our workplaces to be as safe and healthy as possible.

This doesn’t happen by chance, it happens through the hard work and dedication of safety reps, our unsung heroes in workplaces across the UK.

UNISON health and safety reps have tackled critical health and safety matters, working tirelessly to ensure public services are delivered in a safe and healthy way using a multitude of campaigning and bargaining approaches.

The UNISON National Health and Safety Committee are calling for nominations for the ‘UNISON National Health and Safety Awards 2023’ to shine a spotlight on this work and celebrate the people who make lives safer and healthier at work because of their efforts.

Who can nominate?

Nominations can be received from, individuals (self-nominating) branches or other members, or UNISON staff wishing to recognise the work of an activist.

So, if you, or someone you know, has run a campaign this year that has made a significant difference to the health, safety and welfare of members in your workplace then get that nomination in and tell us about it.

Nominations for the 2023 Awards open on 26 April 2023 and close at midday 5 September 2023

Two categories for nominations

Outstanding health and safety campaign (this can be an individual, or a group of individuals)

Outstanding contribution to health and safety (this is focused on the work of a particular individual)

It does not always have to be a massive thing – we are looking for examples of good practice that promotes/improves health and safety practice.

 Eligibility Criteria:

Nominees must meet the criteria of Full membership as defined in UNISON Rule C 2.3

(Current members of the UNISON National Health and Safety Committee are ineligible for nomination)

What about nominations made during the original dates?

All nominations received within the previous nomination period of  7 October – 25 November 2022, will automatically be included with no need to resubmit.

How will finalists and winners be chosen?

Following the close of the nominations period, members of the National Health and Safety committee (NHSC) will work with a member of staff from the National Health and Safety unit to review anonymised nominations and then be asked to identify one finalist in each category from each region.

History of the UNISON National Health and Safety Awards

UNISON members on the National Health and Safety Committee wanted to find a way to shine a spotlight on the work and celebrate the people who make this possible.

So the UNISON Safety Rep of the Year was born, with the first awards for 2015/16 in February 2016.

The second awards ceremony for 2017/18 was held at UNISON Centre in February 2018 and building on the success at the inaugural awards, we received over 60 nominations across all regions and service groups.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, it was not possible to hold the event in 2020.

Now called the UNISON National Health and Safety Awards, this biennial event runs alternate years to the UNISON National Health and Safety Seminar.;

Nominations for the 2023 awards, were originally opened in October 2022, however, due to the number of service groups involved in industrial action ballots and preparations the awards were placed on hold.

Whilst industrial action activates remain ongoing, nominations have now been reopened and will close on 5 September 2023 with winners announced at an awards event in the autumn.