The role

UNISON is the public service union. We bring together the voices of over 1.3 million workers in local government, health, education, and outsourced services. Our 1,200 staff work across 12 UK regions and our national centre in London. Regional offices support the work of local branches, helping to represent, recruit, organise and retain members – as well as making key contributions in areas such as campaigning, strategies for negotiation and bargaining, and actions against discrimination.

As a Local Organiser, you will be at the first level of organising. Focused on recruiting new members at branch level – via employer premises, public events, etc. – you'll also link with the wider regional organising team, extracting information from membership systems, evaluating outcomes of recruitment activities, and helping to use mapping and campaigning to develop new activists.

The person

Experience of facilitating similar initiatives, including practical problem solving, planning and organising meetings, analysing information.
Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and commitment to pursue your own learning and development.
Experience of using your interpersonal skills to respond to the needs of others: giving advice and guidance, persuading and influencing (including providing effective member/customer care and dealing with people who are angry or upset).
Ability to draft correspondence, newsletters, minutes, etc., and to assist in presentations.
Proven ability to organise and prioritise your own workload, making decisions (within guidelines) as well as following policies and procedures.
Experience of handling/processing sensitive information, e.g. financial and confidential.
Understanding of the basics of employment law, employment issues, the principles of equality and democracy, and the role of trade unions.
Knowledge of ICT packages, including Microsoft Office suite.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full requirements for this role.

This is a field-based role and you will need to be able to travel in and around the East Midlands region, including to our regional office in Nottingham as required – and occasionally to other regions of the UK for training, meetings or other purposes. The East Midlands region covers a large area including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire.

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the area and local organiser application form, referring to the job description and person specification. 

 

Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted. 

 

The completed application form, along with the recruitment and disability monitoring forms should be sent by email to [HIDDEN TEXT] quote the reference number R2/82T Local Organiser in the subject line of the email.

Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference.

 

Completed application forms must be received by no later than 11:59pm on 1 November 2026.

 

In-person interviews will take place on 17, 18, 19 and 20 November 2026 at the UNISON Regional Offices in Nottingham.

Please see a map of our regions

About UNISON

UNISON is the UK's leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services. We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.

Local Organiser East Midlands region (fixed term)