UNISON Bolton Trade Union Branch

In our role as Branch Secretaries, we act as a vital link between our members in the workplace and the wider union structure. This position carries significant responsibility, as it combines leadership, organisation, representation, and communication. Reflecting on the role, we recognise that it sits at the heart of the branch and is essential to ensuring that members are supported, informed, and effectively represented.

One of the core aspects of our role is acting as the strategic lead officer within the branch. This requires us to look beyond day‑to‑day issues and focus on the long-term development and sustainability of the branch. Working closely with the Branch Chair and other senior officers, we help provide direction and leadership, ensuring the branch operates in line with UNISON rules, national guidance, and wider union objectives. This strategic responsibility has taught us the importance of balancing immediate member concerns with longer‑term organisational planning.

As Branch Secretaries, we are also the main point of contact with the wider union, including regional and national structures. This responsibility places us in a position of trust, ensuring that communication flows effectively in both directions. We regularly relay information about campaigns, negotiations, and policy developments to our members, while also ensuring that the views and experiences of our branch are shared with the wider union. Reflecting on this, we see how crucial clear and timely communication is in maintaining member confidence and engagement.

A significant part of the role involves branch administration and governance. We convene and attend branch and committee meetings and ensure that accurate minutes are taken and circulated. We also make sure that branch records are kept properly and that membership applications are processed accurately and promptly in line with UNISON systems. While this administrative work is often unseen, we recognise that it underpins the credibility and smooth functioning of the branch and ensures transparency and accountability.

Another key duty is supporting and developing people within the branch. We actively encourage partnership working within the branch committee and place a strong emphasis on mentoring and supporting stewards and representatives. This includes helping new activists grow in confidence and capability, delegating work appropriately, and offering guidance where needed. Reflecting on this aspect of the role, we have learned that effective leadership is not about doing everything ourselves, but about empowering others and building a strong, resilient team.

The role also requires us to manage branch staff and oversee the fair delegation of work to officers and staff. This has strengthened our understanding of leadership, responsibility, and accountability, as well as the importance of providing clear support and direction. In managing these relationships, we aim to create a positive and respectful working environment that reflects the values of the union.

As senior negotiators’, we coordinate branch negotiations and industrial relations matters. This responsibility is one of the most demanding aspects of the role, as it involves representing members’ interests in difficult and sometimes complex situations. Reflecting on this, we recognise the importance of preparation, collaboration with stewards and regional officers, and maintaining a calm, principled approach, even during periods of dispute or challenge.

Finally, we our role as central to encouraging member involvement and participation. We work to ensure that members are aware of opportunities to engage in branch activity, campaigns, and self‑organisation within the wider union. This reflects our belief that a strong branch is one where members feel informed, valued, and able to contribute.

In reflecting on our role as Branch Secretaries, we recognise it as both challenging and rewarding. It requires a broad range of skills, from strategic planning and negotiation to communication and administration. Most importantly, it requires a strong commitment to UNISON’s values and to representing members effectively. Acting as the link between the workplace and the wider union, we take pride in the role we play in supporting members, strengthening the branch, and contributing to the wider aims of the union.