About

UNISON is the largest union in the community and voluntary sector, with more than 60,000 members.

The community service group makes sure that UNISON provides a strong focus and a prominent voice for all of our members working in this field.

Who are our members in the community sector?

The community service group welcomes workers from organisations including:

  • Charities

  • Housing Associations

  • Community and voluntary organisations

Service group benefits

Service groups give UNISON the knowledge of issues specific to the sector and in turn, service group members have access to union benefits that are tailored to their job.

So if you experience problems at work, your UNISON representative (reps) will be able to help, in part because they know the issues affecting your sector from first-hand experience.

When it comes to professional development, service groups allow us to better tailor our courses to workers in specific sectors so UNISON members can continue improving their skills.

Issues and achievements

Our community service group is essential to advancing employment issues. For example, we focus on defending pay, sickness absence, health and safety and funding issues, which are all common problems in this sector. Members of the community service group also get involved in campaigns against public service cuts and defending jobs and services when they come under threat.

Service group structure

Members are elected to UNISON’s community service group executive, which helps decide on policies and activities.

Decisions on policies and priorities are made at the annual community conference.