Category: Branch Officers

Role : Vice Chair

Workplace: Pembrokeshire County Council

Reason for getting involved with UNISON:

I joined UNISON in 2012 when I first started working for PCC I was a teaching assistant in an Infants School. I became more involved with UNISON during our school amalgamation. It was good to see firsthand the positive impact UNISON have on staff terms and conditions. This was the start of my journey with UNISON and I stepped up to become a rep in the school. I found it very rewarding to support my colleagues in the workplace. Since then, I was elected to the position of UNISON Pembrokeshire Vice Chair in 2024.

Role : Branch Secretary

Workplace: Pembrokeshire County Council

Reason for getting involved with UNISON:

I have always believed that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect within the workplace. So, becoming a UNISON rep seemed to be an obvious way to support my work colleagues. My journey within UNISON Pembrokeshire started when I became the lead rep for pay and grading within Pembrokeshire County Council. Of the members who asked for UNISON support 75% were successful in achieving a pay increase which clearly demonstrates the importance of asking for support. Following this period I became Branch Chair before becoming Branch Secretary.

As Branch Secretary one of my key responsibilities is the smooth running of Branch and to take the lead on all negotiations with the employers. I’m also responsible to ensure all reps are trained and supported when they are supporting members in our workplaces. Additionally, I take the lead in the most complicated case work. But my most important role is to empower branch officers, reps and members; we are stronger together and united there is nothing we can’t achieve.

Role : Branch Chair

Workplace: Pembrokeshire County Council

Reason for getting involved with UNISON:

I joined UNISON in 2007 when I first started working for PCC as a teaching assistant, having always been a passionate advocate for trade unions and the vital work they do. It was during PCC’s Job Re-evaluation Exercise that I saw firsthand the difference UNISON can make to individuals’ working lives. I became interested in how I can support my colleagues. In 2015, I was elected as a workplace rep. Since then, I have actively supported our members both in formal and informal processes. I was elected in 2017 as Branch Vice Chair and then in 2018 as Branch Chair.