This is our hub for all stewards undertaking member casework across UNISON South East. Here you’ll find a wealth of support and guidance, as well as information on the various process and protocols we use in the region.
The UNISON CASE Form
It is good practice for all UNISON cases to be undertaken using our CASE form as a tool. All cases which are being referred to the region must use the CASE Form and be signed off by the branch.
Download the UNISON CASE Form (available in word, pdf, and large print formats).
Referring Cases to the Region
We have developed this guide for branches with details on how and when to refer a case to the region.
All case forms being referred by branches should either be emailed to senewcasereferrals@unison.co.uk or sent hard copy to: UNISON South East, Ranger House, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, GU1 4UL.
Staff Case Leads
The region has a central case allocation system and all cases being referred to the region should be directed via that process. All branches in the region are divided into three ‘Organising Teams’ and each team has a case lead. Case leads will normally undertake case surgeries (see below) in their team area. Contact details for the allocator and leads are:
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Case Allocator | Caroline Lake 01483 406520, c.lake@unison.co.uk
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Thames Valley, Hampshire & Isle of Wight branches | Peter Terry 02380 249105, p.terry@unison.co.uk
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Kent, Surrey & Sussex branches | Zoe Van Dyke 01634 285719, z.vandyke@unison.co.uk
Member Guides
We have developed five guides for branch stewards on key areas for members and to assist you when dealing with workplace issues. These cover disciplinary action, grievances, sickness absence, collective issues and sexual orientation and the law and can be downloaded below or from the “Resources” section.
- Member guide 1: Dealing with collective issues
- Member guide 2: Grievances and hearings
- Member guide 3: Disciplinary action
- Member guide 4: Sickness absence
- Member guide 5: Sexual orientation, the workplace, and the law
Settlement Agreements
All settlement agreements (formerly known as compromise agreements) and other termination agreements such as MARS must be sent to the Region for the necessary legal advice from Thompsons Solicitors. We have developed guidance for branches on the process.
Case Surgeries
We hold two case surgeries in each of our geographic organising teams every month. These allow stewards to book appointments and get more detailed support and advice from an experienced case specialist. For upcoming dates, and to book a slot at one of our surgeries, please see the “Related events” feed on this page.
See all upcoming case surgeries
Employment tribunal and early conciliation protocol
When undertaking casework, stewards should always be aware of the deadline for lodging an employment tribunal (ET) claim and of triggering early conciliation.
All guidance should be read in conjunction with the latest UNISON ET Representation Scheme Protocol Guidance for Branches 2017 (issued October 2017).
Please be mindful of all deadlines as set out in the protocol. If you have any queries, please contact the Case Allocator or relevant Case Lead Regional Organiser from your branch’s team area:
