Every year, UNISON South East runs a weekend residential training course for all newly appointed or untrained Branch Officers.
This year, the Branch Officer Training weekend is taking place at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026. The following courses will be taking place:
Branch Officer Training
- Branch Secretary: This course is designed to help existing and potential UNISON Branch Secretaries carry out their role effectively. The course looks at the role of Branch Secretary and the branch, and focuses on the skills needed and the development of a team approach to branch work.
- Branch Chairpersons: This course is aimed at anyone that has to chair a formal trade union meeting. Find out how to practice the skills needed to run a meeting so as to be fair to all participants.
- Equality Officer: This course is open to all Branch Equality Officers and Branch Officers for Self-Organised Groups. This course looks at the role of the Equality Officer and how to organise for equalities in branches.
- Branch Women’s Officer: This course will show Branch Women’s Officers can contribute to the effectiveness of the branch and play a part in fighting discrimination. The course will help Women’s Officers understand their role and the link between women’s organisations and the branch.