As UNISON moves into 2026, activists across the South East are preparing for a full programme of democratic meetings, forums, training and national conferences.
From regional AGMs and committee meetings to equality conferences and the Year of Green Activity, the year ahead offers many opportunities to get involved, influence union policy and strengthen workplace organisation.
This article highlights some of the key dates and events that activists should have in their diaries.
Regional Democracy and Activist Meetings
A central date in the regional calendar is the UNISON South East Regional Council AGM, taking place on Saturday 7 February 2026.
This annual meeting brings together branch delegates from across the region to debate motions, elect officers and set priorities for the year ahead.
Full details, including delegate registration and motions deadlines, are available here.
Equality and political organising continue to be a strong focus throughout the year.
The South East LGBT+ Committee meets on 28 February 2026 and again on 16 May 2026, providing a space for self-organised LGBT+ members to shape regional activity and represent members’ interests.
Political activists should also note the Regional Labour Link Forum, which takes place on 7 March 2026 at UNISON Centre in London.
The forum brings together Labour Link activists from across the region to coordinate campaigning and political strategy. Further details are available here.
International Women’s Day and Welfare Activism
One of the major highlights of the regional calendar is the UNISON South East International Women’s Day event on 14 March 2026.
Taking place at the Hilton in Woking, this day-long event brings together women activists and allies to celebrate achievements and organise around equality and workplace justice.
Event details and booking information can be found here.
Welfare activists can also connect through the South East Welfare Network, which meets on 7 July 2026. The network provides space to share experiences, discuss challenges facing members and coordinate welfare-focused campaigning across the region.
Year of Green Activity: Climate Action in the Union
2026 is UNISON’s Year of Green Activity, a national initiative to embed climate action and environmental justice into union organising, bargaining and campaigning.
A key regional contribution to this programme is the Year of Green Activity Environment Reps Course, running on 8–9 June 2026 at the University of Brighton.
The two-day course is aimed at Environment Representatives and activists who want to build practical workplace-based climate action.
Nationally, UNISON is running a series of online events and webinars throughout the year, which kicked off on Tuesday 13 January.
These sessions explore the links between climate change, public services and equality. An overview of the campaign and upcoming events is available here.
National UNISON Conferences in 2026
Alongside regional activity, 2026 is a key year for national UNISON conferences and self-organised group events.
The main event is the National Delegate Conference in Brighton, taking place 16 – 19 June 2026.
The National Women’s Conference takes place on 12–14 February 2026, followed by the National Black Members’ Conference on 20–22 March 2026. These conferences play a vital role in shaping union policy and campaigning priorities.
Service group activists should also note the National Health Care Service Group Conference on 13–15 April 2026, as well as the Water, Environment and Transport Conference on 14 June 2026 and the Local Government Service Group Conference on 14–15 June 2026.
Equality conferences for Disabled members, LGBT+ members, Young Members and Retired Members most recently took place in late 2025. Updated dates for their next conferences will be published on the national UNISON conference pages as they are confirmed.
Getting Involved
Activists are encouraged to register early for meetings and conferences, work with branches to submit motions and nominations, and regularly check the regional and national events pages for updates.
With a busy calendar of meetings, forums and campaigning activity, 2026 provides many opportunities for UNISON South East activists to connect, organise and help shape the future direction of the union.