UNISON members from across the South East region had an informative and rewarding weekend at this years Communities Conference, which also saw celebrations for a much loved union colleague who was attending for the final time.
With a wide range of workshops and events, some fantastic guest speakers and the conduct of vital union business, the 2026 Conference was a tremendous success.
The conference began with an assembly of the Service Group Executive, after which delegates were able to attend a meeting of one of the main sectors which together make up Communities – Major Charities, Housing Associations and Community and Voluntary.
Lunch was then followed by meetings of the caucus groups, which provide an opportunity for Black members, Disabled members, Women members and LGBT+ members to discuss and debate issues affecting their own particular communities.
The headline speaker was newly elected General Secretary Andrea Egan who received a great reception in the packed conference hall.
Andrea spoke passionately about the unions’ responsibilities towards migrant workers, recognising their vital contribution in social care and the success of the recent lobby of parliament, telling delegates that ‘When migrant workers organise, the balance of power shifts’.
Our Communities branches have an excellent reputation for their organising work, and Andrea acknowledged this whilst praising the diversity of the sector, saying “let’s be clear: organising in community is not just industrial work. It is equality work. It is anti-racist work. It is feminist work.”
Andrea was followed by Nick Lowes, the CEO of advocacy group Hope Not Hate, which campaigns against racism and neo-fascism, and with whom UNISON enjoys a close working relationship.
UNISON General Secretary, Andrea Egan, addressing conference delegates
Nick’s talk was titled Countering the Rise of Reform UK and he outlined the disastrous implications for workers rights should the party continue its recent electoral success.
Reform have been outspoken opponents of the Employment Rights Act, and have threatened to repeal both that and the Equality Act.
This would at a stroke remove a host of hard fought provisions that keep our members safe from discrimination due to gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, and other currently protected characteristics, instantly freeing bad bosses to attack workers for reasons of prejudice.
Nick encouraged members to resist these attacks on our rights by effective community organising and felt unions had a vital role in defeating the far right.
Many of those present would have remembered the miners strikes of the 1980’s and were shocked to find that veterans of those disputes now found themselves on strike again over 40 years later – this time as workers at The National Coal Mining Museum.
Members of the Wakefield District Branch, they were forced to take industrial action after the museum reneged on a pay offer and have since been subject to abhorrent treatment by their managers.
A collection taken after their talk raised a substantial amount of money from generous conference goers.
The day finished with a choice of four workshops – ‘HearFirst – British Sign Language’, ‘Year of Green Activity’, ‘Stepping Forward: Developing Black Members in Community and Using the Anti Racism Charter as a Guide’ and ‘Defending and Improving your Pension’.
The second day of the conference was just as busy, starting with a talk from Gavin Edwards, UNISON’s Head of Adult Social Care, and then a number of important motions had to be voted on.
These included ‘Organising for secure, high quality jobs in the Community Service Group’, ‘Developing a Model Pay Claim for Housing Association Members’, ‘Supporting the Green UNISON Campaign in Community’ and ‘Protecting Small Charities From the Impact of Government Fiscal Policies’.
A full list of conference and seminar decisions can be found here.
Farewell to a Treasured Colleague
The 2026 Conference marked the end of an era for UNISON South East, as it was the last visit by prominent regional activist Helen Couchman, who is retiring from her role at Dimensions, a charity that supports people with autism, learning disabilities, and other complex health needs.
A UNISON steward for around a quarter of a century, Helen started her career in the third sector with Owl Housing in January 2000, which was taken over by Dimensions in 2010.
Helen has been National Convenor for Dimensions since 2020 and has been a part of the Community Service Group Executive and Regional Forum for more than ten years.
South East UNISON activist, Helen Couchman, speaking at the conference
At a local level, Helen is Community Service Group Convenor for the Surrey County Branch of UNISON, and works passionately to try and improve the working lives of all colleagues in this sector and beyond.
Conference thanked Helen for her tremendous contribution to the success of our union and though she will be sorely missed, we wish her all the best in her new role as a busy retired member!
Community and Voluntary Sector AGM and Seminar
UNISON South East is holding its 2026 AGM and Seminar at the regional office in Woking on 26 March.
A key event for those passionate about strengthening the Community and Voluntary sector, the meeting is open to all members working in the sector and offers a chance to connect with peers, discuss key issues, and take part in committee elections.
Committee members meet throughout the year to address sector challenges and propose motions that make a real difference for UNISON’s Community and Voluntary workers.
This year we will be joined by National Officer for Communities James Randall and new Convenor for Dimensions Sam Thornton.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees and expenses will be covered for you.
For more information, please contact P.Young@unison.co.uk or register here.