UNISON Bexley branch is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of race or ethnic origin, gender identity, family situation, sexual orientation, disability, religion or age. This person specification is designed to help the interviewing/shortlisting panel to judge the qualities of interviewees in a systematic and consistent way and in accordance with UNISON’s equal opportunities policy. It is given to all job applicants for information.
Summary of key requirements
The post will require the successful candidate to undertake a range of representation duties where members require support and assistance with issues in the workplace. The focus of the job will be on representing members in employers beyond the council itself, such as those working in schools and care homes for example, but some representation within the council may also be required.
The post-holder will need to be well organised and able to manage electronic case files and proactively work with the branch case management system, inbox and voicemail to stay on top of incoming casework in order to assist the Branch Secretary with administration and management of casework and member contacts.
The post-holder will be an enthusiastic and flexible resource for organising and recruiting members at branch level. They may recruit new members directly-one to one; use simple issue-based campaigning; carry out leaflet drops; go to induction sessions; help to draft local and one-off recruitment materials; and use mapping techniques to identify areas for targeting.
The post-holder will have a strong commitment to the trade union movement and the ability to motivate potential members to join and participate in the activities of UNISON. They will also have an understanding of equalities issues and a commitment to building a diverse organisation. They must demonstrate an enthusiastic and proactive approach which encourages, motivates and enthuses members, potential members and activists.
Selection criteria
Knowledge and skills
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Understanding of basic employment law and use of employer policies and procedures
Application/interview
Essential
Practical problem-solving abilities
Application/interview
Essential
Experience of planning and organising meetings
Application/interview
Essential
Experience of analysing information
Application/interview
Essential
Employment Rights Act accreditation, or willingness to attend UNISON stewards’ training to achieve this within six months of starting the role
Application
Essential
Managing casework and/or experience of using a case management system
Application
Useful
Familiarity with any of local government, social care, education and other relevant settings
Application
Useful
Interpersonal and communication
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Experience of advising, guiding or persuading using interpersonal skills to respond to the needs of others
Application/interview
Essential
Ability to advocate on behalf of others and to challenge both members and employers in formal settings
Application/interview
Essential
Experience of dealing sensitively with people who may be upset or angry
Application/interview
Useful
Experience of influencing and negotiating with others
Application/interview
Useful
Experience of drafting emails, minutes, newsletters etc.
Application/interview
Useful
Experience of giving presentations
Application/interview
Useful
Initiative and independence
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Experience of organising and prioritising own workload
Application/interview
Essential
Ability to work on own initiative
Application/interview
Essential
Following policies and procedures
Application/interview
Essential
Decision-making (within guidelines)
Application/interview
Useful
Resource management
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Ability to manage an email inbox and telephone line with voicemail
Application/interview
Essential
Ability to manage casework on an online case management system
Application/interview
Essential
Ability to maintain confidential information and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Application/interview
Essential
Physical skills
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Ability to use ICT equipment (laptop etc.) efficiently
Application
Essential
Ability to travel within the borough of Bexley
Application
Essential
Ability to lift light equipment (such as carrying recruitment materials and UNISON promotional items to meetings)
Application
Useful
General knowledge
Selection criteria
Assessment
Importance
Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and democracy
Application/Interview
Essential
General understanding of employment issues
Application/Interview
Essential
Understanding of the role of trade unions
Application/Interview
Essential
General ICT knowledge including Outlook, Excel and other Office products
UNISON Bexley branch 