UNISON is Britain's biggest trade union, with over 1.3 million members, working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services, the essential utilities and NHS workers including, of course, Ambulance staff. UNISON members also include many manual and white collar staff working full or part time in local authorities, the wider NHS,  and other sectors.

There are many good reasons to join a union. Most people join a union because they want peace of mind in case they have problems at work.

Unison is the only recognised union within the South Western Ambulance Service. By joining us, you get local representation right here within our workplace, along with the security and power of one of Britain’s biggest Trade Unions, with 1.3 million members.  

 See our Joining Unison page for more details.

 As a Unison member, the structure of the support you have behind you works like this:

Branch Level

Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer ­ In our case, The South Western Ambulance Services NHS Trust. Because of the geographical size of the area we cover, our branch is subdivided into sectors: Somerset, Dorset, SW Devon, NE Devon, Cornwall and control/Admin. Collectively, the branch branch brings you together with other employees from across the ambulance service who face common issues in the workplace. The Branch enables you to get support from the union, and make your views felt.

The sectors of the branch are jointly run by a committee which consists of members elected to take on different roles. Elections take place each year at the Annual General meeting. The committee consists of people who devote their own time to UNISON, and it is led by the views and wishes of the members they represent. See the Contact Us section for a who's who of our branch committee. Regular meetings are held to give you the chance to share your views and raise your concerns. The branch also produces the Grapevine newsletter and runs this website to keep you informed.

Workplace stewards and health and safety representatives are the core of the branch. Without them there would be no union to support members at work and negotiate for a better deal. Stewards (sometimes known on ambulance stations as "station reps") are there to represent you at work and help find the answers to your problems. They are volunteers and play a vital role. If you have a problem, talk to your local steward. If they can't handle the problem on their own, they can talk to other branch officers or full - time union experts on your behalf.

We are eager for more people to take on these rewarding roles. If you are interested, speak to your local representative or contact Alan Lofthouse the Branch Secretary, on  07773034636 or email sw-amb@ntlworld.com

Regional Level

UNISON branches are grouped into 12 regions which cover the UK. Ours is The Southwest Region, whose offices are in Taunton. Each region has its own head office and a regional council made up of delegates from all branches in the region. The regional council develops policies and puts them into action regionally. It's the main link between neighbouring branches and between branches and UNISON's national executive council.

National Level

UNISON members elect national representatives to work on their behalf. UNISON's elected general secretary Dave Prentis works full time for the union. Our presidential team are elected members of the national executive council. Every year delegates from all over the country take part in debates to choose our campaigning priorities and policies. Our branch elects representatives to attend annual conference and vote on behalf of our members.