Head of Member Liaison Unit

The role

You will have a commitment to trade union democracy, experience of delivering projects such as large-scale elections and industrial action ballots, ensuring good governance and strong experience of managing teams and working closely with external providers, activists, lay members, service groups and Self Organised Groups. The Head of the MLU is a key role at the heart of our organisation’s democratic structures and member support. You will oversee UNISON Direct and our external provider of election services as well as a team of staff managing elections, industrial action, complaints and internal governance matters. You will be confident and comfortable presenting at committees, delivering training and handling high-level queries.

With a sound knowledge of the issues facing trades unions today and a shared commitment to our values of equality and democracy you’ll be an experienced manager with a track record in delivering as well as managing contractors and staff. Naturally, you’ll be articulate and well organised with the ability to work in a team or on your own initiative. Most important, you’ll be committed to integrating our aims, values and policies into all areas of member liaison.

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the General Application form, referring to the job description and person specification.

Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.

The completed application form, along with the Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form, should be sent by email to hrrecruitment@unison.co.uk and quote reference EXO/9.

Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference.

Completed application forms must be received by no later than noon on the Monday 7 September 2026.

In-person interviews will be held on 24 and 25 September at UNISON Centre.

About UNISON 

UNISON is the UK’s leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services. We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.