Branch Support & Organising Fund Area Organiser

UNISON is the UK’s leading public sector trade union with more than 1.3 million members, working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and in the essential utilities. They include frontline staff and managers working full or part-time in local authorities, the NHS, the police service, colleges and schools, the electricity, gas and water industries, transport, and the voluntary sector.

There has never been a more important time to protect our members in public services and encourage those that are not members to join a powerful voice. This is a permanent Area Organiser role funded through the Branch Support and Organising Fund.

The successful applicant will need to be able to travel to organise UNISON members and activists in workplaces across the Southwest Region. When not out in workplaces the office base will be Exeter, Taunton or Bristol - to be agreed with the successful applicant.

Are you a people person with good listening and problem-solving skills? Do you possess the determination to make a difference to people's lives? UNISON is looking for enthusiastic, flexible, and resourceful individuals to support the Southwest Region with a range of organising projects. Initial projects will focus within Schools and Social Care.

The role will involve:

• Designing and delivering organising campaigns
• Mentoring and developing new activists
• Dealing with employers
• Supporting our democratic structures
• Providing representation as part of casework

The successful candidate will bring their experience and skills in one-to-one communications, organising, project development and campaigning. Previous experience as a recruiter, organiser, and campaigner within a trade union or community organisation would be desirable, although you may have transferrable skills.

The successful candidate should have experience and demonstrable skills in dealing with employment issues including representation. The exact balance of different activities and workplan varies with each project. You will also need to demonstrate understanding of trade unionism and our union's values.

The successful candidate will need to be flexible with their working hours. Reaching members who work in these environments can be challenging during "office hours" so the successful candidate may be required to work in the evening, early mornings and occasionally at weekends. You will need to be able to travel in and around the Southwest Region visiting member's and potential member's workplaces.

UNISON has a range of policies to support a healthy work/life balance. The Southwest Region prides itself on its diverse membership. We support and encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those from Black, Asian and non-white backgrounds.

UNISON uses 'Black' in a broad, inclusive sense to describe people who face racism in the UK, including people of African, Caribbean, Asian, Arab and other heritage.

To apply for this opportunity, please download and complete the area and local organiser application form in the "documents" section below.

Please email the application form along with the Recruitment and Disability monitoring forms to sw.jobs@unison.co.uk quoting the reference of the job you would like to apply: R10/BSOF10

Please note that ONLY the Area and Local Organiser application form will be accepted.

The closing date for completed applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 18th October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a presentation and Interview on 5th November 2026 at our Taunton office.

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