There is only one planet for us, and saving it from the climate crisis has been atop UNISON’s agenda for decades - so how do we continue that fight today?

With September’s Green UNISON Week, this episode of the podcast focuses on the huge potential for change that’s possible with the collaborative power of our members. 

Joining us to share their collective expertise, and how you can make an impact, are UNISON Policy Officer, Michelle Singleton, and South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, Stephen Smellie.

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Green UNISON Week: https://www.unison.org.uk/tag/green-unison-week/

Stephen Smellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smellie-179516160/

The care sector has a glimmer of hope in the form of a new National Care Service, but such optimism comes after too many years of unsung heroes keeping the sector together.

One such hero is Dimension UK’s Samantha Thornton, who joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast alongside our Senior National Officer for Social Care, Gavin Edwards.

We cover the difference that our Ethical Care Charter makes to carers, the ambitions for a proposed Fair Pay Agreement, and the past & future states of the care sector in the UK right now.

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

UNISON

https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

14 years of austerity has hit local government services brutally, but have you ever wondered about the extent of the damage caused?

Between Alan Waters’ experience as Former Leader of Norwich City Council and Laura Webster’s time working with Woking as they faced a bankruptcy situation, this podcast episode exposes the harsh reality of local government funding.

Discover the impact of persistent cuts on your local services, and how the money moves behind the scenes, in episode 17 of the UNISON Local Government Podcast. 

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Alan Waters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-waters-6a723734/

Laura Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-webster-36b66a77/

The LGPS, contrary to what some would have you believe, is a vital benefit to those working in the public sector.

That’s why it’s so important for us to ensure two things: that we understand it, and that we provide our support to ensure its survival.

Glyn Jenkins is our very special guest on the podcast this week as he takes us through everything you need to know about the LGPS, and why understanding your pension is paramount.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Glyn Jenkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glyn-jenkins-09a521104/

The headway we’ve made in recent years on LGBT+ rights is wonderful and to be celebrated, yet there’s so much more to achieve as we enter 2024: UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.

Two fantastic leaders for UNISON’s work with LGBT+ communities are Eileen Best (Co-Chair, LGBT+ National Committee) and Mitchell Coe (National Officer, LGBT+ Equality). 

Mitchell and Eileen join us to share their work, the national initiatives making change for our workers, and how you can get involved in creating a fairer workforce for LGBT+ workers.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

UNISON: ⁠https://www.unison.org.uk/⁠

⁠https://twitter.com/unisontheunion⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion⁠

UNISON’s LGBT+ Equality Page with Policy Checklist (as mentioned by Mitchell): ⁠unison.org.uk/out⁠

Mitchell Coe: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-coe-82172454/⁠

Welcome back to the UNISON Local Government Podcast - we’re kicking off 2024 with a look at one of the most essential services for UNISON members: There For You.

UNISON’s welfare charity provides support to thousands of members in need, and joining us to share the great work it achieves, plus how to get involved, are UNISON’s Tony Wright and Abi Coombs.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

Central to the premise of any union is the power wielded when we come together, and PSI takes that premise up to a near-unfathomable, global scale.

Daria Cibrario’s work with PSI counts UNISON among the 700+ trade unions that it serves to coordinate, and in this podcast episode Daria shares the remarkable impact that can have on working standards around the world.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

Around half of school staff are support staff, whose incredible work with children too often flies under the radar - they’re the deserved focus of the Stars in Our Schools campaign.

As we approach the annual celebration of support staff in schools on Friday 24th November, we highlight the stars of the campaign as we’re joined by Tracy Turton & Joanna Parry on this week’s UNISON Local Government Podcast.

Join us as we discuss the lack of support for these everyday heroes, issues with free school meal eligibility in England, and how to get involved in the Stars in Our Schools campaign.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

The value of a job role, and the pay that’s offered, should reflect the responsibilities that come with the job, and not the person doing the job. Sadly, that premise isn’t always upheld.

Job evaluation is one of the key tools in ensuring equal pay for all, and in closing the gender pay gap - Kathie Dickson leads on equal pay and job evaluation in UNISON.

Kathie joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast to share how we’re fighting for our public sector workers to receive fair pay, regardless of their identity.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:

Over a quarter of Northern Ireland’s children are eligible for free school meals, yet the system is failing so many kids and parents with its complex, means-tested approach.

Leading the charge through a vital campaign in Northern Ireland, UNISON’s Anne Taggart and John Patrick Clayton take us through the flawed system, what needs to change, and how many children are being affected by the current system.

This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers: