About this job

The National Officer’s role is to undertake national negotiations with employers, employer bodies and government; provide advice and guidance to the union including regions, branches and the lay member structures; provide leadership support and guidance to regions and branches; respond to government consultations and legislation; represent UNISON on outside bodies including government; lead campaigns on Education issues; and represent the union externally, including in the media.

The National Officer role is generic and the allocation of areas of work will vary. However in the first instance, the appointed candidate will work predominantly on schools. Responsibilities will include negotiating with national employers including large multi academy trusts (MATs); co-ordinating UNISON’s bargaining strategy across MATs; negotiating with the Government and employer organisations on the creation of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, and negotiating pay and conditions within that body; attending and representing UNISON at meetings of Improving Education Together (the government’s social partnership body for education) and other meetings with Department for Education officials; and leading on schools campaigning activities, for example health and safety.

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity, please download and complete the General application form referring to the job description and person specification (both under “Documents”)

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

The completed application form along with the Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form should be returned by e-mail to hrrecruitment@unison.co.uk  quoting reference: BNE/91 on your application form. 

Please remember to save all your documents as your full name job location and reference. 

Closing date for applications is 10 November 2025 5 pm.  

The interviews will be held on November 24, 2025, in London.  

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. 

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.