Head of General Secretary's Office

About this job

The Post 

• The Head of General Secretary’s Office is a key role with responsibility for providing policy advice, guidance and support to the General Secretary and senior lay officers as appropriate; providing support and guidance to Senior Regional Officers and to work with other National Officers to represent the Union with outside organisations.

• Monitoring and advising the General Secretary and the GSG on any political developments that may impact on the union’s activities.

• UNISON structures its work programme to provide for the systematic implementation of policies adopted by its democratic lay member structures. The General Secretariat Manager together with other Senior National Officers will be responsible for contributing to the prioritisation of work plans and programmes arising out of the four key objectives determined by the National Executive Council.

• The Head of General Secretary’s Office together with other Senior National Officers are key deliverers of operational plans which ensure that the resources for their areas of responsibility are directed towards the achievement of the NEC’s objectives and priorities. Plans identify priorities and establish progress or performance indicators to enable effective monitoring and evaluation of all work and achievements.

• Responsible for the efficient operation and functioning of the General Secretary’s Unit.

 The Person 

• Ability to advise and support the General Secretary in strategic planning, organisational development and management of change.

• Possess a broad understanding of current economic and political issues.

• Ability to lead and manage a diverse, multi-functional team, and the ability to contribute to the wider management team.

• Have demonstrable financial management skills, including the ability to deliver programmes of activities to budget.

• Ability to articulate UNISON policy with a range of audiences.

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of complex policy issues and the ability to prepare accurate and clear policy briefs and policy campaign material.

In return we offer excellent benefits including 32 days of annual leave, final salary pension scheme, season ticket loan and much more.

How to apply

Please click to download the General application form. Please see Job Description attached.

Please send a copy of the completed application form along with Recruitment and Disability monitoring form to HR Recruitment hrrecruitment@unison.co.uk quoting ref no: GS/13. 

Please note we do not accept CV’s

When saving your documents, please start with your full name, followed by the job title and reference

Completed application forms must be received by no later than Midday Wednesday 11 March 2026. 

Interviews will be held on the week commencing 23 March.

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.