When members join Community, they are grouped into a branch, either with other members from the same or similar workplaces or from their local area. Non-working members are placed into branches with other unemployed or retired members in their area.
The Branch structure is at the heart of our union as each branch will have a branch secretary who receives the latest updates on employment law and developments in the workplace. Branch secretaries are the best source of information and advice on your situation, but if they are not available members can check the website or contact their regional office or the Member Service Centre.
Each branch is located in one of our 8 regions and in some cases branches are also in specialist sections such as Social Care (BUSWE) or the National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD).
If you require assistance in the workplace, your branch secretary should be available to resolve the issue. Where the branch secretary is unable to address your issue successfully, they may seek advice and support from the regional office.
Trade unions are democratic organisations and Community is no exception. Members’ voices can be heard at the top level of the union through elected representatives that sit on the National Executive Council – the union’s governing body.
Each region also has a forum every quarter which provides an opportunity for members to meet with colleagues from other workplaces to discuss common issues and concerns.
Finally, every two years, there is the union conference – with delegates from across our regions and industries – who come together to decide the future policies of the union.