Community

Representing and supporting community and voluntary sector staff

The community and voluntary sector is increasingly central to providing public services in Scotland. As part of a major review of bargaining structures in 2009, UNISON set up a new service group called 'Community' covering the voluntary and community sector. This recognises the importance of the services which previously came under the umbrella of local government and health. The UK group's first chair is Scotland's Stephen Brown from Quarriers.

Aberdeenshire branch has many members in the Community and Voluntary Sector working for a range of different organisations.

Working together in UNISON
New project for members in the voluntary and private sectors

Mairi Forbes and Keith Paterson

Keith Paterson and Mairi Forbes have been appointed by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Branches to share the post of Area Organiser (Working Together in UNISON).

They have a role to encourage more members in the branches' voluntary and private sector employers to become active in the union and to set up and support a Voluntary Sector Network for stewards, activists and interested members.

Keith said, "At a time when funding cuts threaten jobs, conditions and pensions, the time has never been more opportune to build a union that campaigns to defend people on all these issues."

Mairi added, "As a first step we will be visiting members in the voluntary sector to find out what their main issues and concerns are in the workplace and what UNISON can do to better support them. We will then be running "taster sessions" for members interested in being more actively involved, whether as a steward, a contact or just an active member."

So watch out for Mairi and Keith coming to a workplace near you and take this opportunity to tell them what you think.

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Voice at Work is the Bulletin for all Community and Voluntary Sector members. It is sent to members in the Community and Voluntary Sector, and can also be accessed on line.

Some of the main issues which are facing the Community and Voluntary Sector both locally and across Scotland are funding and pay and grading. UNISON Scotland is also looking at how best to provide a representation and organising service within the Community and Voluntary Sector.

For past issues of Voice at Work click here

UNISON Scotland's Community & Voluntary sector charter

For more information go to:

UNISONScotland Community

UK Voluntary Sector Site

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) - the umbrella body for all voluntary organisations in Scotland

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