Application for the National Executive Committee
The National Executive Committee roles are open to eligible candidates until 12:00 noon on Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Roles open:
National Representative for DEI
National Representative for Young Workers
National Representative for Senior Professionals
The above, come with reasonable time off to complete the role
and
National Representative for all committees:
Unity Place
Braford Nelson Street
Sheffield Carbrook Hall
Teesside and Dual Location sites
Scotland including SVS
Northern Ireland, Inc., Belfast City Quays
London, including Triton Square and Redhill
North Locations
South Locations
The above includes 2 days per month of facilities time.
NEC application form
Representative Code of Conduct
Advance Union – Representative Code of Conduct & Expectations
- Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all Advance Union Representatives and officials. It reflects our commitment to being “your informed voice at work” and delivering professional, ethical, and effective representation for all members.
- Our Values in Action:
- Every representative must demonstrate Advance Union’s core values in everything they do:
- Passionate – Actively advocate for members, taking ownership and working collaboratively
- Trusting – Act with integrity, honesty, and discretion
- Knowledgeable – Maintain a strong understanding of policies and procedures
- Caring – Treat every member with respect and empathy
- Professional – Act ethically, responsibly, and with accountability
- Expectations of Representatives
3.1 Representation and Advocacy
- Act in the best interests of members, individually and collectively
- Provide fair, unbiased, and consistent representation
- Support constructive engagement with employers
- Promote positive relationships while defending members’ rights
3.2 Professional Behavior
- Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and accountability
- Uphold the Union’s professional reputation
- Avoid unnecessary conflict or reputational harm
3.3 Communication and Engagement
- Communicate clearly, respectfully, and promptly
- Ensure members’ voices are heard and acted upon
- Encourage participation and collaboration
3.4 Confidentiality and Trust
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Handle sensitive information securely
- Build trust through reliability and transparency
3.5 Knowledge and Development
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policies, legislation, and union processes
- Engage in continuous learning and training
- Seek guidance when required
3.6 Supporting Members
- Provide accessible, empathetic, and practical support
- Treat all members fairly and without discrimination
- Explain options clearly and take timely action
3.7 Equality, Inclusion and Respect
- Challenge discrimination and promote equality
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Champion inclusivity in all union activity
3.8 Accountability
- Be accountable for actions and decisions
- Follow union policies and governance
- Accept feedback and strive for improvement
- Practical Standards
- Representatives are expected to:
- Respond promptly to members
- Prepare for meetings and casework
- Keep accurate records
- Complete relevant training
- Follow agreed processes
- Work collaboratively
- Balance assertiveness with professionalism
- Attend all relevant meetings and events on behalf of your members (or provide apologies)
- Secure appropriate facility time for duties
- Actively gather member feedback and contribute to union activity
- Follow our rules as set out in the rulebook
- Breach of Conduct
- Failure to meet these standards may result in:
- Review of responsibilities
- Additional training or support
- Action in line with Union governance, including removal from role or membership where appropriate
Additional Duties of the National Executive committee
- Demonstrate visible leadership and act as a role model for union representatives and members within your NEC area or “specialism” ( Senior Professionals, DEI and Young Workers)
- Provide strategic direction and support to area representatives, helping to build a strong and effective union presence.
- Arrange and chair regular meetings with workplace representatives to discuss issues, priorities, campaigns and member concerns.
- Maintain regular communication with representatives, members and NEC colleagues, ensuring information is shared promptly and accurately.
- Organise member engagement sessions, workplace visits and organising activities to increase participation and strengthen workplace organisation.
- Support recruitment, retention and development of union members and activists across the NEC area.
- Build positive relationships with local communities, community organisations and other stakeholders to promote the union’s values and objectives.
- Encourage member involvement in campaigns, consultations, elections and union activities.
- Identify emerging workplace issues and, where appropriate, escalate significant concerns to the NEC and union leadership.
- Support representatives in resolving complex cases, disputes and workplace challenges.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and fairness in all union activities.
- Attend all NEC meetings, conferences and training events unless absent due to approved annual leave or exceptional circumstances.
- Prepare for NEC meetings by reviewing papers, consulting with members and representatives, and raising issues affecting your area.
- Report back to representatives and members on NEC decisions, policies and outcomes.
- Assist in implementing NEC decisions and union strategies within your area.
- Support the development of new representatives through mentoring, coaching and sharing best practice.
- Help coordinate regional campaigns and organising initiatives to advance union objectives.
- Represent the views and interests of members within your NEC constituency at a national level.
In Addition to All Standard Representative Responsibilities
An NEC Representative is also expected to undertake all duties associated with being an area representative, including:
- Representing members individually and collectively.
- Providing advice and support on workplace issues.
- Supporting consultations, negotiations and disputes.
- Recruiting and retaining members.
- Communicating union information and updates.
- Promoting union campaigns and initiatives.
- Supporting equality and inclusion in the workplace.
- Maintaining confidentiality and acting in members’ best interests.
- Attending relevant meetings, training and development activities.
This role combines the responsibilities of an area representative with a wider leadership, communication, organising and governance function across the NEC area.