Become an Area Representative
Make a difference for your colleagues
AU representatives are the backbone of our organisation. They provide support, guidance, and a voice for members in the workplace, helping to ensure colleagues are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Representatives play a vital role in linking members, the employer, and the Union, helping to raise concerns, resolve workplace issues, and strengthen our collective voice.
If you have been an AU member for at least 12 months and are passionate about supporting colleagues, we encourage you to consider putting yourself forward to become an Area Representative.
What does an Advance Area Rep do?
As an Advance Area Rep, you will:
- Listen to, support and advise members on workplace issues
- Help members understand the benefits and services available through AU
- Raise concerns and workplace issues with management, both informally and formally where appropriate
- Act as a key link between members, your employer and AU
- Promote the values of fairness, dignity, inclusion and respect in the workplace
- Help grow and strengthen the union by engaging with members and potential members
Reps are entitled to reasonable paid time off to undertake their union duties and training – more will be explained about how this works in practice once you are on board.
What we expect from our Reps
Being an Area Representative is an important responsibility. Members place their trust in our representatives to act professionally, ethically and in the best interests of those they represent.
All representatives are expected to:
- Act with integrity, honesty and respect at all times
- Treat members, colleagues, employer representatives and fellow Union Representatives with dignity and professionalism
- Maintain confidentiality where appropriate
- Represent members fairly and without discrimination
- Support and uphold Advance Union’s policies, values and objectives
- Behave in a manner that protects and enhances the reputation of Advance Union
- Follow all relevant union policies, including the Representative Code of Conduct, Social Media Policy and other governance requirements
Representatives are ambassadors for Advance Union, and we expect everyone who holds the position to demonstrate the highest standards of conduct both online and offline.
Training and Development
We want every Representative to feel confident and supported in their role.
New Representatives will be expected to:
- Complete the Advance Union Online Induction Training within their first three months.
- Attend a Representative Welcome Session within their first three months.
- Participate in Representative Area Meetings and conferences to receive key updates and continue their development.
- Attend Business Update Meetings arranged by AU to discuss key matters with your Senior Leaders.
Experienced Representatives and Advance’s professional officials will support you throughout your journey.
Nomination Process
To apply, you will need:
- A proposer and seconder from your Advance Union area who are members.
- Confirmation that you meet the Union’s eligibility requirements (usually a year’s membership).
- Completion of the Representative Application Form below.
- Agreement to the Union’s Privacy Requirements and Representative expectations.
Applications can be submitted through the online Representative Application Form below.