Being an area representative
Our team are the beating heart of Advance Union, including many trained workplace representatives across the country who are on hand to ensure you have a voice at work. No other union in Santander can match this network of support.
If you’ve been a member for twelve months, why not speak to someone about being a representative?
Reps are the backbone of the trade union movement because they link workers, employers and unions.
Union reps have a crucial role in supporting their members, and these responsibilities include:
- Listening, supporting and advising members on workplace issues.
- Recruiting members and helping them understand the full benefits of the union.
- Raising issues with employers informally and in formal meetings where appropriate.
- Acting as a link between the workplace, the union and the employer.
Union reps are entitled to reasonable paid time off to perform their union duties.
Why do our members become a rep?
There are many benefits to being a rep. As well to receiving excellent training, reps often find their union work helps them develop skills they can use in other aspects of their life.
Reps are entitled to paid time off for training and attending meetings and there’s always a friendly voice at the end of the phone at the Advance office if you need information. Our team of professional trade union officers is also available if you need some extra support.
Interested? why not speak to one of our many reps and find out why they enjoy making a difference every day.
Elections and training
Fellow members elect reps in their workplace for three years, and we hold by-elections each year to fill spaces.
Why not take on the role if your workplace doesn’t have a rep? It’s crucial, enriching, and not time-consuming, and our representatives enjoy it!
All our current representatives are due to seek re-election from 1 September 2026, to start their new term on 1 Jan 2027 for three years.
There is an expectation to complete some training:
- An online training course all about Advance Union to be completed within the first three months.
- To attend an online key union welcome meeting within the first three months.
- To attend a conference and obtain key updates.