NEC Election 2025

You will soon receive your ballot papers for UNISON’s National Executive Council (NEC) election. The NEC is the top decision-making body in our union, responsible for making crucial decisions to ensure UNISON is the best trade union for you and your colleagues.

We fully appreciate that not all candidates will be known to members so you may we’ve listed the candidates nominated by your branch committee below.

We have nominated these candidates because we believe they are the best choices to represent our branch, the region, and Unison members across the UK. They are experienced trade union activists who will:

• Put members’ voices first
• Lead the union’s fight for better pay for all members
• Challenge discrimination and inequality
• Fight for well funded public services
• Promote equality and diversity for all
• These candidates will build a union which fights and wins for public services.

Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Seats

(All members have a vote)

• Rhian Hawthorn (General)
• Julie Marsland (Female)
• Kerri Tierney (Female)
• Emma- Lee Bayliss (Reserved)

Black Members

(All members have a vote)

• Ash Silverstone (Male)
• Tansaim Hussain-Gul (Female)
• Manjula Kumari (Female)
• Maria Albert (Reserved)

Disabled

(All members have a vote)

• Angela Hamilton (General)
• Lady Omolola Oyewusi (Female)

Local Government

(Only members employed in this sector will be asked to vote for this seat)

• Justin Ashton (General)
• Andrew Coughlin (General)
• Maxine Young (Female)
• Jenny Whittaker (Female)

Young Members

(Only members under the age of 30 will be asked to vote for this seat)

• Cameron Thompson (General)
• Micaela Tracey-Ramos (Female)

Community

(Only members employed in this sector will be asked to vote for this seat)

• John Gray (General)
• Denise Thomas (Female)

Health

(Only members employed in this sector will be asked to vote for this seat)

• Bryn Webster (General)
• James Anthony (General)
• Hetty Okonji (Female)
• Michelle England (Female)

Police, Justice and CAFCASS

(Only members employed in the probation sector will be asked to vote for this seat)

• Phil Williams (General)
• Karen Poole (Female)

Unfortunately if you became a member within the last 3 months you will not be eligible for a vote this time.

Voting Information:

• Prepaid Envelope: Your ballot pack includes a prepaid envelope, so voting is free.
• Voting Deadline: Please vote by Wednesday, May 21, 2025. It’s best to do it as soon as possible.

Close of Ballot and Result:

• Ballot Deadline: The Independent Scrutineer must receive your ballot papers by 5pm on May 21, 2025.
• Result Announcement: The results will be available on June 11, 2025. Successful candidates will take office at the end of the National Delegate Conference 2025.