Jane has been Branch Secretary of UNISON Essex since 2017 and has put in many hours on a voluntary basis to develop the branch from its early days. In 2019 her hard work was recognised by UNISON Eastern Region, who awarded her Branch Activist of the Year.

An experienced steward and safety rep in his workplace, Kevin has been the Lead Convenor for members in education since UNISON Essex was formed in 2016. He represents UNISON on the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) at The Sigma Trust.

As the current Health and Safety Officer, Richard assists members and reps with queries relating to health and safety. He is also Lead Convenor for members in private companies, and is keen to build a support network for stewards and safety reps employed by private contractors. In 2019 attended a UNISON mentoring course to assist with this. He also represented the branch at National Delegate Conference and at Private Contractors Seminar.

As well as being a Health and Safety rep in her workplace, Morenike regularly represents UNISON Essex at various conferences, including Black Members’, Women’s and National Delegate Conference.

Since becoming Branch International Officer in 2018, John has attende the UNISON International Relations Seminar along with several regional committee meetings, and also the International Conference on Tackling the Rise of Racism and the Far Right. He also researched various international organisations and led on the Branch’s decision to affiliate to international campaigns.

John was elected Retired Members’ Secretary in 2017 and since then has worked hard to create an active retired members’ group. He has instigated a retired members’ mailing list to promote regular events, and last year produced the branch’s first Retired Members’ Newsletter. He has already run two events in 2020, and is planning a boat trip for retired members later this year. John also represented the branch at Retired Members’ Conference in October 2019 and brought back a comprehensive report for the branch committee.

An active member of the branch, Cilla has attended national conferences as a branch delegate, as well as being part of the branch Black Members’ group. Cilla was elected as Lifelong Learning Coordinator in 2020 and is keen to promote member learning as one of the benefits of UNISON membership.