Welcome back to Behind the Service, and in this episode we’re shining a light on activism and the Service Group Executive (SGE) - invaluable parts of the change we’re able to make.

Glen Williams and Lorraine Thomson are two pioneering voices in UNISON, and they join us to share how the SGE plays a powerful role in shaping the recognition that local government employees are valued and respected, and driving social change.

This episode of ‘Behind the Service: A UNISON Podcast’ covers:

• The critical role of volunteer union representatives in driving social change

• The ongoing battle against local government budget cuts and service erosion

• How UNISON is combating far-right intolerance and promoting community unity

• The emerging role of activists in addressing environmental pressures

UNISON

https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Glen Williams

https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-williams-8377a584/

There is only one planet for us, and saving it from the climate crisis has been atop UNISON’s agenda for decades - so how do we continue that fight today?

With September’s Green UNISON Week, this episode of the podcast focuses on the huge potential for change that’s possible with the collaborative power of our members.

Joining us to share their collective expertise, and how you can make an impact, are UNISON Policy Officer, Michelle Singleton, and South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, Stephen Smellie.

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

• UNISON’s role in combating climate change

• Why ‘Just Transition’ is a crucial element in the fight against climate change

• Challenges of operating on a local level

• Balancing limited resources with the urgent need for climate action

UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Green UNISON Week: https://www.unison.org.uk/tag/green-unison-week/

Stephen Smellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smellie-179516160/

The care sector has a glimmer of hope in the form of a new National Care Service, but such optimism comes after too many years of unsung heroes keeping the sector together.

One such hero is Dimension UK’s Samantha Thornton, who joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast alongside our Senior National Officer for Social Care, Gavin Edwards.

We cover the difference that our Ethical Care Charter makes to carers, the ambitions for a proposed Fair Pay Agreement, and the past & future states of the care sector in the UK right now.

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

• The current state of the care sector, and a typical day for those working within it

• What a National Care Service would mean for care workers and the public

• The Fair Pay Agreement, and the difference it’d make for care workers

• UNISON’s campaigning in the sector and its impacts on the workforce

• Advice for care & support workers currently in the profession

UNISON

https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion