Sheffield Hallam is committed to working in partnership with employee representatives. You're welcome to join a trade union, professional association or employee organisation and participate in its activities. We recognise UNISON, GMB, UNITE and UCU for the purposes of collective bargaining.

Below you can hear from each of the trade unions about the work they do and how they're helping make Sheffield Hallam a great place to work.

A message from Dan Bye of UNISON

'We're proud to be one of the recognised trades unions at the University and represent administrative, professional, technical, clerical and manual staff. We also represent staff in the University's Students' Union. We aim to negotiate better terms and conditions, advise and support members who need help and campaign for a fairer, safer workplace and society.

'Membership of UNISON is based on a monthly subscription that, in addition to the above, gives you

• a helpline that is open until midnight during the week and 4pm on Saturdays
• legal help at work and your family at home, subject to certain eligibility criteria
• financial assistance and debt advice in times of need
• compensation for accidents and injuries at work
• a range of exclusive member discounts
• education and training advice and courses, leading to vocational and professional qualifications

'UNISON has representatives across the University who work with and support members. For example, we attend the University's formal consultative committees, formal meetings with HR and support campaigns organised by UNISON.

'If you are interested in joining please contact our membership officer , email our administrator at unisonadmin@exchange.shu.ac.uk or visit the UNION website.'

A message from Stephen Magowan of Unite

'Unite is the largest trade union in the UK and represents technical and IT staff at Sheffield Hallam. Working in partnership with University management, Unite gives members the opportunity to influence policies and procedures at Sheffield Hallam.

'Other benefits include support with work-related issues, discounted rates for personal insurance and free legal representation. The union is also a source of information.

'Our local workplace representatives have an important role to play. Full training is available for any member wishing to support union colleagues in this way. Local directorate and college committees welcome and encourage trade union participation. A time allocation, known as facilities time, is allowed for these activities.

'Representatives are also encouraged to become involved in University committee work, and help to run the sub-branch by standing as Sheffield Hallam Unite union officers where they get involved in activities beyond their normal remit.'

Find out more on the Unite website.

A message from Camilla Bassi and Jane Fearon of the University and College Union (UCU)

'UCU represents academic staff at Sheffield Hallam University. We have over 900 member including full and part-time lecturers, researchers and academic-related staff. Our officers are academic staff and we have representatives in every college.

‘UCU Sheffield Hallam is the UCU trade union branch office for Sheffield Hallam University. UCU is the national recognised body for all Higher Education and Further Education workers in the UK with over 120,000 members. Our members comprise academics, researchers, administrators, librarians, IT Support, teaching postgraduates and hourly paid teaching staff. Whether you are on a permanent contract or fixed-term, work full-time or part-time, the UCU is here to support you.

To find out more about UCU go to the national UCU website, the local UCU website or contact us at ucu@shu.ac.uk.’

A message from Andrew Lawson of GMB

'GMB's members are mostly support staff and staff within the Administrative, Professional, Technical and Clerical APT&C groups. The GMB offer its members a dedicated professional service and is represented at a local level by University staff officials.

'The Sheffield branch office which is serviced by GMB employees also assists members with matters that may fall outside the University's jurisdiction. This includes legal advice and representation for matters such as personal injury claims.

'The GMB meets regularly with University management on a number of formal and informal committee structures and therefore has influence and direct input to the policies and procedures operating within Sheffield Hallam.

'At a national level, the GMB is represented on the Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff (JNCHES). JNCHES is the formal body for national bargaining on many important matters concerning the shaping and running of the higher education sector. For example, JNCHES determines the pay structures and pay increases for all staff that fall within its remit.

'The GMB also has a vast array of services related to but not exclusively to employment matters. These range from discounted financial services, a free service for making a will and campaigning groups such as the living wage.'