I was looking for a new challenge within dietetics and thought joining the trade union would be completely different and non-clinical.
Vicki Bennett, BDA Trade Union Representative
What is a trade union representative?
Trade union representatives look after the interests of their colleagues in the workplace. They represent and give advice when colleagues have problems at work. BDA Trade Union Representatives look after the interests of BDA Members in the workplace.
What do trade union representatives do?
Trade Union Representatives are there to:
- Talk to members about workplace issues, advise them, and keep them informed of the latest developments
- Represent members who have work-related issues (i.e. Sickness, Grievance, and Disciplinaries)
- Get involved in the wider union (i.e. attend training, conferences, and BDA Country Employment Relations Committee meetings)
- Negotiate with the employer (local manager) and via joint union committees with senior management
- Attend staff-side committee meetings
- Recruit members into the union and organise them around workplace issues
Why become a BDA trade union representative?
- The role will give you additional skills and experience, especially in employment law and human resources policies.
- You will help protect people's rights at work and encourage fairness in the workplace.
- You will support members in their hour of need, which can be very rewarding.
- There is a possibility of attending national conferences and events.
- The BDA also awards annually the Mary Turner Prize to a BDA Trade Union Representative who makes a major contribution to the role.
It is an honour to be recognised by the BDA in this way. The industrial action on the Northern Ireland Pay Award was a great example of the impact members can have when they use their voices together to bring about change.
Mary Turner Award Winner 2024 - Rachael Hawthorne, Trade Union National Executive Committee (TUNEC) member for Northern Ireland and Chair of the Northern Ireland Employment Relations Committee (NIERC)
How can I become a BDA Trade Union Representative?
Start by reading the BDA Trade Union Representative role descriptor to better understand the role. Then, complete the application form below. Once approved, we will send you your credentials, and you will be accredited as a BDA Trade Union Representative.
You must be a BDA Member with a Full Membership, and in employment with an employer to become a BDA Trade Union Representative.
Elections
Elections of BDA Trade Union Reps and Health and Safety Reps (a combined role) will occur every three years per the BDA Trade Union Terms of Reference and the principles of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
The current election period runs from 1 July 2023 to 1 July 2026. You can apply and stand down from the role at any time.
What support will I get?
You will get support from the BDA Trade Union team, especially from our National Employment Relations Officers, who are trained and experienced representatives.
You will have easy access to the Rep Hub, where you can find useful resources, the Rep's Voice (Newsletter), regular networking meetings, and other valuable information to assist you in your role.
The BDA provides structured training programs to develop all the knowledge and skills a BDA Trade Union Representative will need. The BDA training is delivered by the TUC (Trade Union Congress) tutors and are accredited.