to all the above elections.
8.3 Branch Officers shall be nominated by the Branch Conunittee or by any two members. with the exception of the APF officer who shall be nominated by two APF members and elected by APF members only.
8.4 All nominations must be received in writing at least two weeks before the AGM.
8.5 Each nominee shall be notified within seven days of receipt of the nomination and given the right to withdraw not later than three days before the AGM.
8.6 If there is more than one candidate a vote shall be held.
8.7 Candidates, who have been nominated, shall be entitled to submit biographical details (not exceeding 500 words) which will be circulated as per Rule 7.2. above.
8.8 The vote shall be conducted by a show of hands or by a ballot, and each member of the Branch present shall be entitled to one vote in respect to each Office to be filled.
8.9 In the event of a ballot, official papers shall be supplied and each member of the Branch shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each post to be filled. Arrangements may be made for a postal ballot if appropriate.
8.10 Elected Branch Officers shall carry out their duties as defined in the UNISON Rule Book and The Code of Good Branch Practice.
9 BRANCH COMMTTEE
9.1 The Branch Committee shall consist of:
(a) The Officers mentioned in Rule 8.1 above
(b) Stewards from each of the following departments
(i) Environment
(ii)  Chief Executive                   
(iii)  Finance & IT
(iv)  Contract Services
(v)  Housing & Social Work
(vi) Education & Comrn. Services
(vii) Voluntary Sector

9.2 The Branch Committee shall administer branch business in accordance with the national rules and guidance. Particular functions shall include:

• to meet regularly and not less than six times a year.
  
• to receive at each meeting reports from the Chairperson, branch Secretary, branch Treasurer, Regional Representatives and to take all steps necessary to maintain the domestic machinery of the branch in effective working order.
  
• to consider all matters of ordinary current administration and all matters affecting the interest of members of the Branch, whether raised by members thereof or arising on communications from Headquarters, the Regional office or otherwise
  
• to deal with all questions of emergency.
  
• to appoint sub-committees with power to co-opt thereon, members of the Branch who may not be