application form can be downloaded from here

If you are in need and think we might be able to help, 

contact the Community and Voluntary Sector Officer

Moira Morrison - Take a Break Project, Buckie
01542 836377

Community and Voluntary Sector Officer

I have been accepted for the above post and will now be the first point of contact for UNISON members working in the above fields.  I will carry out my steward’s training in January and hope to meet up with some of the members we already have and encourage new members along the way. 

At the moment, I am the Coordinator for a respite scheme for people with learning disabilities and recruit volunteers (over 30 at the moment) to support them in accessing social and recreational activities.  I have been in post for two years and have built up a good network of support in this time.  We also organise discos for clients with learning disabilities, and these are held every two months

For those of you who are not members of UNISON, I would encourage you to do so.  UNISON is not only a trade union who can inform you of your rights at work, it can open the door to other areas. Their Lifelong Learning Scheme is just getting off the ground and this will enable people to improve the skills they already possess and give them the confidence to increase their employability in the future.  Membership of UNISON enables you to access benefits such as health and safety guidance, legal and welfare services, pension advice, education and training advice and courses, and special deals on everything from computers, tax returns, holidays, mortgages, car breakdown services, insurance and credit cards.  All this for a very small amount of money paid in dues each month.

I am looking forward to my work with UNISON and hope that I can encourage a few new members from the Community and Voluntary Sector to join over the next year.

If you would like any advice or information, please contact me on 01542 836377.  Being new to the post, I may not be able to give you the advice you need there and then, but I will put you in touch with someone who can.

Moira Morrison

December 2003

UNISON is the largest union in the community and voluntary sector with more than 30,000 members working in non-profit organisations ranging from large national charities with hundreds of employees to small-grant aided projects employing one part-timer.

New legal requirements such as the minimum wage, working time regulations, health and safety, as well as union recognition rights are prompting many employers to reach voluntary union recognition agreements.  The improved conditions, staff participation and training opportunities which come with union recognition help attract and keep a high quality workforce.  

Why not read UNISON Scotland's Newsletter for Community and Voluntary Sector Workers 

To read more about what UNISON does on behalf of members within the Voluntary Sector  please check out the UNISONScotland Community & Voluntary Site.