Branches
1 What should I do if a member has been referred to their professional registration body or the Vetting & Barring Scheme?2 What information do I need to provide to the region?
1 What should I do if a member has been referred to their professional registration body or the Vetting & Barring Scheme?
You should complete a case form - the branch should help every member seeking assistance to complete fully a standard UNISON case form. A completed case form is a requirement in all cases.
You must check the membership details against RMS.
Check the member is eligible for representation in that UNISON will only represent if the individual has been a UNISON member without a break in membership for 4 weeks prior to the incident leading to the allegations and that they are still a current member.
Ensure that the member maintains their UNISON contributions during the whole period they are being assisted by UNISON.
If you are representing in a disciplinary case, inform the member to contact the branch immediately they are notified of an investigation by the registration body and give the member a copy of the Professional registration-representation unit: advice for members leaflet (
download in PDF format)
Alert the region immediately by telephone or email in the event of any member reporting they have received notification of a professional body investigation or a notice inviting them to attend an Interim Order Hearing.
Alert the region immediately if the member has received notice under either the Vetting & Barring Scheme or Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme inviting them to make representations in writing.
Discuss with the member the outcome sought in the light of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing and review the members answer to question 8 on the case form - ("What would be a solution to your problem - please say how you want UNISON to help you")
If any specialist reports are required the branch must pay for these reports.
You should advise the member the branch will pay for any reasonable travel costs, overnight accommodation and subsistence, as appropriate for the member and witnesses in connection with the hearing.
2 What information do I need to provide to the region?
When you refer a case to the region for assistance with any written submissions or for representation you must provide the following:
For further information on how to support the member and the branch responsibilities, download the branch protocols (PDF)
