About this role
Job summary
This post is fixed term/secondment for 12 months from start date to meet the needs of the service.
If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.
The post holder is responsible for delivering high-quality union member representation, collective organising, and employer engagement across the core employer-Cardiff and Vale Health Board, private, voluntary, and independent health, and social care providers within Cardiff & Vale.
The role supports the development of effective workplace structures, promotes UNISON membership, negotiates improvements in employment conditions, and ensures compliance with branch governance, employment law, and data protection requirements.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job The postholder provides comprehensive workplace representation and organisational support to UNISON members, particularly within relevant sectors. The role involves advising and supporting members on workplace issues, leading recruitment and steward development, and negotiating with employers on pay, conditions, health and safety, and organisational change. Working closely with branch colleagues and regional staff, the postholder helps strengthen union presence, develop effective bargaining structures, and improve employment practices. Responsibilities also include delivering workplace campaigns, maintaining legal and policy knowledge, coordinating steward training and mentoring, ensuring accurate and GDPR-compliant records, contributing to branch strategy and reporting, and undertaking additional duties to support the objectives of the Cardiff & Vale Health Branch of UNISON.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Achieved grades in relevant area of study/Years of experience in relevant field Ability to motivate, support, and lead workplace stewards and members. Evidence of advice-giving or casework experience.
Desirable
Education or training within a trade union context (e.g., Steward, Health & Safety). Knowledge of employment law, grievance/disciplinary processes, equalities legislation, or HR procedures.
Experience Essential
Demonstrable experience of building effective working relationships with stakeholders. Experience working with conflicting priorities. Experience in recruitment, campaigning, or membership engagement.
Desirable
Experience contributing to or undertaking collective bargaining.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Address Multi sites
Unison Branch Office , Llandough Hospital, Penlan Road
Llandough,
CF64 2XX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)