What is a trade union rep?
Trade Union Representatives are here to support you at work. They’re your local point of contact for workplace issues and help make sure you’re treated fairly.
They understand your working environment and offer practical advice tailored to your needs. If problems arise, they’re there to help resolve them and make sure your voice is heard.
What do trade union reps do?
Trade union representatives play an essential role in supporting and protecting workers. Here’s what they typically do:
- Our representatives play a key role in protecting and supporting BDA members at work.
- Talk with members about workplace issues and share useful updates
- Offer advice and support for work-related matters like sickness, grievances and disciplinaries
- Take part in union activities, such as training, events and BDA employment relations meetings
- Work with employers and senior managers to improve workplace policies
- Attend staff-side committee meetings
- Welcome new members and encourage others to join
- Organise around workplace issues that matter to you
Why become a BDA trade union rep?
Being a BDA trade union representative is a great way to support your colleagues and make a positive impact in your workplace. You’ll stand up for fair treatment and help create a supportive environment for all.
We’ll give you the training and guidance you need. You’ll also gain skills in leadership, negotiation and employment law that will support your personal and professional development.
As a representative, you can:
- Make a real difference to members at work
- Promote fairness and equality in your workplace
- Support members when they need it most
- Take part in national events and conferences
- Be recognised through opportunities like the annual Mary Turner Prize, awarded to a representative who has gone above and beyond
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 rep?
If you’d like to support your colleagues and make a difference at work, becoming a BDA trade union representative is a great place to start.
- Read the BDA Trade Union Representative role descriptor to understand what the role involves.
- Complete the application form below to let us know you're interested
- Once approved, we’ll send your credentials and confirm your accreditation as a BDA trade union representative.
To apply, you must be a full BDA member and currently employed.
Elections
BDA trade union representatives and health and safety representatives (a combined role) are elected every three years. This aligns with 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 to join or step down from the role anytime.
Being a BDA trade union representative has allowed me to develop leadership skills, gain valuable training, and build professional networks, while advocating for my colleagues and gaining deeper insight into healthcare management and policy.
Stephanie Owen - BDA Trade Union Representative
Support for BDA trade union reps
You will receive accredited training from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), gaining the skills and knowledge to address workplace issues confidently. As part of a dedicated community of workers' rights advocates, you'll also have the support of Employment Relations Officers and the Trade Union team, working together to improve conditions for all BDA members, both locally and nationally.
If you want more information about becoming a rep, contact us today.