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UNISON National Black Members’ Conference 2026

Please find attached my report from the National Black Member Conference 2026
I attended the UNISON National Black Members’ Conference 2026 as part of the South West delegation, with a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion issues relevant to branch members and workplaces.

Conference provided a national platform to discuss issues affecting Black members across UNISON, with key themes including:

  • Structural racism in the workplace
  • Workforce inequality and representation
  • The rise in racism and far-right narratives
  • The importance of intersectionality in equality work

Many of the issues raised have direct relevance to branch-level organising and employer engagement.

Key Issues for Branch Consideration

Workplace Racism and Inequality

Conference highlighted ongoing inequalities experienced by Black workers, including:

  • Disproportionate disciplinary action
  • Barriers to progression
  • Lack of support when experiencing racism

There was a strong emphasis on the need for:

  • Robust anti-racism policies
  • Fair and transparent disciplinary processes
  • Greater accountability from employers

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Conference recognised racism as a health and safety issue, particularly:

  • During periods of heightened racial tension
  • In unsafe or unsupportive workplace environments

Branches were encouraged to:

  • Ensure risk assessments consider racial impacts
  • Promote safe spaces for staff to raise concerns
  • Support members’ mental health and wellbeing

Intersectionality in the Workplace

Conference reinforced the importance of recognising overlapping inequalities, including:

  • Race and sexual orientation
  • Race and disability
  • Race and migration status

This has implications for how we:

  • Represent members
  • Negotiate with employers
  • Deliver equality initiatives

HIV Stigma and Awareness

Conference highlighted the need to address HIV stigma in workplaces, noting its impact on:

  • Black communities
  • LGBT+ members
  • Mental health and wellbeing

Branches are encouraged to support:

  • Workplace policies on HIV
  • Awareness and anti-stigma initiatives

Data and Representation

A key issue raised was the lack of consistent ethnicity data, which limits:

  • Understanding of workforce inequalities
  • Ability to target support effectively

Improved data collection and monitoring are essential for meaningful equality work.

Local Implications for Plymouth Branch

The issues raised at conference have clear relevance for Plymouth, including:

  • Ensuring equality is embedded in all negotiations and bargaining activity
  • Addressing potential gaps in representation and engagement of Black members
  • Strengthening support for members experiencing discrimination
  • Recognising the impact of national political narratives on workplace culture

 

Recommendations

The branch may wish to consider the following actions:

  1. Review workplace equality policies with employers, including anti-racism measures
  2. Ensure risk assessments include consideration of racism and psychological safety
  3. Promote equality data collection and monitoring within workplaces
  4. Deliver equality training for stewards and representatives, with a focus on intersectionality
  5. Support awareness initiatives, including HIV stigma and anti-discrimination campaigns
  6. Strengthen engagement with self-organised groups, including Black Members and LGBT+ members