Making waves in Bedford

UNISON Eastern Black members made a splash at the Bedford River Festival in July, proudly representing the union over the two-day event, writes Firdos Finch. Clad in eye-catching rainbow attire to celebrate Year of LGBT+ Workers, 17 members of the Black members group ran a recruitment stall over the weekend, aided by a couple of […]

The Norfolk African choir performs

Norfolk celebrates Year of Black Workers

UNISON members from across Norfolk flocked to the County Hall Social Club at the end of October to celebrate Year of Black Workers. There were a range of speakers from Norfolk branches of UNISON and the regional Black members’ group, with special guest Ruth Pearson speaking about the Grunwick and Gate Gourmet disputes, two battles […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Sophilia Matengenzara

Rounding off this year’s Black History Month 5 Questions challenge is Sophilia from University of Hertfordshire UNISON. Here’s what she has to say. Who are you? Sophilia Matengenzara, Black members officer and rep, University of Hertfordshire branch. Why is Black History Month important to you? It is important because it provides me with an opportunity […]

Brian Pereira

Five questions for Black History Month: Brian Pereira

Brian Periera is one of our regional Black members group co-chairs. He’s the next Black activist to take part in our 5 Questions series this Black History Month. Who are you? I’m Brian Pereira. I’m communications officer, chair, Black members officer and Labour Link officer for UNISON Essex Police branch. Why is Black History Month […]

Glenn sits in an ambulance

Five questions for Black History Month: Glenn Carrington

Ambulance worker Glenn Carrington holds the Eastern general seat on UNISON’s national executive council. He’s the next person to take the 5 Questions challenge for Black History Month. Who are you? Glenn Carrington, AKA The Bear. I was the first Black paramedic in Cambridgeshire Ambulance Service, now part of the East of England Ambulance Service, and […]

Firdy smiles to the camera

Five questions for Black History Month: Firdos Finch

Firdos Finch fits being co-chair of our regional Black members group into her day job and a host of other UNISON duties. And she’s also found the time to take our 5 Questions challenge for Black History Month 2023. Who are you? I am Firdy Finch and I am branch secretary at UNISON Essex. I […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Lloyd Ledgister

Next up to take the five questions challenge for Black History Month is Lloyd Ledgister of the regional Black members committee. Who are you? My name is Lloyd Ledgister Cambridgeshire Constabulary Branch Why is Black History Month important to you? Black history generally is important to me. It’s an opportunity to recognise how Black people […]

People pose for a photo as the charter is signed

EPUT pledges support to tackle racism of all forms

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has pledged support to tackle all forms of racism after signing UNISON’s anti-racism charter today. As part of UN Anti-Racism Day, which took place last week, EPUT today signed the trade union’s charter which commits the organisation and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent […]

A group of people with copies of the anti-racism pledge card

Princess Alexandra Hospital becomes first Essex NHS trust to support Anti-Racism Charter

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has become the first NHS hospital in Essex to sign up to a new anti-racism charter. PAHT has signed the anti-racism charter, developed by trade union representative UNISON, at a special ceremony that commits the hospital to a range of pledges designed to prevent racial bias. The charter […]

Regional UNISON leaders Rad, Tim and Becky show their support for the charter

Employers across the region make the commitment to wipe out racial discrimination

On the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, regional secretary Tim Roberts surveys how far our Anti-Racism Charter in the short time since its launch

Three people holding copies of the Anti-Racism Charter walk over a rainbow zebra crossing outside Hellesdon Hospital

Norfolk NHS trusts pledge support to tackle racism

More than 10,000 NHS staff in Norfolk are now covered by a new charter aimed at tackling racism in the public sector, trade union UNISON announces on UN Anti-Racism Day today. The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS […]

Amanda and Winstonhold the signed charter

First employers sign up to new anti-racism charter

The NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across Suffolk and north east Essex have become the first in the country to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter. The pledge ensures, within the first 12 months, the organisation has implemented a clear and visible race equality policy, a programme of anti-racism initiatives and actions and ensures there […]

UNISON Eastern launches new equality calendar

We’re proud to present our new equality calendar! The interactive calendar will help UNISON Eastern members and activists keep on top of the big events in the union as well as national and international equalities dates. The calendar will be updated regularly so check back for the latest and please get in touch if you’ve […]

Anti-racist public services are good for Black workers and society

UNISON Eastern Black members group co-chairs Firdy Finch and Brian Pereira and regional secretary Tim Roberts report on the launch of UNISON Eastern’s new Anti-Racism Charter

Charan speaking at a podium

UNISON Eastern activist Charan Sekhon awarded MBE

UNISON Eastern activist Charan Sekhon has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to charity, diversity and the environment, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Charan, the first Sikh Environment Agency officer to receive the honour, is the founder of Bedford-based charity SEVA Trust UK, as well as a UNISON branch […]