My career has focused on roles that support people, often in vulnerable situations. My background in developmental work on culturally competent mental health services came via the Race Equality in Mental Health initiative within ESCC Equalities team. My first role with ESCC was as a Youth Support Worker in 2007 (supporting young people of school age from diverse backgrounds in the Youth Development Service – now the Targeted Youth Service).
During this time, I have held various roles within the branch: Equalities Coordinator, Schools Convenor, Children’s Services Convenor, Adult Social Care Convenor, (Convenors are senior Stewards who coordinate branch support in the various departments across the County Council) deputy Branch Secretary. I have also been active regionally and nationally as deputy Chair of the National Black Members Committee, planning, organising, and co-chairing the national NBMC conference in Bournemouth in 2020. I also spent time as the Branch International Relations Officer (BIRO).

My own experience was the catalyst for all my Unison activism which was ignited when I found myself needing UNISON services at the end of my first year working for ESCC. I owe a dept of gratitude to Tony Watson (Branch Secretary at the time – unfortunately no longer with us) who was a great support. From then on, I vowed to pay the good deed forward to all Unison members in need of help.

2023 is the year of the Black Worker – I am a keen advocate and champion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, whether it’s as a volunteer advisor or in my professional role as a Mental Health Practitioner in Adult Social Care. I have focussed on driving forward the equality’s agenda in the County Council. As a community advisor supporting Sussex police to develop their Race Action Plan and as a mentor (for the University of Brighton mentoring programme) supporting students from diverse or poor socio-economic backgrounds. In 2021 I became the first chair of the newly formed Southeast Counter Terrorism Advice Group (SECTAG). Through this initiative I able was to facilitate community narratives on the threat of extremism and to contribute to the development of preventive strategies and building resilience in the community.

Unison is the largest public sector union in the UK. We have members working at all levels in ESCC, including management. My commitment is to develop the branch, engage with and be accessible to the membership and to double its size. I am always on the lookout for members who have the qualities needed to become a rep, activist, or workplace contact, so please come, and say hello when I’m out and about in your workplace or contact the office for more information about Unison. I promise you that the benefits of becoming an active member in Unison will far outweigh the cost of membership which will help you to realise your aspirations while enjoying the many benefits of being in Unison, at the same time supporting your work colleagues.

I want to encourage all staff over the many workplaces, schools, and employers that the branch supports to become members and activists, especially those under the age of 30 who will become our future leaders. My experience has taught me a big lesson, the advice is simple the best time to join Unison is now, not when the chips are down. I am always happy to talk to anyone who is unsure or is considering joining Unison.

We aren’t just here for you when there’s a problem, it’s never too late to improve your chances and develop yourself. We have a wide variety of educational, career development, assistance programmes and training that is free to our members, as well campaigns and conferences where you can get involved. We also have self-organised groups at branch, regional and national platforms, advocating on behalf our Women, LGBT+, Black, Disabled, Young and Retired members, it’s win win.

Jed Murray Branch Secretary

In my day job I work in the CET Department based at County Hall and have worked for ESCC for 44 years (still too young to retire and haven’t been booted out because of my work in UNISON!). This year is the 30th Anniversary of UNISON I have been Branch Chairperson and Central Departments Convenor since then and was an activist previously in one of the partner unions. You will see me chairing the AGM if you are a member of UNISON and if you are a steward or officer you will see me Chairing the Branch Executive. If you have a problem at work and have told UNISON, you may see me assisting you to resolve your issues or telling you your rights or just being there for you. I have just undertaken training that will allow me to help with case work for a further 5 years.