UNISON Christmas Party 2026

Oxford City UNISON is delighted to invite both members and non-members to join us for our Christmas Party 2026.

📅 Friday 18 December 2026
📍 The Oxford Retreat, Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford

Come along and enjoy an evening of festive fun, great food, live music and excellent company in the Oxford Retreat's private function room. 

Your ticket includes:

• A welcome drink on arrival
• One additional drink
• A delicious hot and cold festive buffet
• Live entertainment from a fantastic local band
• Plenty of festive cheer in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere

Dress Code

Smart & Festive

Whether you're looking to catch up with colleagues and friends, enjoy some great food and music, or simply celebrate the festive season, we'd love to see you there.

Tickets

Tickets go on sale on 1 October 2026.

UNISON members will benefit from a discounted ticket price, and tickets will also be available for non-members. There will also be an opportunity to purchase tickets for partners and friends, making it a great night out for everyone.

Book your tickets here: Oxford City UNISON Tickets

Arriving Straight from Work?

Branch representatives will be at the venue from 4.30pm onwards, so if you're coming directly from work, feel free to join us early and start the celebrations.

Further details, including ticket prices and booking information, will be shared shortly.

For now, please save the date, spread the word, and get ready for what promises to be a fantastic evening.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

 

Best wishes,

Oxford City UNISON Branch

 

Tickets on sale now Book Tickets 

 

"Bringing members, colleagues and friends together for a well-earned festive celebration."

World Suicide Prevention Day

 

Changing the narrative on suicide 

 

Sometimes, the people around us may be finding things difficult in ways we cannot always see.

 

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is a chance to reduce the stigma and remind us of the importance of connection, understanding and support. This year’s message, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” is about replacing silence with open, compassionate conversations. 

The accompanying call to action, “Start the Conversation,” reminds us that a sensitive conversation can help someone feel less isolated and create an opportunity to connect them with appropriate support.

"A close work friend said they had noticed I was looking quite down and were worried that I might be at risk of suicide again. It made my thoughts pause"

Source: Samaritans

You are not alone

This can be a sensitive topic, and people will approach it in different ways. Some may have personal experience, while others may want to understand how to support themselves or someone else. Whatever your experience, you do not need to go through difficult times alone. Support is available.

My UNISON - Your New Member Portal

 

We wanted to remind everyone about My UNISON, the new online member portal that many of you will already have received an invitation to join.

The new portal has been developed to give members a more personalised and flexible way of accessing information, services and opportunities from UNISON. It is important to stress that this is designed to complement, not replace, the support and representation you receive from your local branch and workplace representatives. 

We are still here when you need us.

The portal brings together a range of useful features in one place and gives members more control over their own membership information. Through My UNISON, you can:

• Update your personal details, such as your home address, workplace or job role.
• Manage your communication preferences and choose how UNISON keeps in touch with you.
• Access information about consultations, ballots, surveys, campaigns and membership updates.
• View regional events and opportunities to get involved in UNISON activities.
• Share a unique QR code with colleagues who may be interested in joining UNISON, making it easier to help grow our union.

The portal will also provide access to UNISON's new Learning Management System, allowing members to browse learning opportunities available in their region, apply for courses, receive joining instructions and track their learning journey. This is a fantastic benefit for anyone looking to develop new skills, further their career or access personal development opportunities.

Ultimately, My UNISON is about making it easier for members to stay connected with their union, access the support and opportunities available to them, and engage with UNISON in a way that suits them best.

If you have received your invitation, we would encourage you to take a few minutes to activate your account and explore what is available. As always, if you need advice, support or representation, your local UNISON branch remains just a phone call or email away.

UNISON Oxford City Branch

office@oxfordcityunison.com 

01865 252042

Coach trip to Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August 2026

 UNISON is exploring the possibility of organising a coach trip to Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August 2026, and we would like to hear from members who may be interested in attending.

The trip would be family‑friendly, with members welcome to bring partners and children. There would be no cost to members at the point of booking, although please note that a charge may apply if you register to attend and do not turn up on the day, as costs will already have been incurred by UNISON.

At this stage, we are simply gathering expressions of interest to help us plan. Completing the form does not commit you to attending.

👉 Please take a moment to complete the short form here: Oxford City Branch of UNISON Bournemouth Coach Trip – Expression of Interest. – Fill in form

Thank you for supporting your union. We look forward to hearing from you.

Any questions, email Beth Wates at bwates@oxford.gov.uk 

Oxford City Council Staff Survey 2026

 Dear Members of Oxford City Branch of UNISON,

The staff engagement survey is still live, and the Oxford City Branch of UNISON would like to encourage all members to take a few minutes to complete it.

The survey should take around five minutes, but it gives you the opportunity to share your views on your workplace, your wellbeing, and what matters most to you at work.

Your feedback is important and helps ensure that staff voices are heard clearly and collectively.

Taking part is one of the simplest ways to influence positive change. The information gathered helps highlight what is working well and where improvements are needed, strengthening the case for action on issues that affect staff.

UNISON actively supports staff engagement and values your honest feedback. Your voice matters, and every response helps build a clearer picture of the experiences of staff across the organisation.

We strongly recommend that you take the time to complete the survey before it closes.

Thank you for your support.

Your voice does matter, so don't miss this opportunity to make sure your voice is heard.

Oxford City Branch of UNISON – Steward Nominations Open

 We are inviting nominations for members to stand as Stewards for the Oxford City Branch of UNISON. Stewards are essential in representing and supporting colleagues in the workplace, ensuring that every member has a voice.

Closing Date for Nominations: Wednesday, 25 February 2026 (by 12 noon)

How to Apply: Nomination forms are available from:

• www.oxfordcityunison.com
• Or contact your local steward directly.

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Why Become a Steward?

Being a steward is one of the most rewarding roles within UNISON. You will:

• Support colleagues by providing advice and guidance on workplace issues.
• Represent members in discussions with management.
• Shape decisions that affect your workplace and the wider branch.
• Develop new skills in negotiation, communication, and leadership.

Stewards are the backbone of our union—your involvement makes a real difference.

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Join Us at the AGM

The election of stewards and Officers will take place at our Annual General Meeting (AGM):

📍 Venue: The Wig & Pen, 9–13 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AU or option to joinn online 🗓 Date: Friday, 27 March 2026 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM

 

The AGM is your chance to help set priorities for the year ahead, submit motions, and vote on rule changes. This is a member-led democratic process—your participation matters!

 

Guest Speaker: Ryan Slaughter, Regional Manager at UNISON Southeast, will speak about Local Government reorganisation and its impact on jobs and services.

 

To book your place today, scan this QR Code

Oxford City Branch of UNISON 2025 AGM

 2025 AGM

One of the most important functions of the AGM is to elect officials to lead the branch for the year ahead. A whole range of different jobs are available in the branch, and each one of them carries a fundamental set of responsibilities. Whether you’re face to face with managers in negotiations, representing members in a disciplinary, or helping members with a welfare claim – all are necessary to create an effective union team.
At the AGM, branch members do the following:

• Ratify the election of Branch Officers
• Ratify the election of stewards
• Elect delegates to UNISON’s National and Local Government conferences
• Vote on motions
• Every person who attends and books their place via this Link will be automatically entered into a free raffle 
• Guest speaker Roger McKenzie who is a local trade unionist and socialist 

 
Please let your line manager know as soon as possible if you wish to attend the AGM.  You are entitled to paid time off to attend the AGM (up to one hour) and reasonable time off for travel to and from the meeting.

If you would like to stand as a steward for your area or would like more information, please e-mail office@oxfordcityunison.com or check out our website ​www.oxfordcityunison.com​​​