Your Voice – Your Vote

An election for the next general secretary of our union is underway. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.

Why is this happening?

The general secretary is elected by our members every five years.

Who is the general secretary?

The general secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament.

According to UNISON’s rulebook and trade union legislation, UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years.

When is the ballot?

The ballot opens on 28th October 2025 and runs until 25th November 2025. The results will be announced on 17th December 2025.

Who are the candidates in this election?

The following candidates have been confirmed in this election. Their names are listed below in alphabetical order. 

• Andrea Egan
• Christina McAnea

Prior to this member ballot, both candidates approached Unison Branches across the country with their election addresses asking for their nomination. After careful consideration, your Branch agreed that we would nominate Christina McAnea. The actual vote in the ballot between the two candidates is however personal to each member and completely confidential. 

Voting Process

Members who were not on UNISON’s central membership system on 28th July 2025 will not be eligible to vote in this election. Retired members are also entitled to vote.

Ballot papers will be sent to members’ home or other notified address in writing. Members will be provided with a pre–paid envelope for the return of the ballot paper to the independent scrutineer. All voting, by law, must be by post.

Ballot Papers

The despatch of ballot papers to individual members will begin on 28th October 2025.

The ballot pack will consist of:

• A covering letter from UNISON’s Director of the Executive Office
• A booklet containing the candidates’ election addresses and a full list of nominating bodies
• A ballot paper
• A return envelope.

If you have not received your ballot paper by 11th November 2025 or if you require your ballot materials in a special format e.g. in large print, please call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857 to arrange for a ballot paper to be sent to you. Requests for ballot papers must be received by noon on 19th November 2025.

Ballot papers must be returned by 5pm on 25th November 2025.