On Friday evening, over 170 regional activists and members gathered for the UNISON East Midlands Branch Awards 2026.
Held in Lincoln for the first time, the awards evening was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work taking place across branches, workplaces and campaigns throughout the East Midlands.
From recruitment and organising to equalities, communications and learning, the event highlighted the dedication and commitment that continues to strengthen UNISON in the region.
The evening brought together activists from every corner of the East Midlands to celebrate collective wins, personal achievements and the often unseen work that goes into representing members and standing up for fairness at work.
This year’s winners are:
Recruitment: University of Nottingham branch
For outstanding recruitment growth achieved through workplace organising, delivering a major win for members while increasing membership by the largest percentage in the region.
Be The Reason: North Derbyshire Healthcare branch
For exceptional work in recruiting, training and supporting new activists, significantly increasing branch capacity and participation.
Communications: Loughborough University branch
For creative, proactive and member-focused communications that have strengthened engagement, visibility and participation across the branch.
Equalities: Lincolnshire local government branch
For building strong self-organised groups and embedding equality, representation and participation at the heart of branch activity.
Promoting Member Learning: Ukpa Ucheegbulam
For consistently going above and beyond to support member learning, delivering high-quality training and contributing innovative ideas to learning activity across the region.
Win of the Year: East Midlands Ambulance Service branch
For the “Put Our Banding Right” campaign, delivering significant re-banding outcomes and pay improvements for nearly 1,000 low-paid workers.
Activist Rising Star: Tim Green and Bev Wright Douglas
For outstanding impact by new activists who have already demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to members.
Outstanding Activist: Lesley Panton
For nearly 40 years of exceptional service to members, the region and the wider union, and for lifelong dedication to equality, fairness and representation.
Speaking after the event, UNISON East Midlands regional secretary Chris Jenkinson said: “It has been a real honour to recognise the incredible hard work, commitment and achievements of our branches and activists here in the East Midlands.
“These awards showcase the very best of our branches and activists who give their time, energy and determination to improve the lives of others and to make our union stronger.
“As I prepare to move on from the region, I want to thank every activist and member for the privilege of working alongside you. The strength, creativity and solidarity on display tonight gives me complete confidence in the future of UNISON in the East Midlands.”