Derbyshire UNISON
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Derbyshire UNISON
@derbyshireunison.bsky.social
Defending public services and standing up for our members. We are all the union.
'Branch Secretary of UNISON Derbyshire Martin Porter said

'“This is a huge victory for the SEND parents who protested, and will be very welcome news for our hard-working members. This result shows people power works.”'

www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
"The decision brings hope" Parents and UNISON welcome Derbyshire council’s £1.3m boost for SEND staff
Concerned parents and union members have welcomed Derbyshire County Council’s decision to boost funding for its SEND teams by £1.3m to better support youngsters with Special Educational Needs and Disa...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 1:02 PM
A really huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in The SEND Sanctuary UK Every Pair Tells a Story protest at County Hall on 3 November 2025. Yesterday the Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council approved £1.3 million additional funding for the DCC SEND team, which will increase staffing in the team by 50%
December 5, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Our monthly newsletter, which should have arrived in our inbox members inboxes earlier in the week, including an update on our SEND campaign
December 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
It was really wonderful to surprise Teaching Assistant Jade Shaw at English Martyrs Catholic Primary School yesterday, to give her a HIdden Heroes award. Jade was nominated by her colleagues for her outstand work and commitment to the children, so it was only fair we rewarded her.
November 26, 2025 at 11:07 AM
We met waste collection workers from Alliance Environemental Services in Buxton at 5AM this morning. They are unhappy about new work practises and unrealistic demands, and refuse to listen to recycled arguments from management.
November 24, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Solidari-Tea with Kaz Tweedie and the Teaching Assistants at St Charles' Catholic Primary School in Hadfield.

We heard that some Teaching Assistants aren't allowed to have hot drinks during school hours, even though staff they work with are, so we're issuing all our TA members with screw top cups.
November 19, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Introducing Matthew Kerry, our new Steward in Bolsover District Council. There's a lot going on at Bolsover at the moment, and they'll be more with Local Government Reorganisation. If you have a workplace issue contact us, and we'll get Matt on your case.
November 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Our November newsletter, which should have arrived in the inboxes of our members earlier in the week. If you didn't get one, it's probably because we don't have a current email for you.
November 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
'In Derbyshire, the latest figures published by the authority in October show 8,778 children have an education, health and care plan (EHC Plan) which outlines their legal requirements for additional support in school, overseen by the county council.'

www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...
Emotive stories of 'failed' SEN children told through forlorn tiny shoes
The Derbyshire protest was one of dozens which were held around the country over special educational support
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
There was a moving tribute at County Hall this morning to the children who have missed out due to the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision. Our members in the SEND assessment team report low morale, high sickness rates and experienced staff leaving for other authorities.
November 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
On Monday there will be a protest at County Hall about the disgraceful state of provision for disabled children (SEND) by Derbyshire County Council. We represent many of the staff in the SEND team and they tell us of undertaffing and unreaistic demands from management. Derbyshire deserves better.
October 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
A huge welcome to our newest member, Sue Walters, a Social Care Practitioner based at The Quad. UNISON is committed to a better deal for social care staff like Sue and the creation of National Care Service.
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 PM
"Concern for the natural environment runs deep through our movement’s history.

To the trade unions’ mighty campaigns for safe, clean workplaces.

To the Kinder Scout Trespass – led by workers from Sheffield and Manchester who fought and won the right to enjoy nature."

labour.org.uk/secretary-of...
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds’s speech at Labour Party Conference 2025 – The Labour Party
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds’s speech at Labour Party Conference 2025 Thank you, Conference. I am delighted to be here as the new Secretary of State for the...
labour.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Notts County Council is looking at a 76 million pound overspend, but don't worry, they've plenty of money for flags.
October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
"Sonya Pickford, UNISON Derbyshire’s Children’s Convenor and Health & Safety Lead, has been awarded the TUC Gold Medal, presented at the TUC Congress in Brighton on Tuesday 10 September."

highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
October 23, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The SEND Sanctuary UK are planning a dramatic protest outside County Hall for Monday 3 November to highlight the continued failure of the Derbyshire County Council to fund children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
October 22, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Diwali began last night and will be celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
October 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM
"Reform UK councillor in charge of special educational needs provision in Derbyshire has resigned from the county council.
Jack Bradley was elected for the first time in May as Reform took control of the council and was appointed cabinet member for education and SEND."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK cabinet member resigns from Derbyshire County Council
Jack Bradley, who was in charge of special educational needs provision, has stepped down.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
October 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
October 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
We were at The Quad in Chesterfield today, getting members opinions on proposed changes to DCC sickness policy. We also picked up a shocking case of discrimination, concerns about violence at work and major issues of disabled access to the building. Dealing with these is what we're here for.
October 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The latest edition of The Activist, which was emailed out to our members yesteday. If you're part of the branch and didn't receive one, that's probaly because we don't have an email for you. If so, update your details on My UNISON

my.unison.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
'Union Branch Secretary of Derbyshire UNISON, Martin Porter, said: “This so-called ‘update’ tells us nothing at all.

“People deserve to know: are these sales all tied together? Is that why there’s been so much delay?'

www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
Derbyshire council moves closer to controversial handover of eight care homes to new provider
Derbyshire County Council has confirmed discussions are underway with a care provider to take over eight of nine care homes which it controversially agreed to sell-off despite public outcry and a grou...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
We are recruiting.

We are looking for a Branch Office Manager to join our campaigning and award winning team.

Could this be you?

www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/midland...
September 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Natalie Fleet MP has met with families affected by the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision.

www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
"We can’t go on like this": Derbyshire MP holds meeting with 'ignored' SEND families – demanding action from County Council
Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet heard first-hand about the desperate fight families are facing to get their children the special educational needs provision they need.
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 9:08 AM