WM7015 Activist Role Description

Role Purpose

A WM7015 Activist strengthens the branch by protecting workers, supporting communities, and building collective power across Sandwell Council workplaces. The role blends union activism, workplace advocacy, and community engagement into one unified function that identifies issues, challenges unfairness, and drives meaningful change.

Key Functions of the Role

1. Workplace Advocacy

Spot emerging issues early and raise them through the correct channels.
Ensure employment policies, procedures, and legal standards are followed.
Support colleagues experiencing conflict, welfare concerns, discrimination, or unsafe practices.
Provide clear signposting to union support, welfare assistance, and casework routes.

2. Union Organising

Recruit, engage, and retain members.
Build collective strength through meetings, campaigns, and workplace conversations.
Feed real‑world issues into branch strategy, policy drafting, and digital communications.
Help deliver branch campaigns that improve working conditions and public services.

3. Community Engagement

Connect workplace struggles with wider social issues affecting Sandwell residents.
Build relationships with community groups, charities, and civic organisations.
Support local campaigns that align with union values and strengthen worker voice.
Represent the branch as a civic force in Sandwell, not just a workplace body.

4. Equality, Safety, and Welfare

Promote dignity, fairness, and inclusion in every workplace.
Identify risks relating to health, safety, welfare, or discrimination.
Support colleagues in accessing welfare assistance, reasonable adjustments, and equality protections.
Ensure issues affecting vulnerable workers or communities are escalated appropriately.

5. Communication and Representation

Share accurate information with colleagues and encourage participation in union activity.
Represent worker concerns confidently and constructively to management.
Contribute to branch digital presence, including updates, campaigns, and guidance materials.
Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and respect at all times.

WM7015 Activist Competency Framework

This framework defines the behaviours, skills, and standards expected of activists across the branch. It can be used for recruitment, training, development, and performance expectations.

Core Competencies

Integrity and Reliability

Acts with honesty, fairness, and consistency.
Maintains confidentiality and trust.
Follows through on commitments and responsibilities.

Communication and Influence

Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully.
Listens actively and understands the concerns of colleagues.
Influences others through facts, clarity, and confidence.
Can represent issues to management without hesitation.

Problem Identification and Early Intervention

Spots issues before they escalate.
Understands workplace policies and how they apply.
Knows when to escalate concerns to officers, reps, or branch structures.

Organising and Mobilising

Encourages colleagues to participate in union activity.
Builds networks and relationships across teams and departments.
Helps turn individual concerns into collective action.
Supports recruitment and member engagement.

Equality, Dignity, and Respect

Understands equality principles and applies them in practice.
Challenges discriminatory behaviour or unfair treatment.
Supports colleagues who face barriers or disadvantage.

Community Awareness

Understands how workplace issues connect to wider social challenges.
Builds links with community organisations and campaigns.
Represents the union as part of Sandwell’s civic landscape.

Knowledge Requirements

Essential Knowledge

Basic understanding of employment rights and workplace policies.
Awareness of union structures, roles, and escalation routes.
Understanding of equality, health and safety, and welfare principles.
Familiarity with Sandwell Council’s working environment and community context.

Desirable Knowledge

Experience with casework or supporting colleagues.
Understanding of organising strategy and campaign planning.
Knowledge of local community groups, services, and civic networks.
Awareness of digital communication tools used by WM7015.

Behavioural Expectations

Professionalism

Acts responsibly and respectfully at all times.
Maintains boundaries and avoids personal bias.
Represents the branch with credibility and confidence.

Decisiveness

Makes clear, timely decisions when issues arise.
Does not avoid difficult conversations or situations.
Escalates concerns promptly when required.

Collaboration

Works constructively with officers, reps, members, and community partners.
Shares information that strengthens collective action.
Supports branch campaigns and initiatives.

Resilience

Handles challenging situations calmly and confidently.
Maintains focus under pressure.
Learns from experience and adapts.

Role Outcomes

A successful WM7015 Activist:

improves workplace standards and fairness
strengthens union membership and engagement
supports colleagues effectively and respectfully
contributes to safer, more inclusive workplaces
builds connections between workers and the community
enhances the branch’s visibility, credibility, and organising power