The Branch Office is located at the main entrance to Police HQ and houses the offices of the full-time union officials and Branch Administrator Ann Cooper (Tel: 700 2251).  Ann works full time, office hours are 8.30am - 4.30pm.

The Branch Secretary is in charge of the Branch Office and Co-ordinates the functions of the Branch Executive Committee, together they are collectively charged with the strategic planning of branch operations. IN post since February 2011 they have been a key player in re-organising the way in which the branch functions providing efficient and effective member services. They have ensured branch adaptability to changing times and is a huge advocate of team work believing that together we can make a difference.

The branch was formed in 1994 and represents a growing membership of over 900 Police Staff within the Derbyshire Constabulary from all departments the length and breadth of the county.

Our members help to make the police force tick, performing vital functions that include: Incident Controllers, Scenes of Crime Officers, Enquiry Officers, Community Support Officers (PCSO's), Call Handlers, Photographic Technicians, Fingerprint Analysts, Traffic Wardens, Duty Management Officers, File Preparation Caseworkers, Business Support, Resource, Technical Support.

Police Staff within the constabulary perform critical functions without which, the constabulary could not function. Our members are not 'back office staff' but are highly trained specialists in their respective fields. The Branch is the sole legally recognised trade union in the workplace for Police Staff, and is responsible, for the purposes of collective bargaining, for negotiating with the Chief Constable and Police Authority on matters affecting Police Staff working conditions.

About UNISON and the branch

UNISON members work in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and in essential utilities. They include manual and white collar staff working full or part time in local authorities, the NHS, colleges and schools, the electricity, gas and water industries, transport and the voluntary sector and, of course Police Staff.

Most people join a union because they want protection at work - help with pay and conditions of service, legal or health and safety advice or representation in case things go wrong at work. That's what we're here for. UNISON negotiates on issues effecting your working conditions on such aspects as pay and leave entitlement at every level - local, regional and national. But we also do a lot more. Being a UNISON member gives you a range of benefits and unbeatable deals including great holidays and legal aid.

Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer or in some cases a number of employers.

UNISON representatives have local knowledge/experience of policies and procedures. They are situated in the workplace, they are there to represent you at work and help find the answers to your questions. They are workers just like you who volunteer and play a vital role in the maintenance  and organisation of your branch. If you have a problem, talk to your local union representative. If they can't handle the problem on their own, they can talk to other branch officers or full - time union experts on your behalf.

Anyone can face problems at work, but if you are a member of UNISON, - the officially recognised trade union for Derbyshire Police - you don't have to face them alone. We can provide advice and/or representation on things that effect you in the workplace. We are also there to help you make sure your healthy and safety are secured, support you in cases of disciplinary action, dismissals or redundancy and most importantly in Derbyshire Police represent you within the force recognition agreement under matters of effective bargaining.