Union rulebooks, elections, & recognition

Rulebook guidance & governance

Union rulebooks form the backbone of your organisation’s structure, governing everything from member conduct to leadership roles. But even the most comprehensive rulebooks can leave room for interpretation. Misunderstandings around rulebook provisions can lead to internal disputes, member grievances, or even legal challenges.

Our team has extensive experience helping unions understand, interpret, and apply their rulebooks to real-world situations. Whether you’re dealing with a disciplinary issue, governance dispute, or simply need clarity on a particular rule, we offer straightforward advice to ensure your union remains compliant with its own rules as well as the law.

We also help unions review and amend their rulebooks to meet evolving legal requirements and internal needs. From ensuring compliance with statutory provisions to tailoring rules for clarity and fairness, we guide unions through the entire process of governance reform.

Common issues we assist with include:

• Interpretation of ambiguous rulebook clauses.
• Compliance with both internal rules and statutory requirements.
• Dispute resolution within unions arising from governance issues.

Union elections: Ensuring compliance & fairness

Elections are the cornerstone of any democratic organisation, and unions are no exception. However, running union elections isn’t as straightforward as simply counting votes. Legal requirements govern everything from eligibility criteria to the election process itself.

Failure to comply with these laws can lead to significant consequences, including disputes, challenges, and even legal action from disgruntled members.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we provide expert legal guidance to help unions run fair, transparent, and compliant elections. Whether it’s a scheduled leadership election or a mid-term by-election, our solicitors have the experience and knowledge to ensure your process adheres to both your rulebook and statutory obligations.

We help unions with a wide range of election-related issues, including:

• Ensuring compliance with Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
• Clarifying eligibility rules for both candidates and voters.
• Advising on procedures for leadership and committee elections.
• Managing disputes and challenges that may arise during or after elections.
• Ensuring proper notice periods, voting methods, and ballot secrecy.

Non-compliance with these rules can lead to significant disruption within your union and potential intervention by the Certification Officer. We aim to minimise these risks by guiding unions through the entire election process—from planning and notifications to the final count.

Whether you’re a small union or a national organisation, we tailor our advice to suit your specific needs, ensuring that your elections are both compliant and representative of your membership’s voice.

Key benefits of working with us:

• Avoid disputes: With our clear advice, you can prevent internal disputes from arising over election procedures.
• Ensure transparency: We help you establish transparent election processes that members can trust.
• Mitigate risks: By complying with all statutory and rulebook requirements, you avoid legal challenges that could undermine your union’s credibility.

Running a fair and lawful election doesn’t need to be stressful. Let us handle the legal aspects so you can focus on your union’s future leadership. For immediate support, call us on 020 7940 4060 or email mail@anthonygold.co.uk.

Union recognition: Voluntary & statutory routes

Formal recognition by an employer is a vital step for any union seeking to represent its members effectively in negotiations over pay, working conditions, and other employment terms. Recognition gives your union a seat at the table, providing a legally backed framework for collective bargaining. While many employers voluntarily recognise unions and see the value in maintaining constructive relationships, others may need more persuasion.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we have significant experience assisting unions through both voluntary and statutory recognition processes. We work closely with union representatives to ensure they achieve recognition, allowing them to negotiate on behalf of their members and secure better workplace conditions.