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UNISON SWAAHB - South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch

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UNISON SWAAHB - South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch

UNISON SWAAHB covers >3200 members in SWASFT (South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust),

UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch (or SWAAHB) is an award-winning active branch of UNISON - the public services union. UNISON SWAAHB looks after three thousand Ambulance & Allied Health members in the South West and covers all UNISON members that work for the following employers:

SWASfT (South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust)
NSL Care Services (private patient transport company)
CareUK (private company running NHS 111 helpline)
E-Zec Medical (private patient transport company)
ERS (private ambulance contractor)
Bristol Ambulance (private ambulance contractor)
Wings Ambulance Service (aeromedical company)
Devon Doctors
Rapid & Secure (private specialist transport)
Kernow Ambulance
Mobile Care
Servitas
St John Ambulance (charitable organisation which employs some ambulance staff)
Plymouth University, Bournemouth University and UWE (paramedic science staff & students)

As well as current employees, SWAAHB also looks after retired members and students, proving that we are stronger together!

19/11/2025

📣 Exciting Opportunity for UNISON Members!

UNISON SWAAHB is exploring the chance to offer Functional Maths and English qualifications to our members — fully supported through the branch.

This could be a huge benefit for anyone looking to develop their skills or progress their career, including those interested in the apprentice paramedic route.

At this stage, availability will depend on numbers and logistics, so we need to understand the level of interest.

👉 Interested in Functional Maths or English?
Please email UNISON@swast.nhs.uk
to register your interest.

Let’s make this opportunity happen for our members! 💜💚

17/11/2025

SWAST has reduced redeployment pay protection from 12 months to just 3 months (effective 22 August 2025) — and UNISON did NOT agree to this change.

This decision was not taken through PRAG or JNCC, the formal joint-negotiation routes with recognised Trade Unions.

SWAST say some staff were “abusing” the system. UNISON is deeply concerned about the impact on staff, including:
• Increased sickness rates
• Reduced morale & mental health
• Financial detriment during redeployment
• A punitive change affecting everyone instead of addressing individual issues
• Greater impact on staff with disabilities and long-term conditions

We meet with SWAST on Wednesday 19 November to challenge this.

UNISON believes redeployment should support staff — helping people stay at work, build confidence, recover from illness or injury, and maintain income during difficult times.

📢 Members: we need your voice.
What’s your experience of redeployment? How do these changes affect you?
What action would you support?

👉 Please complete our short survey ASAP: Redeployment Questionnaire – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1Jr8HAsL0ECdxOdKjT0WUjNsmKUUobFMl2sICU4Iq2lUMkdMVjhIR0VaRVpSN1NJQ1lSWlJQSzdRRS4u

In solidarity,
UNISON Branch Committee

14/11/2025

🟣 Have Your Say on Flexible Working at SWAST 🟣

UNISON listens to its members. You’ve been telling us how the current flexible working arrangements are affecting you — and UNISON is acting.

We are gathering real experiences from staff to highlight the significant flaws in SWAST’s current flexible working system. Your feedback is essential in helping us challenge these issues and push for meaningful improvements.

📋 Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and share your experience.
Every response strengthens our case and makes sure your voice is heard.

10/11/2025

Member-Led Win in Cornwall – Getting Paid Correctly for Acting Up

A grievance led by Lead Paramedics in Cornwall and supported by UNISON has confirmed that colleagues acting up into Duty Officer or Commander roles should be paid at the correct band for those shifts.

These colleagues acted up into Band 7 roles but were only paid at Band 6. This has now been rectified, and back pay will be issued.

The Paying People Correctly Policy (April 2023) confirms that acting up for one shift or more applies to key roles such as Operational Officer, Dispatch or EMD Team Leader, Clinical Hub or Team Leader, and HART Team Leader.

If you’ve acted up but not been paid correctly, gather your evidence — the shifts, duties performed, and pay details — and UNISON will support you in raising your case.

This success shows what can be achieved through member-led action, backed by your union.

03/11/2025

💬 What’s bothering you at work?

We want to hear from you. Whether it’s workload, resources, training, management support, or something else entirely — your experiences matter.

🗣️ Take a moment to fill out our short survey and tell us what’s affecting you at work.
Be as specific as you can — your feedback helps UNISON raise issues and push for real change.

You can complete it anonymously, or leave your email if you’d like us to follow up and offer support.

👉 Fill out the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/sTPrxtV0gV

Together, we can make a difference — but it starts with your voice. 💜

30/10/2025

💜 Get Involved with Your UNISON Branch! 💜

We currently have vacancies for several branch officer roles — this is your chance to get involved and help shape the work of UNISON across our area.

🌟 Available positions:
• Branch Chair
• Women’s Officer
• Welfare Officer
• Young Members Officer
• Education Coordinator
• Membership Secretaries

These roles are vital in supporting members, representing colleagues, and driving positive change within our branch.

📝 Learn more about each role: https://www.unison.org.uk/about/our-organisation/activists/branch-roles/ -1

📥 Submit your nomination here: https://nominations.activisthub.co.uk/

Nominations close midnight 12th November 2025, and successful nominees will remain in post until our AGM in March 2026.

💡 Tip: Nominations need support from two members — make sure they use the same email they receive UNISON communications on.

If you have any questions about the roles or the process, please get in touch at UNISON@swast.nhs.uk

Let’s work together to keep our branch strong, supportive, and active 💪

In solidarity,
Your UNISON Branch Management Group

24/10/2025

💜 Get more involved with UNISON! 💜

Are you passionate about improving your workplace and supporting your colleagues?
Want to have a real say in the issues that matter most to you?

Becoming a UNISON rep or workplace contact is a great way to:
✅ Be the first point of contact for members in your workplace
✅ Talk to members about the union and their issues
✅ Offer advice and support on workplace matters
✅ Represent members in cases, including disciplinary and grievance hearings
✅ Campaign for better working conditions
✅ Encourage more members to get active in UNISON
✅ Raise your members’ issues with the branch

Reps are also allocated paid time for official UNISON duties and activities.

UNISON is growing — and we want you to be part of it!
Whether you’d like to become a steward, a workplace contact, or simply learn more about how you can get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Get in touch to find out more or to express your interest:
📧 UNISON@swast.nhs.uk or George.Fidler@swast.nhs.uk

18/10/2025

🚨 UNISON calls for urgent action on staff mental health 🚨

This week, UNISON has written to John Martin, CEO of SWAST, calling on him to urgently raise the issue of mental health within the ambulance service at a national level.

Ambulance staff continue to face immense pressures every day, and it’s clear more must be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of those who care for others.

UNISON will continue to push for meaningful change — because protecting staff mental health is vital for both colleagues and patients. 💜

If you’re struggling or need support or guidance, please reach out — UNISON is here for you.
📧 UNISON@swast.nhs.uk

17/10/2025

📣 Calling all Paramedic Apprentices! 🚑

UNISON is gathering feedback for the upcoming Paramedic Apprentice Working Review Group — and we want to hear from you.

Your experiences, concerns, and ideas are essential to shaping positive change for paramedic apprentices across SWAST. 💬
Whether it’s about training, workload, support, or anything affecting your role — your voice matters.

📧 Please share your feedback or concerns by emailing: UNISON@swast.nhs.uk

Let’s work together to make improvements that truly reflect your needs and experiences. 💜

13/10/2025

💚 Mental Health Support for Ambulance Staff – from TASC 💚

Working in the ambulance service can take a real toll — but you don’t have to cope alone. The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) offers free, confidential mental health support for all ambulance staff.

🧠 What they offer:

One-to-one counselling and talking therapies

24/7 crisis phoneline: 0300 373 0898

Online wellbeing hub and self-care resources

Support for stress, trauma, anxiety, depression & burnout

Everything is independent, confidential, and designed for those working in our service.

Find out more or reach out for help: 🔗 www.theasc.org.uk/services-we-offer/mental-health

11/10/2025

💜 Supporting Mental Health in the Ambulance Service 💜

Working in the ambulance service can take a real toll — both physically and mentally. Long shifts, difficult situations, and constant pressure can all impact our wellbeing.

At UNISON SWAAHB, we want every member to know: you’re not alone. 💚

If you’re struggling, please reach out — whether that’s to a UNISON rep, a colleague, or one of the fantastic support services available:
🌿 UNISON’s There for You charity – practical and financial help for members in need
🚑 TASC (The Ambulance Staff Charity) – dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for ambulance staff
🌈 SWAST’s Staying Well Service – confidential support for staff wellbeing

Your mental health matters just as much as the care you give to others.
Please don’t be afraid to ask for help. 💬

10/10/2025

💜 World Mental Health Day 2025 💜

“Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we recognise the incredible dedication of our ambulance service colleagues — and the toll this work can take.

🚑 Every day, our staff face long hours, emotional pressures, and challenging situations that can impact wellbeing.
💬 Nearly 1 in 3 ambulance workers rate their mental health as poor or very poor.
💚 Over half have experienced anxiety, depression or stress related to their role.

At UNISON SWAAHB, we want every member to know: you are not alone.

If you’re struggling — please reach out:
🌿 UNISON’s There for You charity offers practical and financial support.
🚑 TASC (The Ambulance Staff Charity) provides counselling, trauma support, and wellbeing resources.
🌈 SWAST’s Staying Well Service is available for confidential wellbeing advice and help.
And of course, you can always talk to your UNISON rep for support or guidance.

Let’s keep breaking the stigma and looking after each other — not just today, but every day. 💜

Address

C/o Branch Secretary, SWASFT HQ, Abbey Court, Eagle Way
Exeter
EX27HY

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447773034636

Website

https://swaahb.co.uk/, https://linktr.ee/swaahb

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Your Voice in the South West

UNISON South Western Ambulance & Allied Health Branch (or SWAAHB) is an award-winning active branch of UNISON - the public services union. UNISON SWAAHB looks after three thousand Ambulance & Allied Health members in the South West and covers all UNISON members that work for the following employers: SWASfT (South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust) NSL Care Services (private patient transport company) CareUK (private company running NHS 111 helpline) E-Zec Medical (private patient transport company) ERS (private ambulance contractor) Arriva (bus company that also runs patient transport) Bristol Ambulance (private ambulance contractor) Wings Ambulance Service (aeromedical company) Devon Doctors Rapid & Secure (private specialist transport) Kernow Ambulance Mobile Care Servitas St John Ambulance (charitable organisation which employs some ambulance staff) Plymouth University, Bournemouth University and UWE (paramedic science staff & students) As well as current employees, SWAAHB also looks after retired members and students, proving that we are stronger together!