Certification Officer
26 June 2024
Breach of union rules decision: Bhogal v National Education Union
Mr Bhogal made a complaint under 108A (1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 that the union breached its rule relating to disciplinary proceedings.
The Certification Officer struck out the complaint under section 256ZA of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 on the basis that it had no reasonable prospect of success.
20 May 2024
Breach of union rules decision: Alam (2) v Unite the Union
Mr Alam made two complaints of breach of union rules in relation to branch elections. Following a hearing held by Video Conference on 24 April 2024, the Certification Officer refused to make a declaration on both complaints.
7 May 2024
Independent Oxfam Union has been entered on the list of trade unions held by the Certification Officer with effect from 7 May 2024.
22 April 2024
Breach of union rules decision: Lambe v Fire Brigades Union
Mr Lambe made one breach of rule complaint about the Unions Executive Councils powers in relation to an application to join the Union . The application was made under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Following a hearing held by Video Conference on 27 March 2024, the Certification Officer upheld the complaint and made an enforcement order intended to prevent a similar breach occurring in the future.
19 April 2024
Aircrew Officers Association Europe was removed from the list of trade unions held by the Certification Officer with effect from 19 April 2024 because the organisation had dissolved.
16 April 2024
Breach of statutory election procedures: Evans v Prospect
Mr Evans complaint related to the Unions duty to hold elections for its executive members under section 46 of the 1992 Act. The Certification Officer struck out the complaint under section 256ZA of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 on the basis that it had no reasonable prospect of success.
11 April 2024
Libertas Union has been entered on the list of trade unions held by the Certification Officer with effect from 11 April 2024.
13 March 2024
Breach of rules decision: Dent v National Education Union
Mr Dent made one complaint of a breach of a Union rule relating to the NEC election in 2023. The application was under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Following a hearing held by Video Conference on 21 February 2024, the Certification Officer refused the complaint.
7 March 2024
Listing decision: International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers
Application by International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers to be entered into the list of trade unions. The application was refused by the Certification Officer under section 3(3) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
31 January 2024
Embery (3) v Fire Brigades Union (D/3/23-24)
The applicant made a complaint that the Fire Brigade Union breached section 30(2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 in failing to comply with his request to access accounting records of the union. A hearing was set for 18 January 2024. On 17 January 2024 Mr Embery informed the Certification Officer that he had been given access to the accounting records he sought. The Certification Officer found that Mr Emberys complaint was well founded but it was not appropriate for her to make an enforcement order as access to the records had been given.
11 January 2024
Popplestone v Royal College of Nursing (D/3/23-24)
This application was made under Section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
The Certification Officer dismissed the application upon withdrawal by the applicant.
4 January 2024
Sartin v UNISON (D/2/23-24)
The applicant made a complaint that UNISON: The Public Service Union breached section 30(2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 in failing to comply with his request to access accounting records of the union. Following a hearing held by Video Conference on 14 November 2023, the Certification Officer upheld the complaint and made an enforcement order to ensure the applicants access to the relevant records.
15 December 2023
Scottish Engineering was removed from the Certification Officers list of Employers Associations on 14 December 2023 because it no longer meets the statutory definition of an Employers Association.
25 October 2023
Union of Pilots, Engineers & Cabin Crew (UPECC) has been entered on the list of trade unions held by the Certification Officer with effect from 20 October 2023
PTSC has been removed from the Certification Officers list of Trade Unions on 6 October 2023 because it no longer meets the statutory definition of a Trade Union.
The National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers has been removed from the Certification Officers list of Employers Associations on 27 September because it no longer meets the statutory definition of an Employers Association.
Autonomous Workers Union (AW Union) has been removed from the Certification Officers list of Trade Union on 14 August 2023 because it no longer meets the statutory definition of a Trade Union.
19 October 2023
Certification Office awarded Investors In People (IIP), Gold accreditation
Investors in People has awarded the Certification Office its Gold accreditation. Achieving this internationally-recognised standard demonstrates the Certification Offices commitment to excellence through quality people management.
Sarah Bedwell, the Certification Officer, said:
Im exceptionally proud of everyone for achieving this award it recognises how well we all work together and our commitment to providing a good service especially following implementation of the new legislation. It also shows that we have adapted well not only to flexible working following the pandemic but also the way we work and provide our services. The team has taken responsibility for exploring new ideas on all aspects of our work. We will build on our success by continuing to develop together and deliver improvements for our customers and stakeholders. The award, recognises a highly empowered workforce, supportive management and an embedded commitment to developing and valuing individuals. Gold is a fantastic achievement for a very small organisation such as ours
IIP aims to make work better through investing in the right blend of talent, motivation and leadership. The IIP framework assesses organisations in three areas:
Leading: Inspiring people ; living the organisations values and behaviours; and