BOSTU relies upon relies on the hard work of volunteers to provide support and representation to our members.
Find out more about BOSTU here.
BOSTU Local Reps
Become a trade union rep with BOSTU. Trade union representatives look after the interests of their colleagues in the workplace. They represent and give advice when colleagues have problems at work. BOS Trade Union Representatives look after the interests of BIOS Members in the workplace.
Our Union provides support to members with workplace and employment issues, but we also campaign on issues such as pay and working conditions, and we send Reps to the annual TUC Congress, of which we are an affiliate.
Why become a BOSTU Rep?
- The role will give you additional skills and experience, especially in employment law and human resources policies.
- You will help protect people’s rights at work and encourage fairness in the workplace.
- You will support members in their hour of need, which can be very rewarding.
- There is a possibility of attending national conferences and events, such as the annual TUC Congress, of which we are an affiliate.
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Find out more about the training available on our BOSTU page, or contact Sam Aitkenhead for more information TUSecretary@orthoptics.org.uk
BOSTU Executive Board
The Executive board is the ruling body of the trade union, discussing and having final say on all decisions regarding all matters of the Union. It is made up of the General Secretary, the President, 3 representatives from England and one representative each from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This enables the Board to underpin the work of the Union and better serve our members from all corners of the UK.
We are currently looking for members to become country representatives on the Board for a term of two years.
If you would like to take on one of these exciting roles please see the job role description below and register your interest by emailing bios@orthoptics.org.uk. If you have any questions regarding any of the roles please contact the BOSTU General Secretary by emailing TUsecretary@orthoptics.org.uk, who will be pleased to give you further information.
If more than one candidate registers interest then the candidate will have to opportunity to address the members, following which members will be asked to cast their vote by secret ballot, with members receiving a ballot paper with a prepaid envelope to return it to an independent scrutineer (an independent person who checks the ballot is fair and counts the votes). Results will be announced around one month after the voting deadline. If there is only one candidate for each given position they will be voted in by the Board of trustees by default, if the candidate is deemed suitable.
The Union’s Executive board is elected to speak on members behalf. Successful candidates will represent the members within their region. If more than one candidate stands for office in a specific region then only the members in that specific region will be part of the ballot process
Each regional member of the Executive board will be expected to attend regular regional committee meetings representing BOSTU and report back to the General secretary, President and fellow board members at the Executive board meetings.
Each Executive board member will be in close contact with the lead officer of their region, and be expected to submit a report regarding regional trade union issues and concerns before each executive council board meeting.
The term of office for the regional Executive board member will be 2 years and mirroring that of BIOS trustees, this is a volunteer role. All expenses incurred during BOSTU work will be fully covered. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to stand for a second term of office.
