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Unions 21

About us

Modern and historical examples show us that societies are more equal and provide better opportunities when higher proportions of workers are part of trade unions.  Yet, unions are in long-term decline in either membership or in delivering outcomes for workers.  

This decline can be partly attributed to purposeful governmental policy and crack downs.  But it is also clear that the rapid changes in the world around us have presented a major challenge to the way unions work. 

We give unions insight, connections and help to navigate the changes affecting them now and in the future. 

Unions 21 is an inclusive and collaborative space where unions and trade union centres are welcomed regardless of size or sector.

Unions 21 team

Executive Director Becky Wright
A picture of a smiling man, here is wearing a navy suit and green tie.  He has dark hair and wears glasses.
Director, Ireland Robert Murtagh
Senior Research Fellow Steven Littlewood
Operations and Events Manager Kat Molesworth

Working with Unions 21 and our unions

Senior Associate, Digital Learning and Organising Antti Mäki
Senior Associate, Digital Transformation and AI Nick Scott
Senior Associate Victoria Barlow
Jim McAuslan is on a beach in front of a rock formation. He is dressed in wet weather gear and looks at the camera with a steely gaze.
Senior Associate, Governance Jim McAuslan
Associate Katherine Bassey
Kate Robertson looks at the camera with a friendly gaze. She is pictured from the shoulders up and has shoulder length brunette hair and wears glasses.
Associate Kate Robertson
Victoria Phillips smiles at the camera with a cool wisdom. She is wearing a smart jacket over a striped top.
Associate Victoria Phillips
Senior Associate, Governance and Operations Peter Pendle
Mary Bousted is speaking at a podium in front of the words 'Invest in Education'. She is holding a piece of paper aloft and smiling at the audience. She wears glasses, magnificent blue pendant ball earrings and a green shirt.
Associate Mary Bousted
Associate Director, External Relations Matt Ball
Associate Simon Sapper
Senior Associate Duncan Robertson
Associate Damon Silvers

Board

Chair Dave Penman
Vice Chair Sarah Woolley
Vice Chair Martin Furlong
Treasurer Dean Rogers
Trustee Helen Kelly
Trustee Chris Morris
Trustee Niamh Sweeney
Trustee Paul Day
Trustee Kate Dearden
Trustee Hardev Sohal

Unions who support us