Members of UNISON are typically from industries within the public sector and generally cover both full-time and part-time support and administrative staff.

The stewards receive training in workplace issues and are then able to co-ordinate and represent members both on an individual basis and collectively.

[11] The levels of subscription are determined by the National Delegate Conference and are recorded as a Schedule in the union rules.

Membership fees vary depending on how frequently members are paid and the level of their current salary.

Members who have had continuous membership for at least two years may opt to pay a one-off fee of £15 upon retirement from paid employment.

Much of the recruitment within organisations takes place at a local level, with stewards and branches directly engaging with the staff within their remit.

[17] UNISON also carries out research and campaigns on public service issues, such as the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

[18][19] It has also voted (at its 2005 annual conference) to oppose the Government's proposals for a British national identity card.

[20] The union's links to Labour and its moderate policies has caused some conflict and criticism of action taken against left-wing activists.

Campaigns cover a broad area from pay and pensions to sector-specific initiatives focusing on a variety of issues from cleaner hospitals to opposing the sell-off of public housing.

[23] Unison ran a campaign to "end the two tier workforce", affecting staff employed by government contractors, with a motion carried at its 2004 National Delegate Conference.

In February 2013, UNISON was among other organizations and individuals who gave their support to the People's Assembly in a letter published by The Guardian newspaper.

[31] UNISON Delegates and representatives attended the People's Assembly Conference held at Westminster Central Hall on 22 June 2013.

[38] Four candidates received enough nominations to be on the ballot: Paul Holmes, Christina McAnea, Roger McKenzie and Hugo Pierre.

[39] Peter Sharma and Margaret Greer stood and did not get onto the ballot,[40][37] Voting for the General Secretary election took place from 18 October to 27 November, with the results announced on 11 January 2021.

[53] In February 2022 the new union president, Paul Holmes, was dismissed as an employee of Kirklees Council after a disciplinary action of over two years.