Certification Officer

An independent investigation commissioned by the interim Certification Officer found that UNITE failed in 2021 to maintain satisfactory controls over accounting records, cash holdings, receipts and remittances, breaching section 28(1)(b) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The investigator found no evidence that the breach resulted from refusal or wilful neglect. UNITE has since strengthened its finance functions, prompting the Certification Officer to review statutory annual-return requirements and prepare new guidance. The Certification Officer will also recommend financial awareness and compliance training for trade union and employer-association executive committees and boards.