Uk Certification Officer

Alsaid Union Complaint Rejected, 2025 Branch Elections

The Certification Officer for the United Kingdom issued a decision in Alsaid v Unite the Union on 23 March 2026. Mr Alsaid had filed complaints alleging breaches of union rules regarding 2025 branch elections at the South East branch of Unite the Union. The application was made under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Following a video conference hearing on 18 February 2026, the Certification Officer did not uphold the complaints.

Farwell v University and College Union - Breach of Union Rules Decision

The UK Certification Officer issued a final decision dismissing all seven complaints filed by Dr Farwell against the University and College Union (UCU) regarding alleged breaches of union rules in 2023 branch elections at the Solent branch. Following a three-day hearing conducted via video conference in December 2025, January 2026, and March 2026, the Certification Officer did not uphold any of the complaints brought under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

Breach of Union Rules Decision: McGaughey & Blake v UCU

The Certification Officer issued a decision under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 in McGaughey & Blake v UCU. Following a hearing on 10 February and 3 March 2026, the Certification Officer refused six of seven complaints alleging breaches of union rules regarding appointment or election to union office. One complaint was upheld in part, though no enforcement order was made.

Nesbitt v NASUWT - Nine Complaints Dismissed

The Certification Officer dismissed all nine complaints made by Mr. Nesbitt regarding breaches of union rules in the 2025 General Secretary election of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers. The complaints were brought under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Following a Video Conference hearing on 17 March 2026, no complaints were upheld.

Certificate of Independence Application From UPECC and Union Rule Decisions

The Certification Officer published an application for a certificate of independence from Union of Pilots, Engineers & Cabin Crew (UPECC) under section 6 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Public comments on the application are invited within one calendar month of 13 April 2026. The announcement also summarizes recent union rule breach decisions from March and April 2026 involving NASUWT, UCU, and other unions.