Regulator profile
Certification Officer
Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employers' Associations
Enforcement Regulator2 areas of regulation · 17 official guidance documents · 2 laws enforced · Great Britain
What Certification Officer does
Statutory regulator of trade unions and employers' associations in Great Britain. Maintains the list of trade unions, enforces the rules governing union elections, political funds, financial records and mergers, and investigates member complaints. Powers strengthened by the Trade Union Act 2016 (investigatory powers, levy, declarations).
Additional information
Sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Enforces the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the Trade Union Act 2016.
Contact Certification Officer
Types of regulation
Official guidance from Certification Officer
Curated guidance documents to help you understand your obligations.
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Certification Officer’s hearing procedures
Detailed Guidance
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Establish a political fund
Detailed Guidance
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Cleaners Union: Rules (PDF format)
Detailed Guidance
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United Medical Associate Professionals Trade Union (UMAPs TU) : Other related Documents (PDF format)
Detailed Guidance
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Apply for a Certificate of Independence
Detailed Guidance
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Apply to be on the official list of trade unions or employers’ associations
Detailed Guidance
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Apply to be removed from the list of trade unions and employers’ associations
Detailed Guidance
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Complain about a trade union or employers’ association, or apply to the Certification Officer for a declaration
Detailed Guidance
Legal framework
Legislation that Certification Officer directly enforces.
Primary legislation
- TULRCA 1992 Act 1992
- Trade Union Act 2016 Act 2016
Coverage area
Great Britain
Covers England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland may have separate arrangements.