If you need help or advice at work the NGSU is here to support you. We have a team of union employees who are trained to help and represent members in a range of situations at work. We also have a network of District and Department Representatives who are available for you to talk to - either about personal issues at work or to hear your views on working life at Nationwide in general.

Individual Cases Officers (ICOs) are employees of the Union who provide a dedicated resource for helping individual members. The ICOs are trained to represent members at hearings called for disciplinary or capability purposes and to support members in pursuing grievances, including discrimination and harassment cases. You can speak to an ICO in total confidence; they will listen to your concerns and provide advice and suggestions on how to deal with your concerns. They will not contact anyone at Nationwide to discuss your issues unless you ask them to.

To speak to an ICO please call us at Middleton Cheney on 01295 710767 or if you're based in Nationwide House or Northampton Administration Centre, or Portman House Bournemouth you can visit our ICO Office - see location below. The ICOs are regionally based and can arrange face-to-face meetings and will attend formal hearings to represent you.

Disciplinary Officers (DOs) are Union members who have been trained and accredited to represent other members at formal disciplinary or capability hearings. A DO will support you before, during and after your hearing. They will ensure that your hearing is conducted fairly and in accordance with agreed procedures and that you are given a full opportunity to out your case to the person conducting the hearing. With their knowledge of previous cases, DOs can also ensure that any decision reached at a hearing is consistent with decisions given in the past.

DOs have full rights of representation at hearings and so can speak on your behalf and address the hearing. They'll talk you through what to expect before a hearing and help you assess the implications of any decisions. If necessary they'll help you submit an appeal or refer you to an ICO who will seek expert legal advice if required.

Often your District (branch network) or Department Representative (DR) will be your first port of call if you need help from the Union. Your DR will be based within your Area or in or near your department, so they are easy to contact and meet. Your DR can put forward your views on issues at work to the Regional Council and the Union's negotiating team, give you general advice on how to seek further help from the union or, where appropriate, take local action on your behalf.

To find out who your District or Department Representative click here or call 01295 710767.

Law Express is a free legal advice service for NGSU members, friends and family. The service is available 24 hours a day and will give general advice on all aspects of the law, not just employment law. To find out more visit our Benefits section.