The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

The Certification Officer found a union breached its rules in branch elections under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 but did not issue an enforcement order after the breach was rectified. A separate complaint under the same legislation was withdrawn by the applicant, leading to its dismissal. The Certification Officer’s revised complaints procedure clarifies complaint handling, outcomes, accessibility, and data use, aiming to improve transparency and consistency in its services.

Two complaints regarding disciplinary proceedings by a union were dismissed following a video conference hearing on 27 May 2026. The Certification Officer also did not uphold complaints about the 2025 national elections for President and Treasurer after a hearing on 29 April 2026. Additionally, the Certification Officer’s Annual Report for 2025–26 was laid before Parliament on 3 July 2026, detailing trade union activities and statistical returns.

Three organisations were removed from the Certification Officer’s trade union list in June and July 2026: Women’s Rugby Association (dissolved 1 July), British Association of Dental Nurses (merged into Community on 23 June), and Trade Union for Ethnic Minority Social Workers (dissolved 23 June). An application for a certificate of independence was received from Equality for Workers Union on 8 June 2026 and remains under consideration for at least one month.

The Certification Officer introduced an online application system on 8 June 2026 to replace paper-based complaints under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. This change is part of a broader digital modernisation plan to improve efficiency, accessibility, and data use. Updated guidance and the online form will be available on the Certification Officer’s website.