The regular election window was 1 March to 31 May 2026. The next task is to make consultation and co-determination processes work with the elected body.
Confirm responsibilities
Check the constitution of the body, contact arrangements, relevant committees and the relationship with any central or group works council. Establish a reliable process for receiving resolutions and delivering information. An informal understanding with an individual representative is not necessarily a valid agreement with the body.
Review the operating calendar
Identify projects likely to require information, consultation or co-determination: restructuring, hiring, transfers, working-time changes and HR technology. Build representative involvement into project planning early enough to be useful. Avoid presenting a technically completed rollout as if meaningful participation were still possible.
Preserve the agreements
Keep an accessible inventory of existing works agreements, expiry dates and review clauses. A new election does not itself erase the existing body of agreements. Check which arrangements need renewal, renegotiation or implementation guidance.
Disputes and irregularities
Election challenges have particular standing and timing requirements. A concern discovered months later should not be treated as if a normal challenge period remained open. Obtain advice on the specific issue and available procedural route.
Sources and further reading
Published: 8 November 2026. Related legal advice · Contact the firm