Staffed by two very experienced Research Officers, the areas covered are very wide. Issues around bargaining obviously make up the core of the work and can involve company analysis, pay determination, conditions, comparative data and so on. Other areas of major concern are legal & contractual questions, health & safety issues (where a considerable store of specialist knowledge has been accumulated), European Community issues, international concerns, pensions, social security, equality issues, union rules and legal requirements, negotiating strategies etc.

Time is also spent on work for the Federation as a whole which may mean servicing the Executive Committee on, for example, submissions about national minimum wage, safety questions or legal proposals. Publications are produced and assistance given on various materials which project the GFTU to affiliates and the wider public. The Service makes a major contribution to the Education work of the Federation.

When working directly for an affiliate the Service is in effect that affiliate's own personal research officer. All matters are confidential to that affiliate. On occasion the Officers can be involved in advising directly on negotiations, sitting on industry committees, representing with employers or at Industrial Tribunals. The nature of the work changes as the industrial and political circumstances change. The emphasis from year to year can vary considerably. The Service also acts as quickly accessible consultants against whom ideas can be bounced and information obtained.

The Service also has access to a range of specialist advisors who can assist on matters being considered.

The Service has tried to maintain itself at the forefront of technological change in its work. It has a range of direct or indirect access to key databases and information sources. It operates the latest IT equipment and is in the process of constant uprating and tailoring this to the needs of the Federation.