Cymru Wales UNISON cymru/wales Education Programme 2013 · 2015-06-19 · 2 Cymru/Wales Education...

Education Programme

UNISON cymru/wales

Cymru Wales

2013

2 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013

using this programme

Welcome to our 2013 programme of coursesUNISON is facing many challenges and the way we deliver education has to change and become more flexible and responsive to meet legislative requirements and the demands of members in the face of those challenges.

Education remains at the heart of UNISON Cymru/Wales’ work. It helps members to realise their potential and provides opportunities to become more involved in UNISON generally. It can help to build self-confidence and develop practical skills to use in the Union and everyday life.

We offer a variety of courses, from lifelong learning opportunities to trade union education. This includes training and development for union reps as well as personal and career development courses ranging from Skills for Life through to professional qualifications. We aim to develop a union whose activists reflect and promote our ethos of equality and diversity, and whose members are empowered to take control, and make decisions for themselves in their working lives.

Courses are held in a variety of locations across Wales but we always aim to use venues that are safe and accessible by all members and close to public transport routes.

I hope that you will find the courses very informative and enjoyable and that you will meet and get to know other UNISON activists and members, where you can learn and support each other.

Gareth John Martin HortonRegional Organiser (Education) Secretary to Education & Training CommitteeCymru Wales Region Cymru Wales Region

Cymru Wales

U-Train offers a map of UNISON learning routes for both representatives and members. The key to the map shows core courses, TUC courses and optional courses. Arrows indicate how you can move between roles and develop your skills and training further.

If you need help to plan your route, contact your branch or a member of the regional Education Team who will be pleased to help you.

Education Programme

UNISON cymru/wales

Cymru Wales

2013

1Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013

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contents

Enquiries? Concerns?Get in touch with the

Education & Training Team

Tel: 02920 729414 Fax: 02920 387531

Why Education? 3

General Information 4

Further information 6

Core Courses 7

Branch based Workshops 10

Union Learning 11

Calendar 16

Union Learning continued 18

Leadership Programme 19

Branch Development 20

Membership Development 23

Equality in the workplace 25

Other courses 26

National Employment Courses 28

Course Application Form 30

Trained and Active 33cont

ents


welcomeWelcome to our 2013 programme of courses

why education

UNISON has agreed a set of aims to build and strengthen our union. These are:

Enhance our capability to meet the recruiting, organisational and representational challenges posed by austerity measures including cuts, workforce reductions, reorganisations, attacks on facility time and privatisation - for all members who provide public services.

Protect and secure decent employment and pensions for UNISON members, promoting equality and challenging discrimination.

Develop our public service campaigns in support of quality public services, in defence of the NHS and all public services, building our political influence, forging alliances with unions and community groups to challenge the austerity programme, including challenging the attacks on the welfare state.

Ensure that the union’s essential ICT infrastructure and internal management systems are efficient and effective to meet the changing needs of our branches and membership.

Take control!

UNISON Cymru/Wales’ Education and Training programme has a key role to play in helping to achieve our objectives. Our courses aim to develop a union whose activists reflect and promote our ethos of equality and diversity, and whose members are empowered to take control, and make decisions for themselves in their working lives.

Learning opportunities

This guide is designed to help you get the skills and learning opportunities you need and want - as a valued member and/or activist in UNISON.

UNISON education and training will help you:

apply the skills you have to your trade union role, and develop new skills where you want to

develop your understanding of workplace issues for sharing with your members

explore what it means to be an activist in an organising union – one of the largest unions in Wales and the UK

get the support you need through quality training

Whether you are just starting out, or have been around longer in UNISON, we hope you will find something relevant to you.

We are facing massive challenges in the face of austerity with threats to facilities, time off, funding for trade union education and an increasingly fragmented work force. Our strategy is to continue to provide opportunities and extend capacity that enable greater membership participation and engagement. We will do this by improving accessibility and promotion of training, lifelong learning, skills pathways and continual personal development.

The way we deliver education has to change and become more flexible and responsive to meet legislative requirements and the demands of members in the face of those challenges. Education remains the heart of all UNISON Cymru/Wales work and whilst we will continue to offer our core activist training, equality, membership development, branch development and lifelong learning courses; these will be supplemented by a range of short focussed workshops that can be run in branches.

I hope that you will find in this programme the training that you need to help you to deal with all aspects of your union work. Everything from the basic courses that all stewards need to more specialised courses are included and if you find that your branch has a specific need that is not covered please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss how we can help. Gareth John (Regional Organiser Education)

Aims and objectives


What are the courses like?FriendlyUNISON courses are run in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Everybody’s views and experiences are valued and listened to. Most of the time you will be working with other people in small groups. You will not be lectured at or ‘put on the spot’.

ComfortableOur residential courses are run in comfortable hotels. All meals are provided and special diets are catered for if you let us know in advance.

Accommodation is usually in single rooms. Some of our venues have swimming pools and leisure facilities. We will endeavour to let you know what facilities are provided.

InformalOur courses are relaxed and informal, so you are invited at all times to dress for comfort.

AccessibleWe seek to ensure that the venues we use have adequate facilities for disabled members. Because of the wide varieties of facilitation required it is important that members let us know as soon as possible what they want and that they are specific about requirements.

Time off to attend

Stewards, Health and Safety representatives and Union Learning Representatives have a legal right to paid time off to attend relevant training. If this applies it is YOU or YOUR branch’s responsibility to arrange time-off to attend the course. If you have any problems then speak to your Branch Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representative or Branch Secretary.

Course application procedure

Once you have selected a course, or courses, which you wish to attend you will need to fill out an application form. One has been enclosed with this programme which can be photocopied or contact the Education & Training Team at the Cardiff office for further copies.

Most of the courses offered within this programme are free to members but you will need to have the approval of your Branch. Applications forms must be given to the Branch Education Co-ordinator or Branch Secretary to sign.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application although this is not a guarantee of a place on the course.

Responsibilities at home

If you have incurred an additional cost UNISON can provide a care allowance for children and dependants, if they need to be looked after whilst you are attending courses.

The scale of the allowance changes from time to time and current rates can be obtained from the Education & Training Team, Cardiff. You are obliged to provide a receipt.

On residential courses UNISON will endeavour to provide childcare facilities for children up to the age of 16 plus accommodation suitable for children. Qualified childcare workers are employed to provide this care.

Nursery nurses will care for children up to the age of 7 years and youth workers will look those aged 8 – 16 years after. These carers will often be responsible for children during course times and until 11pm in the evening.

We must conform to the Children’s Act so you must let us know when you apply for a course if you need to bring your child/children. Otherwise, we may be unable to provide appropriate supervision.

general information


general information

Confirmation of your place on a course

Each course in this programme has a closing date of four weeks prior to the start for applications. You will be contacted after the closing date and advised whether or not you have a place. We will also tell you about the details of the course e.g. venue, start times and any other relevant information.

Early application is advisable when you require childcare or other facilities. Late applications may be considered depending on numbers applying.

Course times

Non residential courses usually start at 9.30 am and finish at 4.30 pm. Residential courses usually start at 6.00pm on Friday evening (you should aim to arrive at the venue between 5.00pm and 6.00pm) or at 9.30am on Saturday and finish on Sunday afternoon.

You will be given a specific start/finish time when you are offered a place on a course. For the benefit of everyone on the course you should try to attend all course sessions on time.

Part time workers

If you attend a course for which paid time off is available and the course hours exceed those you normally work, you are entitled to receive pay or time off in lieu for those hours.

Please ask your Branch Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representative or Branch Secretary for help if you experience problems in exercising these rights. Also do not forget that if you incur additional childcare or dependent care costs UNISON provides an allowance to ensure you are not out of pocket.

Expenses

Travel and subsistence costs for all courses are the responsibility of your Branch. You should check with your Branch Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representative or Branch Secretary to find how to claim these costs.

What if my branch refuses to support my application?

If your Branch has refused your application to a training course the first thing you need to do is find out the reason it has been refused.

If a reason is given you should contact your Branch Secretary, Branch Education Co-ordinator or Union Learning Representative to discuss the refusal. If you are still dissatisfied, you should contact the Membership Development Team to discuss your application.

Course materials

For some courses you will be asked to bring along materials or resources with you e.g. copies of grievance or disciplinary procedures, the Regional Health and Safety pack etc. You may have to contact your Branch Education Co-ordinator, UNISON Learning Representative or Branch Secretary for assistance with finding the materials, otherwise this may put you at a disadvantage.


further information

Training and accreditation

On being elected, every steward needs to ensure that his/her branch notifies UNISON Regional Swansea Office. There is a special purple form (the Notification of Workplace Representatives Form – stock order no. 0852) that must be used for this purpose. Without this form being completed and forwarded to the RMS Section, Swansea Regional Office, a workplace representative will not be listed on the RMS and will not be added to the Education & Training Section mailing list. UNISON Region will then issue steward’s accreditation, either directly to the steward or via the branch.

It is UNISON national policy that new stewards who are involved in representing members should attend the UNISON 5 day ‘the Organising Steward’ course or the TUC 10 day ‘Union Representatives Stage 1’ Course. This is to conform to “The Employment Relations Act (1999)”, known as ERA, which puts an obligation on unions to ensure that union representatives have attended specified training in order to represent members in grievance and disciplinary cases.

If you are a new health & safety rep. then you should attend the UNISON 3 day ‘Organising for Health & Safety’ course. It is the first step for safety reps in becoming conversant with, and more confident about, their rights as a recognised union rep and their responsibility to members, the Branch and UNISON generally. If you want a more detailed introduction to health & safety you may prefer to opt for the more detailed 10-day comprehensive TUC ‘Health & Safety Stage 1’ course.

It is also UNISON policy that existing Stewards maintain their ERA Certification and that they either undertake refresher/ERA re-accreditation training at least every 5 years or have evidence of appropriate training and development which is recorded by the Region within the 5 year period.

Stewards/Workplace Reps who do not undertake refresher/ERA re-accreditation training and do not have evidence of appropriate training and development which is recorded by the Region, within the five year period, will no longer be ERA certificated.

As well as running a framework of courses at regional level UNISON Cymru/Wales also runs courses and training sessions for individual Branches or groups of Branches, usually with the help of regional Organising staff.

If you have enough active members who need particular training we may be able to deliver a low cost course in your Branch.

Alternatively you may want to link up with other Branches to organise more locally based training. Ask your Branch Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representative or Branch Secretary for more information on education and training provision in your Branch.

If you are a Branch Secretary or Branch Education Co-ordinator or UNISON Learning Representative and you would like to explore the possibility of Branch based training then contact one of your regional Organising staff for more information.

A number of courses within the programme are free to Branches as well as members and these have been highlighted within the brochure. Unless otherwise stated, the current cost to the Branch for a member attending a regional day course is £20.00 per day and £110.00 for a weekend course.

Failure to notify us of non-attendance may result in financial charges to your branch.

Branch based courses

Course fees payable by branches


core courses

STEWARDS INTRODUCTION: ORGANISING STEWARD

This is UNISON’s foundation course for workplace reps and attendance is essential for all new Stewards. The training is aimed at developing your skills, knowledge and confidence to enable you to carry out the role of a Steward in UNISON.

It is a 5 day course split into two modules and completion of both is required for a steward to be certified as accreditation to represent members in the workplace. The course covers:

• Understanding the role of an organising union in public services

• Recognised the importance of equalities in UNISON

• Working with members to tackle issues in the workplace

• Working with members in resolving cases

• Knowing where and when to seek advice and guidance

• Understanding how procedures work in practice

• Handling grievance, disciplinary and similar types of cases as the representative of UNISON members within your workplace

• Being certified as competent to accompany members at disciplinary and grievance hearings in order to comply with the Employment Relations Act 1999

• Understanding the broader roles in which UNISON operates, including internationally

NEGOTIATING AND REPRESENTATION SKILLS

This is a two day course and is for workplace reps who will represent members and who are involved in negotiations, or who are likely to become involved in negotiations, with management on pay and conditions. It is ideal for all workplace reps. It is organised in an active way that gives us all an opportunity to have a say as well as listen to other

A large part of the course is based on practice negotiating sessions giving you practical experience of negotiating situations. The scenarios and negotiating situations used in the course are designed to be as close to reality as possible.

The course will enable you to:

• What is Negotiating?

• Effective Negotiating Teams

• Reading between the lines

• Bargaining Information

• Preparing a Claim

• Preparing the Negotiating Team

• Self Assessing the Negotiating Sessions


core coursesINTRODUCTION TO HEALTH & SAFETY

This 3 day course is designed mainly for newly elected and less experienced UNISON health and safety reps organising at local level and potential UNISON Health & Safety Representatives.

It is also suitable for stewards who are also Health & Safety Representatives, or who want to find out more about the union role in health & safety.

Course content covers:

• Health & Safety Problems and the Organising Approach

• Health & Safety Representation and the Law

• The Health & Safety Reps Role

• Facilities, Time-off and Training for Health & Safety Reps

• Workplace inspections and Risk Assessments

• Dealing with Accidents

• Safety Committees

• Safety Policies

• Guidance on Grievance and Disputes procedures

• Dealing with Health & Safety problems

ERA REACCREDITATION(Stewards Refresher)

This is a two day course which is aimed at UNISON workplace representatives who have completed a first stage course, either the UNISON Organising Stewards or the TUC 10 day course. It is relevant to reps who have previously attended UNISON’s One Step Ahead training, and also to branch officers and is designed to meet the requirements of the Employment Relations Act (ERA) reaccreditation.

The purpose of the course is to update reps on new developments both in UNISON and in the law. In some cases participants will be signposted to further training, for example in the Public Sector Equality Duties or to develop new skills such as in mentoring.

The course aims to:

• Update reps on new legislation which is relevant to their role, particularly the updated Grievance and Disciplinary procedures and the Public Sector Equality Duties

• Introduce new developments within UNISON, including Meeting the Organising Challenge

• Develop new skills and ideas including preparing for cases and encouraging and supporting new activists

By the end of the course participants:

• Have reflected on the process of action planning and have recorded SMART

• actions to follow up on in their branches• Have reflected on the role of a rep and on

what they have learned in the role so far• Be able to explain the differences between

the new ACAS Code on Grievances and Disciplinaries

• Be familiar with UNISON’s Representation Handbook

• Be able to put together a case plan• Be able to describe practical ideas about

how to engage and involve new members and activists in UNISON

• Have an understanding of the Public Sector Equality Duties

• Be able to describe some examples on ongoing inequality in the UK


core coursesINTRODUCTION TO EMPLOYMENT LAW, CONTRACTS AND WORKLIFE BALANCE

This is run over 3 days.

DAY 1 - INTRO TO EMPLOYMENT LAW

Employment law is a huge subject with constant changes and new laws. This section of the course provides a broad overview of the whole system of individual rights, with a closer focus on some of the most important areas. It is designed mainly for less experienced UNISON stewards, anyone who has not attended an employment law course previously and those wishing to ‘refresh’ their knowledge. (More advanced courses are available at national level.)

The course covers:

• Statutory and contractual rights

• The Employment Tribunal System

• Notice pay and wrongful dismissal

• Unfair dismissal

• Redundancy

• Discrimination

DAY 2 - INTRODUCTION TO CONTRACTS

Contracts of employment are at the heart of individual employment law. Contract law is very difficult and there are no simple answers. This section of the course aims to simply explain the issues and dilemmas. It is designed mainly for less experienced UNISON stewards, anyone who has not attended a contracts law course previously and those wishing to ‘refresh’ their knowledge. (A more advanced course covering Contracts, Redundancy and TUPE is available at national level.)

The course covers:

• Different types of contract• How to imply contract terms• Incorporation of collective agreements

• Overview of when an employer breaks or tries to change the contract

• How to find and interpret contract terms• Terms introduced by Parliament

DAY 3 - INTRO TO WORKLIFE BALANCE

In recent years, an ever increasing number of laws have been passed to improve work/life balance. There are complex rules in this area and this section of the course can only provide a general overview. It is designed mainly for less experienced UNISON stewards, anyone who has not attended a work/life balance course previously and those wishing to ‘refresh’ their knowledge. (More detail is available on the national UNISON Race and Sex Discrimination Law course).

The course covers:

• The various forms of statutory leave available: maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, parental leave and dependant leave

• Pregnancy discrimination and pregnancy rights

• Older workers and retirement

• How to imply contract terms

• The right of those with care of a child to request flexible working

• Rights of part timers

• How the Sex Discrimination Act can help those who cannot work full-time, overtime or rotating shifts due to childcare responsibilities


branch based workshops

UNISON has developed a range of short workshop style activities that can be run with branches and members. These are an additional resource and not a replacement for core activist training for reps and branch officers. The workshops run for anything from 2-3 to three hours to a whole day and they include:

Further workshops are in development and the number available continues to grow. If you would like a workshop run in your branch please contact one of your regional organising staff or the education and training team.

Branch based Workshops

POLITICAL EDUCATION: CAMPAIGNING:

ORGANISING: BARGAINING:

• The Welfare State: Worth Defending

• Understanding the threat to the welfare state

• The economic crisis – causes and responses

• Getting active and making a difference

• Memory wall ice-breaker and make a difference today activity

• Team working

• Mobilising around the cuts: the importance of One to One conversations

• Writing Successful funding bids

• Defending public services ice breaker

• Effective lobbying

• Campaigning

• Preparing for street campaigning

• Facilities time

• Privatisation and Procurement

• Defending Agenda for Change

• Preparing for Industrial Action

• Increasing our influence – successful motions

• TUPE


union learning

UNISON CYMRU/WALES AND LIFE LONG LEARNING

Wales/Cymru TUC Learning ServicesUNISON fully supports the TUC Regional Learning Services programme of courses provided through a number of colleges and the WEA throughout Wales. The TUC programme is sent directly to branch secretaries’ and branch education co-ordinators. In addition many courses in this programme are delivered using tutors from colleges and the WEA that are part of the TUC network.

For further information contact:

Wales TUC Learning Services, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9SD Tel: 02920 347010 Fax: 02920 221940 Email: [email protected] or web: www.wtuc-learn.org.uk/

We are committed to developing the workplace as a learning community. In the public and essential services we work in partnership with employers building active learning cultures that contribute to improving the service for the user and enhances the prospects and quality of life of the employee.

We know that our members are often held back at work and in society, by a lack of skills, training and confidence. We also know that women, part-time workers and those in low paid manual jobs are less likely to be involved in any learning programmes that are on offer by employers. As

one of the largest trade unions in Wales we recognise the importance of offering learning opportunities to our members so that they can take their proper place at work, in their communities and within the union.

The unique UNISON approach is to ensure that as many of our members as possible have opportunities for learning to provide them with the skills and the confidence to progress and participate fully in all spheres of their lives. We do this through our network of UNISON Learning Representatives, Branch Education Co-ordinators and Branch Life Long Learning

Officers working alongside members building confidence, identifying opportunities and providing access to education and training.

For more information, or if you would like to find out more about our learning programmes or become a UNISON Learning Representative, please contact the Education & Training Team on 02920 729414, or email us at [email protected] or visit us at our web-site: www.unison-cymruwales.org.uk.


union learningARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING?

Have you thought about becoming a UNISON Learning Representative?

What is a UNISON Learning Rep? UNISON Learning Reps are trade union reps who are willing to provide encouragement and support around learning for members or potential members in the workplace. They have the same statutory rights as other UNISON reps and are entitled to have reasonable time off with pay to attend training and to carry out their role.

Any UNISON member can train to become a Learning Rep. The best people for the role are those who are enthusiastic about learning and want to support other people to learn new things and develop their skills and confidence. They need to be able to chat with other members about their learning needs and provide information about training courses or learning opportunities that may be useful.

To be a UNISON Learning Rep you:

• Do not have to be currently active in the union• Do not need an understanding of UNISON and

its structures• Do not need any experience of being a steward

or union activist• You do need to be enthusiastic about learning• You do need to know and understand the

benefits of participating in lifelong learning• You do need to want to motivate others to get

involved in lifelong learning

What do UNISON Learning Reps do?

The role is very diverse and can include some or all of the activities below:

• Carrying out a learning needs analysis within the workplace to find out more about learning needs

• Raising awareness of basic skills needs and working with the employer to develop and implement an Employer Pledge action plan

• Organising and running open days and events in the workplace to promote workplace and lifelong learning and provide more information on learning opportunities available

• Supporting members who are on a learning programme and providing information, advice and guidance on learning progression routes

• Represent and negotiate on behalf of members on issues around learning (for example, around time off to attend courses)

What training is available and what is covered?

There is a 5 day training course available for all new Learning Reps to help you feel confident to carry out the ULR role and you have the same legal rights to time off with pay to attend training as other union representatives such as stewards and health and safety reps.

The course includes:

• Promoting and researching life long learning• Offering support to other learners and

overcoming barriers to learning• Developing communication, listening and

interviewing skills• Working with your employer and your

UNISON branch to promote life long learning in the workplace

• Understanding effective ways of assessing learning needs

• Planning & negotiating for learning activity in the workplace

• Learning agreements

For an informal discussion about the role of UNISON Learning Representative or to book your place on the next course, please contact:-

Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & Development Organiser) on 02920 729414 or 07957 505756 or e-mail: [email protected]

More info...


union learningOPEN UNIVERSITY (WALES)

As a distance learning university the Open University (Wales) was founded to bring higher education to people who are unable to study at a conventional university and who want to choose when and where they want to study.

A national agreement exists between UNISON and the Open University and we have worked together for many years to bring learning to the workplace.

Jointly we have developed innovative approaches with employers seeking help with planning workplace learning opportunities for their staff. These include bringing together groups of learners, running a pre-course workshop and delivering courses in partnership. As part of this scheme UNISON Cymru/Wales has supported hundreds of learners through K101 Understanding Health and Social Care.

The OU’s ‘Openings’ programme of introductory courses is aimed at people who have not studied for some time and can’t afford to take time out from work to learn. They are useful in themselves as subject specific courses but also offer immediate benefits in the workplace and are ideal preparation for further study.

All ‘Openings’ courses have been developed for new learners or those who have not done any learning for a few years. There are no entry requirements and they assume no special knowledge and no experience of studying.

You will receive course materials and support by telephone and/or e-mail whenever you need it from your personal Open University tutor. You will need to study for a few hours each week over 20 weeks.

In 2013 there are 5 topics to choose from.

• Understanding Children & Young people

• Understanding Management

• Starting with Psychology

• Starting with Maths

• Making Sense of the Arts

All courses also incorporate a short IT module at the end.

If you would like more information or you wish to register your interest for one of the courses then please contact: Helen Huelin Regional Development and Learning Organiser on 02920 729414 or e-mail [email protected]

FLEXILEARN

Flexilearn is a an innovative new learning system for UNISON

members being developed in partnership with the open university. It

offers vocationally relevant Continuing personal Development (CPD)

opportunities in the form of short workshops, bite sized taster sessions

and podcasts suitable for workers across the public sector. Find out more

on our website: http://www8.open.ac.uk/choose/unison/


union learning: non-ERA coursesThe following courses will be run throughout the year to coincide with the appropriate elections, conferences and events and will be advertised to branches as they become available:

Branch Development • Leadership Programme• Chairing & Meeting Skills• Br Education Co-ordinator• Br Health & Safety Officer • Speaking with Confidence• Advanced Representation Skills• Recruitment Skills• Mentoring in the Branch• Discussion Leader / Lay Tutor training• RMS• Coping with Change• Risk Assessments• Health & Safety Refresher

Membership Development• Self Organised Groups • Equality Reps• Equality Impact Assessments• Public Sector Equality Duties• Discrimination• Equality for ULRs• Mental Health First Aid training• Mental Health Awareness for TU reps

Other• Environmental Reps Training• Thompsons Solicitors employment law updates

and briefings• Conference procedures and taking part • Leadership training for Regional Committees

Branch Welfare Officers (BWOs)

The Branch Welfare Officers training will take place in Bristol on the weekend of 6th and 7th July 2013.

It is compulsory as part of the new training for BWOs to complete a short ‘e-note’ online module before attending the face-to-face course. Details of how BWOs will access the e-note will be advertised.

For further information please contact the Education and Training team.

Branch Based Workshops• Political Education - Defending the Welfare State - The threats to the Welfare State - The Economic Crisis - Getting Active• Campaigning - Defending Public Services - Effective lobbying - Strategic Campaigning - Street Campaigning• Organising - Memory Wall - Team Working - Mobilising around the cuts - Successful funding bid writing• Bargaining - Facilities time - TUPE - Privatisation & Procurement - Preparing for industrial action - Successful motion writing

Lifelong & Workplace Learning• Union Learning Representatives (ULRs)• Return to Learn• Women’s’ Lives• Information Advice & Guidance• Dyslexia in the workplace• Skills for life• Learning in the NHS and the Knowledge and

Skills Framework (KSF)


union learning

SKILLS FOR LIFE

This course is a follow on from the UNISON Lifelong Learning Advisers and Union Learning Representatives courses. It is for those representatives and learning advisers that want to improve their understanding and skills in promoting Skills for Life (language, literacy & numeracy) in the workplace and helping members access opportunities to improve these skills.

The course runs for 12 hours, over two days. The course involves group work and discussion as well as finding out information from your employer and UNISON. It is accredited through the Open College Network and you can achieve one credit at levels 1, 2 or 3.

LEARNING IN THE NHS (KSF)

This course is aimed at Union Learning Representatives and Lifelong Learning Advisers who have already participated in the first stage Learning rep or adviser training.

The course complements the other activist training courses on the Knowledge and Skills Framework which aim to enable branches to plan their response to the KSF and to enable stewards and members to participate effectively in the development of KSF post outlines.

This training focuses on the wider learning agenda within the NHS as well as the specific role of the Learning Rep in supporting members through the development review process.

Additional second stage training for Learning Reps on Skills for Life, Information Advice and Guidance and Dyslexia is also available from UNISON.

union learning continued on page 18


calendar of courses - sw & nw walesCore Courses — Courses being held in South West Wales and in North Wales

JANUARY

22nd & 29th Jan & 5th, 12th & 19th Feb (5 days) Organising Stewards

FEBRUARY

14th & 15th Feb (2 days) ERA Refresher

MARCH

7th & 8th Mar (2 days) Negotiating Skills

18th & 19th Mar, 17th, 18th & 19th Apr (5 days) Organising Stewards

APRIL

3rd, 4th & 5th Apr (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

MAY

8th, 9th & 10th May (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Bal

13th & 14th May (2 days) Negotiating Skills

JUNE

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Jun & 4th Jul (5 days) Organising Stewards

17th, 18th & 19th Jun (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

JULY

8th, 9th & 10th Jul (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance

18th & 19th Jul (2 days) ERA Refresher

AUGUST

1st & 2nd Aug (2 days) Negotiating Skills

13th & 14th Aug, 10th, 11th & 12th Sep (5 days) Organising Steward

28th, 29th & 30th Aug (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

SEPTEMBER

30th Sep, 1st and 2nd Oct (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance

OCTOBER

10th & 11th Oct (2 days) Negotiating Skills

14th & 15th Oct (2 days) ERA Refresher

30th & 31st Oct, 1st Nov (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

NOVEMBER

14th, 21st, 28th Nov & 5th, 12th Dec (5 days) Organising Steward

DECEMBER

9th, 10th & 11th Dec (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance


se & mid wales - calendar of coursesCore Courses — Courses being held in South East Wales and in Mid Wales

JANUARY

24th & 31st Jan & 7th, 14th & 21st Feb (5 days) Organising Stewards

FEBRUARY

18th & 19th Feb (2 days) ERA Refresher

MARCH

20th & 21st Mar (2 days) Negotiating Skills

13th & 14th Mar, 9th, 10th & 11th Apr (5 days) Organising Stewards

APRIL

17th, 18th & 19th Apr (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

MAY

1st & 2nd May (2 days) Negotiating Skills

14th, 15th & 16th May (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance

21st, 22nd & 23rd May (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

29th May, 5th, 12th, 19th 26th June (5 days) Organising Stewards

JUNE

19th, 20th and 21st Jun (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance

JULY

11th & 12th Jul (2 days) ERA Refresher

31st Jul & 1st Aug (2 days) Negotiating Skills

AUGUST

20th, 21st & 22nd Aug (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

28th & 29th Aug, 24th, 25th & 26th Sep (5 days) Organising Steward

SEPTEMBER

17th, 18th & 19th Sep (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance

OCTOBER

9th & 10th Oct (2 days) ERA Refresher

23rd & 24th Oct (2 days) Negotiating Skills

NOVEMBER

5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Nov & 3rd Dec (5 days) Organising Steward

13th, 14th & 15th Nov (3 days) Intro to Health & Safety

DECEMBER

10th, 11th & 12th Dec (3 days) Intro to Emp Law, Contracts & Work Life Balance


DYSLEXIA IN THE WORKPLACE

This course is a follow on from the UNISON Learning Representatives introductory courses. It is for those who want to improve their understanding of dyslexia and how it affects people in the workplace.

The course is two days and involves individual activities, group work and discussion as well as finding out information from your employer and outside sources. It is NOT designed to make you into a ‘dyslexia expert’ but to introduce you to some of the key issues facing individuals, the trade union and the employing organisation. In particular, the course aims to help you to:

• understand the most common traits and behaviour associated with dyslexia

• understand the barriers to learning at work faced by people with dyslexia

• consider how you might support colleagues in the workplace who are experiencing difficulties associated with dyslexia

• The course is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN) and you can achieve one credit at levels 1, 2 or 3

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

This 2 day course is a follow on from the UNISON Learning Representatives introductory course or the TUC equivalent. It is aimed at ULRs who want to improve their understanding and skills in giving information and advice in the workplace, how to keep up to date contacts and to take enquiries further.

The course covers:

• Understanding IAG in a trade union context

• Developing the skills needed to work with learners

• Identifying ways of working with external organisations

• Awareness of the matrix quality standard and IAG good practice

The course is accredited through the Open College Network and you can achieve one credit at levels 1, 2 or 3. To achieve level 1 you need only to complete the evidence sheets in the course book and to collect some information. To achieve levels 2 or 3, you will have to interview someone at work and write up your notes.

union learning


leadership programme

Overview of UNISON Branch Leadership Programme. The programme will run for a total of eleven days training over eighteen months.

The UNISON Branch Secretary — Introduction (2 days)

This is the current core module for branch secretaries and include the branch secretary job description, branch organisation, priorities and managing the branch.

Managing the branch (2 days)

This includes the code of good branch practice, looking at stakeholders, enemies and allies. The branch image. Branch resources including activists, members, branch employed staff, money. Support for stewards and building a team. Branch assessments and leadership versus management.

Organising Representation and Bargaining (2 days)

This module includes local agreements, research, collectivising cases, bargaining priorities, negotiating teams and difficult situations, persuading and influencing.

Developing your Activists and Mentoring (2 days)

Different methods of developing new activists, giving small organising tasks etc. Setting up systems of support, including buddying and what it means in a branch context. What is a mentor, agreeing a contract, listening and questioning, the stewards journey and planning your activists development.

Strategic Campaign Planning (1 day)

Effective campaigns, what makes a good campaign issue, developing your message, targets and allies, devising your organising strategy and actions.

Leadership (2 days)

This includes what does it mean to be a leader in a branch or at regional level, why understanding the culture is important. Leadership characteristics, identify areas of influence, developing leadership skills and succession planning in the branch.


branch developmentCHAIRING AND MEETING SKILLS

This course is designed for anyone who wants to improve the knowledge and skills associated with chairing and otherwise participating in meetings. The emphasis is on a balance between formal and informal meetings. It provides basic and refresher meeting skills for any activists who attends or will attend meetings in the future.

It covers:

• The roles and skills of Chairing• Preparing Agendas• Facilitating Meetings• Meetings Procedures• Practise at Chairing a Meeting• Understanding Motions and Amendments• Chairing Dilemmas—What would you do?• Meeting the Organising Aims of UNISON

DEALING WITH THE PRESS AND MEDIA

This weekend residential course is for activists and it looks at effective ways of presenting trade union issues to the media. It is designed to build confidence for when you are being interviewed and deals with how to write press releases and how you plan to use the media.

It covers:

• Identifying the opportunities for using the media

• Assessing what factors can make an issue newsworthy

• Writing a press release• Using skills appropriate to different media

interviews e.g. language, technique, formality, including TV interviews etc.

• Preparing to handle different media• Drawing up lists of media contacts indicating

their usefulness for specific trade union issues• Preparing a plan for presenting trade union

issues to the media

SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE

This course is designed for anyone who is looking to gain more confidence at speaking in public. It will also explain how to be more effective and be heard in meetings and includes practice sessions and tips on how to prepare and deliver.

It covers:

• Looking at what you want to achieve• Preparing to speak• Using factual arguments• Dealing with nervousness• Planning your speech• Knowing your subject• Structuring your speech• Delivering your speech• Responding in debate

COPING WITH CHANGE

This new two day course has been developed by UNISON Cymru/Wales and the South Wales WEA (Workers Educational Association) If you are facing the possibility of facing changes and upheaval at work or are worried about becoming redundant then this will be of particular interest to you. It will also be of interested to you if you are facing the possibility of retiring from work.

By the end of the course you will:• Have an understanding of change and how it

affects you• Be able to look positively and proactively at change• Have developed and practised some skills for

coping with change• Be able to make a positive contribution to

change at work• Have set your own personal action plan for change

Some of the topics include:• CV writing and interview skills• Planning ahead• Learning Opportunities• Health and Wellbeing• Where to go for advice on budgeting,

pensions and investments


branch developmentRISK ASSESSMENTS

Risk Assessment is a crucial part of health and safety in the work place. This 2 day course has been designed to enable UNISON health and safety representatives to learn about risks and risk assessment legislation which will help them to organise more effectively for a safer working environment.

The course will help participants to:

• show an awareness of the range of risks in the workplace

• understand the key legal requirements concerning risk assessments, and the criteria used

• be familiar with the UNISON approach to risk assessment and understand how risk assessment can be used as part of a workplace strategy for improving the health, safety and welfare of their members

• develop a risk assessment resource pack for use in their workplace and union

HEALTH & SAFETY REFRESHER

This one day course is designed for existing UNISON health & safety reps organising at local level who wish to update and refresh their knowledge.

It is also suitable for stewards who are also health & safety representatives, or who want to find out more about the union role in health & safety.

MENTORING IN YOUR BRANCH

This branch course recognises that mentoring will be effective as a means of supporting new stewards where all branch officers are supportive and aware of the role that mentors play.

The aims of the course are to:

• gain an understanding of what mentoring means

• understand the context of a branch strategy on mentoring

• develop key mentoring skills including listening and questioning

• develop awareness of the process of developing stewards

• agree the scope and boundaries of the role of mentors within the branch

RECRUITMENT SKILLS

This course is for all stewards and branch officers and is a practical way of looking at the skills necessary for the ongoing process of recruiting members.

The course covers:

• Awareness of UNISON’s publicity materials, especially targeted material

• Understanding work place mapping• Preparing presentations• Persuading reluctant members to join• The benefits of being a trade union member• How to increase UNISON’s density


branch developmentADVANCED REPRESENTATION SKILLS

This 2 day course is based on an entire disciplinary hearing from start to finish. Participants follow the case on DVD/video and it is designed to give new stewards an insight into how the procedures work as well as develop the skills of more experienced representatives.

The course expects that participants will have received at least a basic grounding through their introductory stewards course and if you are representing members and want to improve your skills then this course will help build your confidence enhance your existing tools.

This course will help you to:

• Prepare a case, including interviewing members

• Analyse a case and identify its strengths and weaknesses

• Prepare for cross examination of management witnesses

• Develop your confidence to represent a member at a disciplinary hearing

• Give you an opportunity to practice your skills

RMS

The six-day course enables branches to take full responsibility for the membership system (RMS). The course is aimed at branch-employed staff or activists who currently have, or are able to take, responsibility for maintaining branch membership records.

The course covers:

• Entering new members details• Lapsing members• Producing reports• Using the RMS as an organising tool to aid

recruitment and retention

The two-day course is designed for those branches who wish to view details held about their members on the RMS but who will not be updating the system.

The one-day course is an overview of the operation systems and processes and how the RMS can aid branch recruitment and organisation.


membership developmentWOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

This 3 day course for women which is intended to be informative and is designed to help those women who take part to support the work of their branch and act as workplace representatives. It will enable participants to develop new skills and knowledge and work with other women around Wales.

BLACK MEMBERS DEVELOPMENT

This course is aimed at black members active in, or interested in becoming involved, in their branches or in black members groups at a branch or regional level.

DISABLED MEMBERS

A 3 day course for Disabled Members to help those who take part to support members in the workplace. It will enable participants to develop action plans, new skills and experiences and particularly to develop their campaigning skills and to work with new friends and colleagues.

LESBIAN, GAY, BI-SEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER MEMBERS’ DEVELOPMENT

A 3 day course for LGBT members to support other LGBT members in the workplace. It will enable participants to develop new knowledge and skills in a supportive environment working with new friends and colleagues from across the Region.

EQUALITIES FOR ULR’S

This course has been specifically designed for UNISON ULRs.

The purpose of the course is to help ULRs:• Build confidence• Deal with equality issues• Develop their understanding of equality

issues• Understand the link between equality

issues and learning and organising

Understanding the deep rooted nature of prejudice and discrimination will help ULRs carry out their role confidently and effectively.


WOMEN’S LIVES

Course aims

The course will help women participants to:

• get back into education• build confidence• help to develop study skills

Who is it for?

If you are someone who wants to get back into education, but have been put off in the past because it seemed too difficult then Women’s Lives is ideal. It is particularly suitable for women who have been out of education for a long time and have had few educational opportunities in the past.

How the course will work including duration

Participants will join a regular study group which will meet every two weeks or so for four months. This group will be organised and run by a tutor. The other members of the group will be women who want to get back into education. The groups are very informal with opportunities to swap ideas and experiences and to help prepare for working on your own. It is expected that everyone will need to spend about another two hours per week studying at home. There are no tests or exams. As well as the study group, there is a residential weekend. The emphasis is on co-operation and mutual support.

How and where to enrol

Contact Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & Development Organiser): [email protected]

RETURN 2 LEARN

Course aims


• build self confidence• improve educational skills in key areas• provide information and guidance to help

move on to further learning opportunities• widen horizons and meet new friends

Who is it for?

UNISON members who: • are considering going back into education• want to brush up their skills• have few, if any, educational qualifications• are looking for a change of direction

How the course will work including duration

The course will involve you working with the tutor and other learners in regular local study groups. These usually take place one evening every fortnight for about two and a half hours over a period of six to eight months. There will also be a residential weekend. The course, including the residential weekend, is free to UNISON members.

How and where to enrol

Contact Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & Development Organiser): [email protected]

membership development

It increased my confidence, I made new friends, it challenged my mind and inspired me to learn more. I left school with no qualifications at 15 and I never thought I could achieve such a high standard of education in my more mature years. Janice Marshall

The course brought together different perspectives on how bullying and harassment is dealt with in branches and by employers. Cheryl Forrest


equality in the workplace coursesEQUALITY REPS


• promote equality in their branch• promote equality in the workplace

The course is for existing and newly elected Branch Equality Officers and those interested in becoming a Branch Equality Officer. It is also useful for as a course for Branches wishing to engage on the issues of equality for any Branch Officers and Activists.

This course will help you:

• Understand the role of the equality rep• Find out more about discrimination legislation• Improve equality policies and agreements• Find out about good practice and share

success stories• Promote equality in the workplace and the

union• Develop tools and techniques for raising

equality issues• Keep updated with current legislation• Understand sector specific equality duties

PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY DUTIES

Existing anti-discrimination legislation covers six main equality strands—gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, age and religion and belief. Although this has started to tackle discrimination, progress has been slow and has often led to individual legal remedies that do not tackle underlying problems.

During the course you will learn about the general and specific duties of each duty and how they can be practically applied to make a difference to UNISON members’ lives. They are a key tool for negotiating and bargaining across all aspects of work with employers and this course is not only for equality officers but for key branch negotiators.

This course also provides an introduction to Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

EQUALITY ACT & EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

This course will provide participants with an understanding of the Equality Act 2010, an overview of discrimination law and the new Public Sector Equality Duties. It will also provide an introduction to Equality Impact Assessment.

Understanding the EIA process is vital to our effectiveness in working with policy and initiative development. It is one of the most practical tools we can use to evaluate the effect of a proposal, policy or initiative and challenge the effects on our members in the workforce. EIAs can be applied to a range of employers initiatives such as change of terms and conditions, procurement, PFI, TUPE transfers etc and used as a mechanism to identify and challenge discrimination.

The course will provide you with the necessary skills to challenge employers using the Equality Act and build confidence around the process and implementation of EIA’s.

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LAW (INTRODUCTORY)

This course is for representatives and Branch Officers and will help participants to:

• Gain an introductory overview of disability discrimination law

• assist activists in recognising who might be covered and how useful the law can be

Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• have an introductory overview of disability discrimination law, including an initial idea as to:

• the definition of disability, ie who might be covered by the law

• the type of reasonable adjustments which an employer is expected to make

• tribunal time-limits


THOMPSONS BRIEFINGS

Thompsons solicitors can provide one-day briefings for branches, standing committees or Self Organised Groups upon request on issues such:

• Health & Safety • Race & Sex Discrimination• Contracts, Redundancy & TUPE• Unfair Dismissals & Employment Tribunals• Disability Discrimination in Employment Law

CONFERENCE PROCEDURES AND TAKING PART

Going to Conference this year? Are you feeling anxious about the experience? Would you like to find out more about what to expect?

Then this one-day briefing is for you. The briefing is aimed at both new and not-so-new delegates so don’t feel shy, come and find out what it is all about.

The course covers:

• How conference operates• Key issues you are likely to deal with• How to handle the paper work• What support you may require when you

are there

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

This course will help UNISON reps to:

• Develop a better understanding of Mental Health in general

• Develop a better understanding of work related Mental Health issues

• Develop a better understanding of Disability Discrimination Law and how it applies to people with Mental Health issues

• Develop through the use of case studies and role play some practical skills for dealing with Mental Health related issues

• Produce an action plan to work with members and employers to develop a strategy for Mental Health issues

MENTAL FIRST AID

This 2 day course is supported by the Welsh Government and is aimed at the Welsh public, employers, managers, trade union reps, frontline staff in local authorities and Housing, Further Education staff, NHS staff, Prison and custody staff and Jobcentre Plus staff. Upon successful completion Participants receive a certificate from Mind Cymru and an endorsement from The Welsh Government. In summary the course:

• Is based on what to do as a first responder much like physical first aid

• Seeks to improve mental health literacy and help people to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone with mental health problems

• Helps participants to respond to various mental health crises, engage with, support and signpost people to appropriate professional help.

UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACEYou will identify the key information appropriate to environmental changes at work and explain environmental terminology in a way that is accessible to members. The course will also examine how members can participate by evaluation problems or potential problems and identifying the opportunities for trade unions, citing aims, actions, arguments, and timescale.

other courses

• Key environmental definitions• The development of environmental issues• Environmental statements and the trade union approach

• Trade union environmental policies• Employer’s env. policies and practices• Workplace issues and Members concerns


LAY TUTOR TRAINING (Stage1)

This intensive course runs over a 5 day residential course and deals with the basic tutoring skills needed to be a tutor at branch level.

The Lay Tutor Stage 1 Training covers basic tutor training for activists who would like to train to deliver courses in their branch or more widely. On completion of it, it is a requirement that participants complete the Equalities for Lay Tutors course.

UNISON’s Lay tutors offer an additional kind of activist service to the union. UNISON’s own lay tutor training scheme aims to ensure our member-centred learning methods help build the union. We positively encourage members of Self Organised Groups to become lay tutors.

Participants who successfully complete all the elements of the full course will be qualified as a UNISON Stage 1 Lay Tutor

The course covers:

• Why do introductions (briefing)

• Course contracts

• Education methods

• Education methods in trade union

education (briefing)

• The good lay tutor

• Planning and Preparation

• Running activities

• Education in the branch

• The organising lay tutor

• The lay tutor in the branch

• Equalities in UNISON education (briefing)

• Planning and preparing a group based

activity

• Dealing with problems in education sessions

• Action planning and course reviews

EQUALITIES FOR LAY TUTORS

This course has been specifically designed for UNISON lay tutors and is an integral and essential part of the UNISON lay tutor training programme.

The purpose of the course is to help lay tutors improve their own education practice by:

• Building confidence• Dealing with equality issues• Developing their understanding of equality

issues

Understanding the deep rooted nature of prejudice and discrimination will help all lay tutors carry out their role on behalf of UNISON confidently and effectively.

other courses


national employment law courses

The following in-depth employment law courses supplement the range of training offered at regional level and are aimed at more experienced activists.

MATERNITY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS27 FEBRUARY: Closing date for receipt of applications: 9 January

This course is for UNISON activists who need to advise members on maternity and parental rights or who are looking to improve on statutory rights through negotiation. It will help you understand the complex law relating to maternity rights and give you an opportunity to compare negotiated contractual agreements with statutory rights to identify opportunities for seeking improvements.

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LAW11 - 12 MARCH: Closing date for receipt of applications: 21 January

The Disability Discrimination Act has been in force since December 1996 but people still do not realise how often it applies and how it can be used to put pressure on employers to take positive steps. The course covers identifying potential cases of disability discrimination in the workplace, who the DDA applies to, how to interview members with a potential case, the extent of the employer’s duties to make reasonable adjustments, the relationship between sickness issues (e.g. back injury, depression) and the DDA and recognising time-limits. It does not cover how to run a tribunal case.

CONTRACTS REDUNDANCY & TUPE4 – 6 MARCH: Closing date for receipt of applications: 14 January18–20 NOVEMBER: Closing date for receipt of applications: 30 September

This course covers Interpretation of the contract of employment; unilateral variation of contract; potential rights on redundancy; TUPE; unfair dismissal in context of changing contracts; redundancy & TUPE. It does not cover unfair dismissal in the areas of capability and misconduct.

UNFAIR DISMISSALS AND EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS10 – 12 JULY: Closing date for receipt of applications: 22 May 13 – 15 NOVEMBER: Closing date for receipt of applications: 25 September

This course covers the law of unfair dismissal: what makes a dismissal unfair; automatic unfair dismissals; the effect of the new statutory dispute resolution procedures. It follows a misconduct dismissal through every stage of preparation for a tribunal case, finishing with a mock video of the tribunal hearing. It is not expected that activists will represent at actual tribunal cases. However, by understanding the tribunal process, local activists will have a greater understanding of the necessary evidence and what is involved for the member and will be able to support those representing the member. The skills for preparing a case and representing at a tribunal will also be useful for application in internal disciplinary hearings.

NATIONAL ACTIVIST EDUCATION PROGRAMME: EMPLOYMENT LAW COURSES 2013


national employment law courses

RACE & SEX DISCRIMINATION LAW25 – 27 MARCH: Closing date for receipt of applications: 4 February

This course covers identifying potential cases of race and sex discrimination in the workplace; overview of legislation; how to interview members with potential cases; recognising time-limits; understanding the questionnaire procedure; understanding indirect race and sex discrimination; introduction to law on sexual harassment; pregnancy, maternity and family friendly laws. It does not cover how to run a tribunal case.

All national employment law courses will be held in Central London.

To apply, visit www.unison.org.uk/laos for an application form and return it to:UNISON Learning & Organising Services, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road,London NW1 2AY.Tel 0207 121 5383 Fax 0207 121 5758E.mail learning&[email protected]

ALLOCATION OF COURSE PLACES In order to ensure the effective application of UNISON principles of Proportionality and Fair Representation places are allocated on national courses as soon as possible after the closing date instead of on a first come first served basis. In the event of courses being oversubscribed, selections will be made on the basis of achieving Fair Representation and Proportionality, as set out in UNISON Rules, and will also ensure a fair spread of participants from regions and sectors where appropriate.In-depth employment law courses supplement the range of training offered at regional level. They are aimed at experienced activists and this is also taken into account when offering places on these courses.

CHARGES: Branches will be charged a fee per participant of £300 for 3-day courses, £150 for 2-day courses and £75 for 1-day courses. Accommodation, travel and care costs and a £10 per day out-of-pocket allowance will be paid from national level.

FACILITATION AND DEPENDENT CARE: It is UNISON policy that no member should be deterred from applying for a course because of facilitation needs, necessary childcare or other care commitments.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Where places on courses are cancelled without good cause charges will be levied as follows: Where places are cancelled within two weeks of the start of the course the cost will be 50% of the course cost. Where places are cancelled within one week of the start of the course the cancellation will be 100%.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITIESAs part of Unison’s equal opportunities policy in education there is a questionnaire at the back of the application form. This information will be strictly confidential and used only to monitor UNISON’s ability to deliver educational opportunities fairly to all sections of its membership.


course application form

Name

Address for correspondence

Postcode

Daytime telephone number E-mail address

UNISON Branch

UNISON Membership number

Name of employer

Course(s) applied for:

Please give details of any childcare, family or disability access requirements

Do you have any dietary needs?

Signature Date

The information you provide and the record of your attendance to UNISON education courses may be shared within UNISON to ensure that membership and branch records are accurate and up to date. Course information may also be used for statistical purposes.

The branch supports this application. We will meet the travel and subsistence costs if claimed. If a course fee is advertised we will pay when invoiced.

Branch Signature* Date

*Branch Education Co-ordinator / Branch Secretary

Title Date

THIS APPLICATION IS ONLY VALID ONCE SIGNED BY THE APPLICANT & BRANCH

CONFIRMATION OF COURSE ATTENDANCE WILL BE SENT AFTER THE CLOSING

DATE YOUR BRANCH WILL BE CHARGED IF YOU FAIL TO ATTEND WITHOUT NOTICE

ONCE YOUR PLACE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY US

EthnicityPlease tick one box

White

Irish

Black Caribbean

Black African

Black other

(Please specify)

Indian

Pakistani

Chinese

Other (Please specify)

Do you work:

Part-time

Full-time

Please return this form to:

Education & TrainingUNISON Cymru/WalesUNISON HouseCustom House StreetCardiffCF10 1AP

Tel. 02920 729414Fax 02920 387531Email: [email protected]


Notes


As a new workplace rep, UNISON is committed to supporting your training and development. Your branch will help you get on the relevant training courses and will allocate you a named contact who will be able to:

lanswer your questions

lput you in touch with the information and people who can help you along the way

lhave a regular catch up as you become more active in the union.

Your contact could be a branch officer such as the branch education co-ordinator or an experienced steward. In larger branches, it may be a UNISON activist who has trained as mentor or a buddy.

UNISON also asks you to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to put your training into practice.

To get started, sit down with your contact in the branch and complete this short questionnaire together. There is space here for you to come back to each point later on so you can make a note of how things are going in each key area.

Plan


Published by UNISON Cymru/Wales, printed by UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside Print Unit, Leeds.

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