Cymru Wales
UNISON cymru/wales Education Programme 2013 Cymru Wales
UNISON cymru/wales Education Programme 2013 Cymru Wales Welcome to our 2013 programme of courses UNISON 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 Horton Regional Organiser (Education) Secretary to Education & Training Committee Cymru Wales Region Cymru Wales Region using this programme
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.
2 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013
Law courses Law Lay Tutors Lay
Disability Discrimination Law – introductory course introductory – Law Discrimination Disability Disability Discrimination Law – advanced course advanced – Law course course Discrimination advanced advanced Disability – – TUPE & Tribunals Redundancy Employment and Contracts, Dismissals Unfair Race and Sex Discrimination – introductory course course introductory – advanced – Discrimination Sex Discrimination and Sex Race and Race course course advanced introductory – – Rights Balance Parental & Work/Life Maternity Introduction to Contracts of Employment of course Contracts to introductory – Introduction Dismissals Unfair Introduction to Employment Law Employment to Introduction
Equality Awareness for Lay Tutors Tutors Lay for Awareness Equality Lay Tutor Stage 1 Stage Tutor Lay
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Challenging Racism Racism Challenging Basic Pension Enquiries Pension Basic Information Advice & Guidance & Advice Information Work Equipment Work
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International Relations Officer Relations International Chairperson – chairing skills & meeting skills meeting & skills chairing – Chairperson OU Openings This map has been designed to guide you as a range of through a UNISON member or rep development opportunities available to you. Help your in planning your development is available from If you do not branch or union learning representative. have details of your branch contact UNISON on 0845 355 for help. The map sets out the full range of courses available that our reps UNISON. UNISON recognises through to need certain skills and knowledge to do their job. you to available routes training the you shows U-Train and courses, Core knowledge. and skills those develop Although region. every by provided are besides, more
English for You (ESoL) English for You Branch Treasurers Branch
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Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013T Key Centre spread learningmap spread routes Centre UNISON routes to learning for representatives and members and representatives for learning to routes UNISON U-Train 1 contents
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
contents Trained and Active 33
Enquiries? Concerns? Get in touch with the Education & Training Team
Tel: 02920 729414 Fax: 02920 387531
2 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 why education welcome Aims and objectives UNISON has agreed a set of aims to build and Welcome to our 2013 strengthen our union. These are: programme of courses Enhance our capability to meet the recruiting, organisational and representational challenges posed by We are facing massive challenges in austerity measures including cuts, workforce reductions, the face of austerity with threats to reorganisations, attacks on facility time and privatisation facilities, time off, funding for trade - for all members who provide public services. union education and an increasingly Protect and secure decent employment and pensions fragmented work force. Our strategy for UNISON members, promoting equality and is to continue to provide opportunities challenging discrimination. and extend capacity that enable greater membership participation and Develop our public service campaigns in support of quality public services, in defence of the NHS and engagement. We will do this by improving all public services, building our political influence, accessibility and promotion of training, forging alliances with unions and community groups lifelong learning, skills pathways and to challenge the austerity programme, including continual personal development. challenging the attacks on the welfare state.
Ensure that the union’s essential ICT infrastructure The way we deliver education has to and internal management systems are efficient and change and become more flexible effective to meet the changing needs of our branches and responsive to meet legislative and membership. requirements and the demands of members in the face of those challenges. Take control! Education remains the heart of all UNISON Cymru/Wales work and whilst we will UNISON Cymru/Wales’ Education and Training programme has a key role to play in helping to achieve our objectives. continue to offer our core activist training, Our courses aim to develop a union whose activists reflect equality, membership development, and promote our ethos of equality and diversity, and whose branch development and lifelong learning members are empowered to take control, and make decisions courses; these will be supplemented by a for themselves in their working lives. range of short focussed workshops that can be run in branches. Learning opportunities
I hope that you will find in this This guide is designed to help you get the skills and learning opportunities you need and want - as a valued member and/ programme the training that you need to or activist in UNISON. help you to deal with all aspects of your union work. Everything from the basic UNISON education and training will help you: courses that all stewards need to more specialised courses are included and if apply the skills you have to your trade union role, and you find that your branch has a specific develop new skills where you want to develop your understanding of workplace issues for need that is not covered please do not sharing with your members hesitate to contact me to discuss how we explore what it means to be an activist in an organising can help. union – one of the largest unions in Wales and the UK get the support you need through quality training Gareth John (Regional Organiser Education) Whether you are just starting out, or have been around longer in UNISON, we hope you will find something relevant to you.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 3 general information
What are the Course application procedure Once you have selected a course, or courses, which courses like? you wish to attend you will need to fill out an application form. One has been enclosed with this Friendly programme which can be photocopied or contact UNISON courses are run in a friendly and the Education & Training Team at the Cardiff office supportive atmosphere. Everybody’s views for further copies. and experiences are valued and listened to. Most of the time you will be working with Most of the courses offered within this programme other people in small groups. You will not be are free to members but you will need to have the lectured at or ‘put on the spot’. approval of your Branch. Applications forms must be given to the Branch Education Co-ordinator or Comfortable Branch Secretary to sign. Our residential courses are run in comfortable hotels. All meals are provided and special We will acknowledge receipt of your application diets are catered for if you let us know in although this is not a guarantee of a place on the advance. course. Accommodation is usually in single rooms. Some of our venues have swimming pools and leisure facilities. We will endeavour to let Responsibilities at home you know what facilities are provided. If you have incurred an additional cost UNISON Informal can provide a care allowance for children and Our courses are relaxed and informal, so you dependants, if they need to be looked after whilst are invited at all times to dress for comfort. you are attending courses.
Accessible The scale of the allowance changes from time to We seek to ensure that the venues we time and current rates can be obtained from the use have adequate facilities for disabled Education & Training Team, Cardiff. You are obliged members. Because of the wide varieties to provide a receipt. of facilitation required it is important that members let us know as soon as possible On residential courses UNISON will endeavour to what they want and that they are specific provide childcare facilities for children up to the about requirements. age of 16 plus accommodation suitable for children. Qualified childcare workers are employed to provide this care.
Time off to attend Nursery nurses will care for children up to the age of 7 years and youth workers will look those aged Stewards, Health and Safety representatives and 8 – 16 years after. These carers will often be Union Learning Representatives have a legal right responsible for children during course times and to paid time off to attend relevant training. If this until 11pm in the evening. applies it is YOU or YOUR branch’s responsibility to arrange time-off to attend the course. If you have any We must conform to the Children’s Act so you must problems then speak to your Branch Education let us know when you apply for a course if you need Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representative or to bring your child/children. Otherwise, we may be Branch Secretary. unable to provide appropriate supervision.
4 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 general information
Confirmation of your place Expenses on a course Travel and subsistence costs for all courses are the Each course in this programme has a closing date of responsibility of your Branch. You should check with four weeks prior to the start for applications. You your Branch Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning will be contacted after the closing date and advised Representative or Branch Secretary to find how to whether or not you have a place. We will also tell claim these costs. you about the details of the course e.g. venue, start times and any other relevant information. What if my branch refuses to Early application is advisable when you require support my application? childcare or other facilities. Late applications may be considered depending on numbers applying. 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. Course times If a reason is given you should contact your Branch Non residential courses usually start at 9.30 am and Secretary, Branch Education Co-ordinator or Union finish at 4.30 pm. Residential courses usually start at Learning Representative to discuss the refusal. If 6.00pm on Friday evening (you should aim to arrive at you are still dissatisfied, you should contact the the venue between 5.00pm and 6.00pm) or at 9.30am Membership Development Team to discuss your on Saturday and finish on Sunday afternoon. application.
You will be given a specific start/finish time when you are offered a place on a course. For the benefit of Course materials everyone on the course you should try to attend all course sessions on time. 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 Part time workers to contact your Branch Education Co-ordinator, UNISON Learning Representative or Branch If you attend a course for which paid time off is Secretary for assistance with finding the materials, available and the course hours exceed those you otherwise this may put you at a disadvantage. 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.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 5 further information
Training and accreditation Branch based On being elected, every steward needs to ensure that his/her branch notifies UNISON Regional Swansea courses Office. There is a special purple form (the Notification As well as running a framework of courses at of Workplace Representatives Form – stock order no. regional level UNISON Cymru/Wales also runs 0852) that must be used for this purpose. Without courses and training sessions for individual this form being completed and forwarded to the Branches or groups of Branches, usually with RMS Section, Swansea Regional Office, a workplace the help of regional Organising staff. representative will not be listed on the RMS and will not be added to the Education & Training Section mailing list. If you have enough active members who UNISON Region will then issue steward’s accreditation, need particular training we may be able to either directly to the steward or via the branch. deliver a low cost course in your Branch.
It is UNISON national policy that new stewards Alternatively you may want to link up who are involved in representing members should with other Branches to organise more attend the UNISON 5 day ‘the Organising locally based training. Ask your Branch Steward’ course or the TUC 10 day ‘Union Education Co-ordinator, Union Learning Representatives Stage 1’ Course. This is to Representative or Branch Secretary for conform to “The Employment Relations Act (1999)”, more information on education and training known as ERA, which puts an obligation on unions provision in your Branch. to ensure that union representatives have attended specified training in order to represent members in If you are a Branch Secretary or Branch grievance and disciplinary cases. Education Co-ordinator or UNISON Learning Representative and you would like If you are a new health & safety rep. then you should to explore the possibility of Branch based attend the UNISON 3 day ‘Organising for Health training then contact one of your regional & Safety’ course. It is the first step for safety reps Organising staff for more information. in becoming conversant with, and more confident about, their rights as a recognised union rep and their responsibility to members, the Branch and UNISON Course fees generally. If you want a more detailed introduction to health & safety you may prefer to opt for the more payable by detailed 10-day comprehensive TUC ‘Health & Safety Stage 1’ course. branches
A number of courses within the It is also UNISON policy that existing Stewards programme are free to Branches as well as maintain their ERA Certification and that they either members and these have been highlighted undertake refresher/ERA re-accreditation training at within the brochure. Unless otherwise least every 5 years or have evidence of appropriate stated, the current cost to the Branch for a training and development which is recorded by the member attending a regional day course is Region within the 5 year period. £20.00 per day and £110.00 for a weekend course. Stewards/Workplace Reps who do not undertake refresher/ERA re-accreditation training and do not Failure to notify us of non-attendance may have evidence of appropriate training and development result in financial charges to your branch. which is recorded by the Region, within the five year period, will no longer be ERA certificated.
6 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 core courses
STEWARDS INTRODUCTION: NEGOTIATING AND ORGANISING STEWARD REPRESENTATION SKILLS
This is UNISON’s foundation course for workplace This is a two day course and is for workplace reps reps and attendance is essential for all new Stewards. who will represent members and who are involved The training is aimed at developing your skills, in negotiations, or who are likely to become knowledge and confidence to enable you to carry out involved in negotiations, with management on pay the role of a Steward in UNISON. and conditions. It is ideal for all workplace reps. It is organised in an active way that gives us all an It is a 5 day course split into two modules and opportunity to have a say as well as listen to other completion of both is required for a steward to be certified as accreditation to represent members in A large part of the course is based on practice the workplace. negotiating sessions giving you practical experience of negotiating situations. The scenarios and The course covers: negotiating situations used in the course are designed to be as close to reality as possible.
• Understanding the role of an organising union The course will enable you to: in public services
• Recognised the importance of equalities in • What is Negotiating? UNISON • Effective Negotiating Teams • Working with members to tackle issues in the workplace • Reading between the lines
• Working with members in resolving cases • Bargaining Information
• Knowing where and when to seek advice and • Preparing a Claim guidance • Preparing the Negotiating Team • Understanding how procedures work in practice • Self Assessing the Negotiating Sessions
• 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
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 7 core courses
INTRODUCTION TO ERA REACCREDITATION HEALTH & SAFETY (Stewards Refresher)
This 3 day course is designed mainly for newly This is a two day course which is aimed at UNISON elected and less experienced UNISON health and workplace representatives who have completed a safety reps organising at local level and potential first stage course, either the UNISON Organising UNISON Health & Safety Representatives. Stewards or the TUC 10 day course. It is relevant to reps who have previously attended UNISON’s It is also suitable for stewards who are also Health & One Step Ahead training, and also to branch officers Safety Representatives, or who want to find out more and is designed to meet the requirements of the about the union role in health & safety. Employment Relations Act (ERA) reaccreditation.
Course content covers: 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 • Health & Safety Problems and the training, for example in the Public Sector Equality Organising Approach Duties or to develop new skills such as in mentoring.
• Health & Safety Representation and the Law The course aims to:
• The Health & Safety Reps Role • Update reps on new legislation which is relevant to their role, particularly the updated • Facilities, Time-off and Training for Health & Grievance and Disciplinary procedures and Safety Reps the Public Sector Equality Duties • Introduce new developments within UNISON, • Workplace inspections and Risk including Meeting the Organising Challenge Assessments • Develop new skills and ideas including preparing for cases and encouraging and • Dealing with Accidents supporting new activists
• Safety Committees By the end of the course participants:
• Safety Policies • Have reflected on the process of action planning and have recorded SMART • Guidance on Grievance and Disputes • actions to follow up on in their branches procedures • Have reflected on the role of a rep and on what they have learned in the role so far • Dealing with Health & Safety problems • 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 8 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 core courses
INTRODUCTION TO DAY 3 - INTRO TO WORKLIFE BALANCE
EMPLOYMENT LAW, In recent years, an ever increasing number of laws CONTRACTS AND have been passed to improve work/life balance. There WORKLIFE BALANCE are complex rules in this area and this section of the course can only provide a general overview. It This is run over 3 days. is designed mainly for less experienced UNISON stewards, anyone who has not attended a work/ DAY 1 - INTRO TO EMPLOYMENT LAW life balance course previously and those wishing to ‘refresh’ their knowledge. (More detail is Employment law is a huge subject with constant available on the national UNISON Race and Sex changes and new laws. This section of the course Discrimination Law course). provides a broad overview of the whole system of individual rights, with a closer focus on some of the The course covers: most important areas. It is designed mainly for less experienced UNISON stewards, anyone who has not • The various forms of statutory leave available: attended an employment law course previously and maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption those wishing to ‘refresh’ their knowledge. (More leave, parental leave and dependant leave advanced courses are available at national level.) • Pregnancy discrimination and pregnancy rights The course covers: • Older workers and retirement • Statutory and contractual rights • How to imply contract terms • The Employment Tribunal System • The right of those with care of a child to • Notice pay and wrongful dismissal request flexible working
• Unfair dismissal • Rights of part timers
• Redundancy • How the Sex Discrimination Act can help those who cannot work full-time, overtime or • Discrimination rotating shifts due to childcare responsibilities
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 • Overview of when an employer breaks or • How to imply contract terms tries to change the contract • Incorporation of collective agreements • How to find and interpret contract terms • Terms introduced by Parliament
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 9 branch based workshops
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:
POLITICAL EDUCATION: CAMPAIGNING:
• The Welfare State: Worth Defending • Defending public services ice breaker
• Understanding the threat to the welfare • Effective lobbying state • Campaigning • The economic crisis – causes and responses • Preparing for street campaigning • Getting active and making a difference
ORGANISING: BARGAINING:
• Memory wall ice-breaker and make a • Facilities time difference today activity • Privatisation and Procurement • Team working • Defending Agenda for Change • Mobilising around the cuts: the importance of One to One conversations • Preparing for Industrial Action
• Writing Successful funding bids • Increasing our influence – successful motions
• TUPE
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.
10 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 union learning
UNISON CYMRU/WALES AND LIFE LONG LEARNING
We are committed to one of the largest trade unions Officers working alongside developing the workplace as in Wales we recognise the members building confidence, a learning community. In the importance of offering learning identifying opportunities and public and essential services opportunities to our members providing access to education we work in partnership so that they can take their and training. with employers building proper place at work, in their active learning cultures that communities and within the For more information, or if contribute to improving the union. you would like to find out service for the user and more about our learning enhances the prospects and The unique UNISON approach programmes or become quality of life of the employee. is to ensure that as many of a UNISON Learning our members as possible have Representative, please contact We know that our members opportunities for learning the Education & Training Team are often held back at work to provide them with the on 02920 729414, or email us and in society, by a lack of skills and the confidence at [email protected] skills, training and confidence. to progress and participate or visit us at our web-site: We also know that women, fully in all spheres of their www.unison-cymruwales. part-time workers and those lives. We do this through our org.uk. in low paid manual jobs are network of UNISON Learning less likely to be involved in Representatives, Branch any learning programmes that Education Co-ordinators and are on offer by employers. As Branch Life Long Learning
Wales/Cymru TUC Learning Services
UNISON 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/
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 11 union learning
ARE YOU INTERESTED • Organising and running open days and events in the workplace to promote workplace and IN LEARNING? lifelong learning and provide more information on learning opportunities available Have you thought about becoming a UNISON • Supporting members who are on a learning Learning Representative? programme and providing information, advice and guidance on learning progression routes What is a UNISON Learning Rep? UNISON • Represent and negotiate on behalf of members Learning Reps are trade union reps who are willing on issues around learning (for example, around to provide encouragement and support around time off to attend courses) learning for members or potential members in the workplace. They have the same statutory rights What training is available and what is covered? as other UNISON reps and are entitled to have reasonable time off with pay to attend training and There is a 5 day training course available for all new to carry out their role. Learning Reps to help you feel confident to carry out the ULR role and you have the same legal rights Any UNISON member can train to become a to time off with pay to attend training as other Learning Rep. The best people for the role are union representatives such as stewards and health those who are enthusiastic about learning and want and safety reps. to support other people to learn new things and develop their skills and confidence. They need to The course includes: be able to chat with other members about their learning needs and provide information about • Promoting and researching life long learning training courses or learning opportunities that may • Offering support to other learners and be useful. overcoming barriers to learning • Developing communication, listening and To be a UNISON Learning Rep you: interviewing skills • Working with your employer and your • Do not have to be currently active in the union UNISON branch to promote life long learning in • Do not need an understanding of UNISON and the workplace its structures • Understanding effective ways of assessing • Do not need any experience of being a steward learning needs or union activist • Planning & negotiating for learning activity in the • You do need to be enthusiastic about learning workplace • You do need to know and understand the • Learning agreements 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? More info...
The role is very diverse and can include some or all For an informal discussion about the role of the activities below: of UNISON Learning Representative or to book your place on the next course, • Carrying out a learning needs analysis within please contact:- the workplace to find out more about learning needs Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & • Raising awareness of basic skills needs and Development Organiser) on 02920 729414 working with the employer to develop and or 07957 505756 or implement an Employer Pledge action plan e-mail: [email protected]
12 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 union learning
OPEN UNIVERSITY (WALES) All ‘Openings’ courses have been developed for new learners or those who have not done As a distance learning university the Open any learning for a few years. There are no University (Wales) was founded to bring higher entry requirements and they assume no special education to people who are unable to study knowledge and no experience of studying. at a conventional university and who want to choose when and where they want to study. You will receive course materials and support by telephone and/or e-mail whenever you need A national agreement exists between UNISON it from your personal Open University tutor. and the Open University and we have worked You will need to study for a few hours each together for many years to bring learning to week over 20 weeks. the workplace. In 2013 there are 5 topics to choose from. Jointly we have developed innovative approaches with employers seeking help with • Understanding Children & Young people planning workplace learning opportunities for • Understanding Management their staff. These include bringing together groups of learners, running a pre-course • Starting with Psychology workshop and delivering courses in partnership. As part of this scheme UNISON Cymru/Wales • Starting with Maths has supported hundreds of learners through • Making Sense of the Arts K101 Understanding Health and Social Care. All courses also incorporate a short IT module The OU’s ‘Openings’ programme of at the end. introductory courses is aimed at people who have not studied for some time and can’t afford If you would like more information or you wish to take time out from work to learn. They to register your interest for one of the courses are useful in themselves as subject specific then please contact: Helen Huelin Regional courses but also offer immediate benefits in Development and Learning Organiser on the workplace and are ideal preparation for 02920 729414 or further study. 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/
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 13 union learning: non-ERA courses
The 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 Branch Based Workshops • Leadership Programme • Political Education • Chairing & Meeting Skills - Defending the Welfare State • Br Education Co-ordinator - The threats to the Welfare State • Br Health & Safety Officer - The Economic Crisis • Speaking with Confidence - Getting Active • Advanced Representation Skills • Campaigning • Recruitment Skills - Defending Public Services • Mentoring in the Branch - Effective lobbying • Discussion Leader / Lay Tutor training - Strategic Campaigning • RMS - Street Campaigning • Coping with Change • Organising • Risk Assessments - Memory Wall • Health & Safety Refresher - Team Working - Mobilising around the cuts - Successful funding bid writing Membership Development • Bargaining • Self Organised Groups - Facilities time • Equality Reps - TUPE • Equality Impact Assessments - Privatisation & Procurement • Public Sector Equality Duties - Preparing for industrial action • Discrimination - Successful motion writing • Equality for ULRs • Mental Health First Aid training • Mental Health Awareness for TU reps Lifelong & Workplace Learning • Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) • Return to Learn Other • Women’s’ Lives • Environmental Reps Training • Information Advice & Guidance • Thompsons Solicitors employment law updates • Dyslexia in the workplace and briefings • Skills for life • Conference procedures and taking part • Learning in the NHS and the Knowledge and • Leadership training for Regional Committees Skills Framework (KSF)
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.
14 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 union learning
SKILLS FOR LIFE LEARNING IN THE NHS (KSF)
This course is a follow on from the UNISON This course is aimed at Union Learning Lifelong Learning Advisers and Union Learning Representatives and Lifelong Learning Advisers who Representatives courses. It is for those representatives have already participated in the first stage Learning and learning advisers that want to improve their rep or adviser training. understanding and skills in promoting Skills for Life (language, literacy & numeracy) in the workplace and The course complements the other activist helping members access opportunities to improve training courses on the Knowledge and Skills these skills. Framework which aim to enable branches to plan their response to the KSF and to enable stewards The course runs for 12 hours, over two days. The and members to participate effectively in the course involves group work and discussion as well development of KSF post outlines. as finding out information from your employer and UNISON. It is accredited through the Open College This training focuses on the wider learning agenda Network and you can achieve one credit at levels 1, within the NHS as well as the specific role of the 2 or 3. 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
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 15 calendar of courses - sw & nw wales
Core 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
16 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 se & mid wales - calendar of courses
Core 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
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 17 union learning
DYSLEXIA IN THE INFORMATION, ADVICE AND WORKPLACE GUIDANCE
This course is a follow on from the UNISON This 2 day course is a follow on from the UNISON Learning Representatives introductory courses. It is Learning Representatives introductory course or for those who want to improve their understanding the TUC equivalent. It is aimed at ULRs who want of dyslexia and how it affects people in the workplace. to improve their understanding and skills in giving information and advice in the workplace, how to The course is two days and involves individual keep up to date contacts and to take enquiries activities, group work and discussion as well as further. finding out information from your employer and outside sources. It is NOT designed to make you The course covers: into a ‘dyslexia expert’ but to introduce you to some of the key issues facing individuals, the trade • Understanding IAG in a trade union context union and the employing organisation. In particular, the course aims to help you to: • Developing the skills needed to work with learners • understand the most common traits and • Identifying ways of working with external behaviour associated with dyslexia organisations • understand the barriers to learning at work • Awareness of the matrix quality standard faced by people with dyslexia and IAG good practice • consider how you might support colleagues in the workplace who are experiencing The course is accredited through the Open College difficulties associated with dyslexia Network and you can achieve one credit at levels 1, 2 or 3. To achieve level 1 you need only to complete the • The course is accredited through the Open evidence sheets in the course book and to collect some College Network (OCN) and you can information. To achieve levels 2 or 3, you will have to achieve one credit at levels 1, 2 or 3 interview someone at work and write up your notes.
18 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 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.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 19 branch development
CHAIRING AND MEETING SPEAKING WITH SKILLS CONFIDENCE
This course is designed for anyone who wants to This course is designed for anyone who is looking improve the knowledge and skills associated with to gain more confidence at speaking in public. It will chairing and otherwise participating in meetings. The also explain how to be more effective and be heard emphasis is on a balance between formal and informal in meetings and includes practice sessions and tips meetings. It provides basic and refresher meeting on how to prepare and deliver. skills for any activists who attends or will attend meetings in the future. It covers:
It covers: • Looking at what you want to achieve • Preparing to speak • The roles and skills of Chairing • Using factual arguments • Preparing Agendas • Dealing with nervousness • Facilitating Meetings • Planning your speech • Meetings Procedures • Knowing your subject • Practise at Chairing a Meeting • Structuring your speech • Understanding Motions and Amendments • Delivering your speech • Chairing Dilemmas—What would you do? • Responding in debate • Meeting the Organising Aims of UNISON
COPING WITH CHANGE DEALING WITH THE PRESS AND MEDIA This new two day course has been developed by UNISON Cymru/Wales and the South Wales WEA This weekend residential course is for activists and (Workers Educational Association) If you are facing the it looks at effective ways of presenting trade union possibility of facing changes and upheaval at work or are issues to the media. It is designed to build confidence worried about becoming redundant then this will be of for when you are being interviewed and deals with particular interest to you. It will also be of interested to how to write press releases and how you plan to use you if you are facing the possibility of retiring from work. the media. By the end of the course you will: It covers: • Have an understanding of change and how it affects you • Identifying the opportunities for using the • Be able to look positively and proactively at change media • Have developed and practised some skills for • Assessing what factors can make an issue coping with change newsworthy • Be able to make a positive contribution to • Writing a press release change at work • Using skills appropriate to different media • Have set your own personal action plan for change interviews e.g. language, technique, formality, including TV interviews etc. Some of the topics include: • Preparing to handle different media • CV writing and interview skills • Drawing up lists of media contacts indicating • Planning ahead their usefulness for specific trade union issues • Learning Opportunities • Preparing a plan for presenting trade union • Health and Wellbeing issues to the media • Where to go for advice on budgeting, pensions and investments
20 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 branch development
RISK ASSESSMENTS MENTORING IN YOUR BRANCH Risk Assessment is a crucial part of health and safety in the work place. This 2 day course has This branch course recognises that mentoring will been designed to enable UNISON health and be effective as a means of supporting new stewards safety representatives to learn about risks and where all branch officers are supportive and aware of risk assessment legislation which will help them the role that mentors play. to organise more effectively for a safer working environment. The aims of the course are to: The course will help participants to: • gain an understanding of what mentoring means • show an awareness of the range of risks • understand the context of a branch strategy in the workplace on mentoring • develop key mentoring skills including • understand the key legal requirements listening and questioning concerning risk assessments, and the • develop awareness of the process of criteria used developing stewards • agree the scope and boundaries of the role • be familiar with the UNISON approach of mentors within the branch 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 RECRUITMENT SKILLS • develop a risk assessment resource pack for use in their workplace and union 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.
HEALTH & SAFETY The course covers: REFRESHER • Awareness of UNISON’s publicity materials, especially targeted material This one day course is designed for existing UNISON • Understanding work place mapping health & safety reps organising at local level who wish • Preparing presentations to update and refresh their knowledge. • Persuading reluctant members to join • The benefits of being a trade union member It is also suitable for stewards who are also health & • How to increase UNISON’s density safety representatives, or who want to find out more about the union role in health & safety.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 21 branch development
ADVANCED RMS REPRESENTATION SKILLS The six-day course enables branches to take full This 2 day course is based on an entire disciplinary responsibility for the membership system (RMS). The hearing from start to finish. Participants follow the course is aimed at branch-employed staff or activists case on DVD/video and it is designed to give new who currently have, or are able to take, responsibility stewards an insight into how the procedures work for maintaining branch membership records. as well as develop the skills of more experienced representatives. The course covers:
The course expects that participants will have • Entering new members details received at least a basic grounding through their • Lapsing members introductory stewards course and if you are • Producing reports representing members and want to improve your • Using the RMS as an organising tool to aid skills then this course will help build your recruitment and retention confidence enhance your existing tools.
The two-day course is designed for those branches This course will help you to: who wish to view details held about their members • Prepare a case, including interviewing on the RMS but who will not be updating the members system. • Analyse a case and identify its strengths and weaknesses The one-day course is an overview of the operation • Prepare for cross examination of systems and processes and how the RMS can aid management witnesses branch recruitment and organisation. • Develop your confidence to represent a member at a disciplinary hearing • Give you an opportunity to practice your skills
22 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 membership development
WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT LESBIAN, GAY, BI-SEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER This 3 day course for women which is intended to be informative and is designed to help those women who MEMBERS’ DEVELOPMENT take part to support the work of their branch and act as workplace representatives. It will enable participants A 3 day course for LGBT members to support other to develop new skills and knowledge and work with LGBT members in the workplace. It will enable other women around Wales. participants to develop new knowledge and skills in a supportive environment working with new friends BLACK MEMBERS and colleagues from across the Region. DEVELOPMENT EQUALITIES FOR ULR’S This course is aimed at black members active in, or interested in becoming involved, in their branches or in This course has been specifically designed for black members groups at a branch or regional level. UNISON ULRs.
The purpose of the course is to help ULRs: DISABLED MEMBERS • Build confidence • Deal with equality issues A 3 day course for Disabled Members to help those who • Develop their understanding of equality take part to support members in the workplace. It will issues enable participants to develop action plans, new skills and • Understand the link between equality experiences and particularly to develop their campaigning issues and learning and organising skills and to work with new friends and colleagues. Understanding the deep rooted nature of prejudice and discrimination will help ULRs carry out their role confidently and effectively.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 23 membership development
WOMEN’S LIVES RETURN 2 LEARN
Course aims Course aims
The course will help women participants to: The course will help participants to:
• get back into education • build self confidence • build confidence • improve educational skills in key areas • help to develop study skills • provide information and guidance to help move on to further learning opportunities Who is it for? • widen horizons and meet new friends
If you are someone who wants to get back into Who is it for? education, but have been put off in the past because it seemed too difficult then Women’s Lives is ideal. UNISON members who: It is particularly suitable for women who have been • are considering going back into education out of education for a long time and have had few • want to brush up their skills educational opportunities in the past. • have few, if any, educational qualifications • are looking for a change of direction How the course will work including duration 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 The course will involve you working with the tutor group will be organised and run by a tutor. The other and other learners in regular local study groups. members of the group will be women who want to These usually take place one evening every fortnight get back into education. The groups are very informal for about two and a half hours over a period of with opportunities to swap ideas and experiences six to eight months. There will also be a residential and to help prepare for working on your own. It is weekend. The course, including the residential expected that everyone will need to spend about weekend, is free to UNISON members. another two hours per week studying at home. There are no tests or exams. As well as the study group, How and where to enrol there is a residential weekend. The emphasis is on co-operation and mutual support. Contact Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & Development Organiser): [email protected] How and where to enrol
Contact Helen Huelin (Regional Learning & Development Organiser): [email protected] It increased my confidence, I made new friends, it challenged my mind and inspired me to learn more. I left school with no The course brought qualifications at 15 and I never together different thought I could achieve such a perspectives on how high standard of education in bullying and harassment my more mature years. is dealt with in branches Janice Marshall and by employers. Cheryl Forrest
24 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 equality in the workplace courses
EQUALITY REPS EQUALITY ACT & EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) The course will help participants to: This course will provide participants with an • promote equality in their branch understanding of the Equality Act 2010, an overview • promote equality in the workplace of discrimination law and the new Public Sector Equality Duties. It will also provide an introduction to The course is for existing and newly elected Branch Equality Impact Assessment. Equality Officers and those interested in becoming a Branch Equality Officer. It is also useful for as a Understanding the EIA process is vital to our course for Branches wishing to engage on the issues effectiveness in working with policy and initiative of equality for any Branch Officers and Activists. development. It is one of the most practical tools we can use to evaluate the effect of a proposal, policy or This course will help you: initiative and challenge the effects on our members in the workforce. EIAs can be applied to a range of • Understand the role of the equality rep employers initiatives such as change of terms and • Find out more about discrimination legislation conditions, procurement, PFI, TUPE transfers etc • Improve equality policies and agreements and used as a mechanism to identify and challenge • Find out about good practice and share discrimination. success stories • Promote equality in the workplace and the The course will provide you with the necessary union skills to challenge employers using the Equality • Develop tools and techniques for raising Act and build confidence around the process and equality issues implementation of EIA’s. • Keep updated with current legislation • Understand sector specific equality duties DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LAW (INTRODUCTORY) PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY This course is for representatives and Branch Officers DUTIES and will help participants to:
Existing anti-discrimination legislation covers six • Gain an introductory overview of disability main equality strands—gender, disability, race, sexual discrimination law orientation, age and religion and belief. Although • assist activists in recognising who might be this has started to tackle discrimination, progress covered and how useful the law can be has been slow and has often led to individual legal remedies that do not tackle underlying problems. Outcomes
During the course you will learn about the By the end of the course, participants will be able to: general and specific duties of each duty and how they can be practically applied to make a difference • have an introductory overview of disability to UNISON members’ lives. They are a key tool discrimination law, including an initial idea as for negotiating and bargaining across all aspects of to: work with employers and this course is not only for • the definition of disability, ie who might be equality officers but for key branch negotiators. covered by the law • the type of reasonable adjustments which an This course also provides an introduction to employer is expected to make Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) • tribunal time-limits
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 25 other courses
THOMPSONS BRIEFINGS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Thompsons solicitors can provide one-day briefings for branches, standing committees or Self Organised This course will help UNISON reps to: Groups upon request on issues such: • Develop a better understanding of Mental • Health & Safety Health in general • Race & Sex Discrimination • Develop a better understanding of work • Contracts, Redundancy & TUPE related Mental Health issues • Unfair Dismissals & Employment Tribunals • Develop a better understanding of • Disability Discrimination in Employment Law Disability Discrimination Law and how it applies to people with Mental Health issues • Develop through the use of case studies CONFERENCE PROCEDURES and role play some practical skills for AND TAKING PART dealing with Mental Health related issues • Produce an action plan to work with members and employers to develop a Going to Conference this year? Are you feeling strategy for Mental Health issues anxious about the experience? Would you like to find out more about what to expect? MENTAL FIRST AID Then this one-day briefing is for you. The briefing is aimed at both new and not-so-new delegates so don’t This 2 day course is supported by the Welsh feel shy, come and find out what it is all about. Government and is aimed at the Welsh public, employers, managers, trade union reps, frontline staff in The course covers: local authorities and Housing, Further Education staff, NHS staff, Prison and custody staff and Jobcentre Plus • How conference operates staff. Upon successful completion Participants receive • Key issues you are likely to deal with a certificate from Mind Cymru and an endorsement • How to handle the paper work from The Welsh Government. In summary the course: • What support you may require when you are there • 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 WORKPLACE You 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.
• Key environmental definitions • Trade union environmental policies • The development of environmental issues • Employer’s env. policies and practices • Environmental statements and the trade union approach • Workplace issues and Members concerns 26 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 other courses
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. EQUALITIES FOR LAY UNISON’s Lay tutors offer an additional kind of TUTORS activist service to the union. UNISON’s own lay tutor training scheme aims to ensure our member- This course has been specifically designed for centred learning methods help build the union. UNISON lay tutors and is an integral and We positively encourage members of Self Organised essential part of the UNISON lay tutor training Groups to become lay tutors. programme.
Participants who successfully complete all the The purpose of the course is to help lay tutors elements of the full course will be qualified as a improve their own education practice by: UNISON Stage 1 Lay Tutor • Building confidence The course covers: • Dealing with equality issues • Developing their understanding of equality • Why do introductions (briefing) issues • Course contracts Understanding the deep rooted nature of • Education methods prejudice and discrimination will help all lay • Education methods in trade union tutors carry out their role on behalf of UNISON education (briefing) confidently and effectively. • 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
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 27 national employment law courses
NATIONAL ACTIVIST EDUCATION PROGRAMME: EMPLOYMENT LAW COURSES 2013
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 RIGHTS 27 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 LAW 11 - 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 & TUPE 4 – 6 MARCH: Closing date for receipt of applications: 14 January 18–20 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 TRIBUNALS 10 – 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.
28 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 national employment law courses
RACE & SEX DISCRIMINATION LAW 25 – 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 5758 E.mail [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 EQUALITIES As 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.
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 29 course application form
Name
Address for correspondence
Postcode Ethnicity Daytime telephone number Please tick one box
E-mail address White Irish UNISON Branch Black Caribbean UNISON Membership number Black African Black other Name of employer (Please specify)
Course(s) applied for:  Indian Title Date Pakistani Chinese Other (Please specify)
Please give details of any childcare, family or disability access requirements
Do you have any dietary needs? Do you work:
Signature Date Part-time Full-time 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. Please return this form to: THIS APPLICATION IS ONLY VALID ONCE SIGNED BY THE APPLICANT & BRANCH CONFIRMATION OF COURSE ATTENDANCE WILL BE SENT AFTER THE CLOSING Education & Training DATE YOUR BRANCH WILL BE CHARGED IF YOU FAIL TO ATTEND WITHOUT NOTICE UNISON Cymru/Wales ONCE YOUR PLACE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY US UNISON House Custom House Street The branch supports this application. We will meet the travel and Cardiff subsistence costs if claimed. If a course fee is advertised we will pay when CF10 1AP invoiced. Tel. 02920 729414 Branch Signature* Date Fax 02920 387531 Email: *Branch Education Co-ordinator / Branch Secretary [email protected]
30 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 Notes
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 31 Notes
32 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 Plan
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: l answer your questions l put you in touch with the information and people who can help you along the way l have 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 Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013 area. 33 Cymru Wales
Cymru/Wales Education Programme 2013
Published34 by UNISON Cymru/Wales, printed by UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside Print Unit, Leeds.