Scottish Union Learning 5 Annual Report

UNION Union Learning: L H E S A I R

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Developing Scotland’s I

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Workforce S Learners’ Quotes

“The course has improved my skill “I’ve learned a lot of set and will improve interesting things my employability that will help me in prospects.” my work.”

“I found the classroom environment very friendly and felt able to speak and give my opinion. It was overall a very enjoyable experience that I would like to do again.”

2 “A great “Excellent course, introduction. I can’t would really wait to put what we like more of this.” covered today into practice.” “I believe that the work I have “I really loved this completed throughout course. I can see all my studies has the benefits to it. Really contributed to my appreciate the tutors’ recent professional 2015 support, they were opportunities and Annual Report great!” successes.” Front cover photos: Louis Flood and Nick McGowan-Lowe Flood Louis photos: cover Front Introduction Harry Frew, Chair Scottish Union Learning Board

This has been another Development Fund and the Equality Rep important and Development project. These initiatives, challenging year for which have been funded as a direct result trade unions, but of the recommendations contained in also a year with a the Working Together Review, will allow number of positive us to develop leadership capacity within developments in the trade union movement in Scotland Scotland, including and work towards increasing the role the establishment of Equality Reps in the private and third

Louis Flood Louis of the Fair Work sectors. Convention. The Convention was set up in line with the recommendations The opportunities available to union of the Working Together Review and members in updating skills, gaining the expected outcome is that a Fair qualifications and learning in the Work Framework for Scotland will be workplace are recognised as providing established. added value to being a member of a trade union in Scotland. Working With the support of the Scottish in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Directorate, as Government, we aim to further develop well as continuing the Development the learning opportunities offered Fund and Learning Fund and our work in by trade unions in Scotland, a move improving Digital skills, Scottish Union which will benefit both workers and 3 Learning has established the Leadership employers.

Contents Introduction and contents 3 Fair Work 24 Structure 4 Equality Rep Development Project 25 The Board 5 Leadership Development Fund 26 Advisory Groups 6 Conferences and Events 27 Development Fund 7 Learning Forums 29 Learning Fund 9 TUC Education 30 Improving Everyday Skills 16 Working with Partners 32 Highlands and Islands 20 MAP Case Studies 34 STUC Union Rep Awards 22 Resources and Communications 37 2015 Annual Learner of the Year Award 23 Contacts 38 Report Structure

Scottish Union Learning was The Board is supported by a Union established by the STUC Advisory Group and a Partners’ Advisory Group which provide advice and General Council to deliver trade information on strategic and operational union learning in workplaces matters. across Scotland in line with The work of Scottish Union Learning is STUC policy on learning and delivered by the Scottish Union Learning skills. This is taken forward in Team. Members of the Team are located in the STUC/Scottish Union Learning partnership with unions. offices in Glasgow and in Inverness.

The Scottish Union Learning Board was Statement of Purpose established to direct and oversee the work Scottish Union Learning supports trade of Scottish Union Learning. The Board unions in accessing skills and lifelong includes members of the General Council, learning opportunities for their members representatives of affiliated trade unions, that contribute to collective prosperity, the STUC General Secretary and a TUC fairness and equality, for workers across nominated member. Scotland.

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STUC General Council

Scottish Union Learning Board Partners’ Union Advisory Group Advisory Group

Director of Scottish Union TUC Education Operational Learning Officer Scotland Group

Admin Manager/ Development Funding & Policy Secretary to the Officers Officer Board

TUC Education 2015 Admin Marketing Finance Secretary/Admin Annual Assistants Officer Officer Report Assistant The Board

The Scottish Union Learning The aims and objectives of Board, appointed by the STUC Scottish Union Learning are to: General Council, oversees and promote trade union-led learning and directs the work of Scottish skills development in line with STUC Union Learning. Policy on learning and skills; support unions in identifying and The Scottish Union Learning Board meeting the skills and learning needs approves the Business Plan which outlines of their members and in organising the strategic objectives of Scottish Union workplace learning opportunities Learning for the year, and agrees and across Scotland with specific resources monitors the annual work plan. The Board dedicated to the Highlands and Islands; has responsibility for all Scottish Union assist unions in identifying the needs Learning funding. As well as agreeing of Union Learning Representatives and the annual budget, the Board oversees provide appropriate support; the allocation of funding from the Development Fund and Learning Fund, provide assistance to unions and monitors the use of any additional in accessing Everyday Skills funding secured to support the work of opportunities for their members; Scottish Union Learning. work with unions to increase digital participation in workplaces across Chair: Harry Frew, UCATT Scotland; 5 Vice Chair: John Brown, CWU promote learning or action which increases equality awareness Members: Jackson Cullinane, Unite; and tackles inequality and Harry Donaldson, GMB; Karen Foster, PCS; under‑representation at work; Samantha Ritchie, Young Workers’ Rep; Lyn McClintock, EIS; Robert Mooney, Disabled encourage and support employer Workers’ Rep; Grahame Smith, STUC engagement in delivering learning General Secretary; Liz Rees, TUC Education and upgrading skills; Manager; Peter Hunter, UNISON; Brian establish relationships with partner Linn, Aegis the Union (from Dec 2015); organisations in the provision of (Anne Douglas, Prospect and John Keggie, learning and skills; UNISON, retired during the year) continue to develop resources for Staff in Attendance: Wendy Burton, unions, ULRs, and learners; and Director (from June 2015) work with the TUC in ensuring the Harry Cunningham, TUC Education Officer provision of a comprehensive trade Ann Garscadden, Secretary to the Board union education service suitable to (Sylvia O’Grady, Lifelong Learning the needs of unions in Scotland. Manager, retired May 2015) 2015 Annual Observer: Laura Dougan, Scottish Report Government Advisory Groups Union Advisory Group Partners’ Advisory Group

The Union Advisory Group and Partners’ Advisory Group the Partners’ Advisory Group The Partners’ Advisory Group supports the provide advice and information Board by: to the Board on strategic and contributing to discussions about the operational matters. strategic direction of Scottish Union Learning; Union Advisory Group advising Scottish Union Learning on The Union Advisory Group supports the ways in which it could develop in order Board by: to better achieve its objectives and further its role; providing operational information that will inform the Board in making sharing information on the strategic strategic decisions; direction of partner organisations;

identifying strategic or operational championing the value of union learning issues for the Board to consider; in the wider world of learning and skills. Chair advising the Board of changes in the Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary strategic direction of individual unions; 6 Membership providing the Board with examples of BBC Scotland good practice in trade union learning. Dyslexia Scotland Education Scotland Co-Chairs Equate Scotland Wendy Burton, Director Fife College Harry Cunningham, TUC Education Officer: Glasgow Kelvin College Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise Membership Newbattle Abbey College Membership is open by nomination from Scottish Adult Learning Partnership all STUC affiliated organisations. Scottish Book Trust Scottish Enterprise Scottish Government Skills Development Scotland SCQF Partnership SCVO SQA The Open University WEA Scotland 2015 Zero Waste Scotland Annual Report The Board reviews membership of this Group on an on-going basis. The Development Fund

The Development Fund complements UCATT: Addressing Skills Shortages in existing trade union learning strategies. the Construction Sector It supports developmental work that UNISON: Upskilling in Health & Social increases the capacity of unions to deliver Care & Developing Young People courses funded by both the Learning Fund Unite: Learn with Unite and external learning funding sources that Usdaw: Byte Sized Learning - unions are able to access. It also supports Workplace Digital and Everyday Skills unions with a range of other activities, Development including Union Learning Rep training, employer engagement, workforce Highlands and Islands Projects development, and developing new and NUJ: Building for the Future: Sustainable innovative approaches to delivery. Strategies for the Media Industry RMT: All Aboard for Learning During the year, funding was allocated to UNISON: Upskilling Healthcare Workers 18 Development Fund projects. Of these, and Enhancing the Infrastructure 15 are based in the Lowlands and Uplands for Trade Union Led Learning in the area and three are in the Highlands Highlands and Islands and Islands. These projects have been developing and facilitating learning in a wide range of sectors, including transport, retail, journalism, financial services, “I really loved this engineering and hospitality. Unions are course. I can see all 7 also using the Development Fund to expand their activities into new sectors the benefits to it. Really and workplaces. appreciate the tutors’ Lowlands and Uplands Projects support, they were Aegis: Developing Skills in Financial Services great!” ASLEF: ASLEF Education BECTU: BECTU Vision BFAWU: Creating Pathways to Progress Community: Engaging with Employers “Tutor engaged on Workforce Development NUJ: Dynamic Media for Digital Times everyone right from PCS: License to Skill POA: Local Action, National Strategy the beginning of the day RCM: Developing the Maternity through to the end. I Workforce in LUPS RMT: Developing Skills in Rail enjoyed the course and Infrastructure, Rail Passenger and Ferry will recommend it 2015 Passenger Annual TSSA: Better Skills in Scotland to others.” Report Case Study The Development Fund

BFAWU training. The Project Worker immediately set about establishing a network of young workers within the hospitality sector, LUPS who then planned a series of courses and events to create a collective experience The Development for these workers in this network. This included courses on using social media Fund such as Twitter, Facebook, Hootsuite and Instagram, and also song writing, film- The BFAWU organised a pilot project making and creative writing. for young workers employed within the hospitality sector; a sector characterised The project also worked with The Open by high levels of zero hour contracts, low University to promote its Fee Waiver offer, pay and limited training and development whereby the majority of learning is free to opportunities. It is also a sector in which workers earning under £25,000 a year. This young workers are often isolated from would apply to almost all young workers their fellow employees. For this reason, in the sector, and a series of promotional the ethos of the project was to use workshops will highlight the opportunities learning as a means to develop the skills of studying with The Open University. of young people, while simultaneously providing a space in which young workers By the end of March 2016, it is anticipated could meet and network. This included that over 100 young workers will have 8 designing bespoke forms of learning been supported by the project. In many delivery to take account of the flexible and cases, this is the first time these workers irregular shifts young workers faced. will have had contact with the trade union movement. The BFAWU believes the pilot The BFAWU employed a young Project can establish a model of how the union Worker, who had experienced the issues movement can use learning to engage of job insecurity, irregular pay and lack of with young workers in the future.

2015 Annual Report The Learning Fund

During the last year, there has been a change to the way the Learning Fund Learning Fund Applications is financed. Until the end of June 2015, Oct 2014 to Sept 2015 the Learning Fund was funded by both Number of Course Type Scottish Government and the European Courses Social Fund (ESF), under the Scottish Everyday Skills European Structural Fund programme. (including ESOL and 78 From July 2015, Scottish Government has Employability Skills) solely financed the Learning Fund. Everyday Skills (Digital 34 The Learning Fund is an innovative source skills) of funding that enables learning to be IT (including European Computer Driving taken into the workplace, and delivered 59 at a time and place that meets the needs License (ECDL) and of learners. The approaches of individual Microsoft Office unions reflect the diversity in the needs Vocational Training 80 of workers, resulting in a wide range of Modern Languages 7 learning provision, including Digital Skills, Employability Skills, ESOL, and vocational British Sign Language 11 training. Learning also is offered at times to suit those who are working Development Training 46 shift patterns, or who are affected by Total (all LF) 305 9 other barriers to learning, such as caring responsibilities. There is widespread demand for learning in the workplace, others will undertake a progression course and for unions to facilitate delivery of to complete their training that will allow this learning, to ensure that learning them to gain a recognised qualification opportunities are accessible to all workers to assist with career progression. Courses who want to develop their skills and have been delivered throughout Lowlands progress within the workforce. and Uplands Scotland, from Aberdeen to Dumfries, Glasgow to Edinburgh and a During the funding period April 2015 to number of locations in-between. March 2016, the Learning Fund aims to support up to 4000 learners to develop new skills or improve their existing skills in “I thoroughly a diverse range of learning opportunities. In the previous funding programme, enjoyed this during the period October 2014 to course, I gained valuable September 2015, 305 course applications from unions were approved. Of these, 57 knowledge and would are for accredited learning leading to a love to continue 2015 part or a full qualification. Some learners Annual will attend more than one course and learning.” Report “I’m delighted that I undertook this course and have already recommended to colleagues 10 and friends that they take the course too.”

“Very entertaining “Overall this has and a useful been an enjoyable session in ways to and memorable increase confidence learning in myself.” experience.”

2015 Annual Report Case Study UCATT Historic Scotland BUILDING Stone Carving LEARNING

UCATT starting point to finished artefact with the comprehensive support of renowned 2 days Stone Carver, David Lindsay. The venue 11 for the course was Edinburgh College’s Granton stonemasonry facility at Granton Campus which provided the necessary health and safety equipment (such as airstream 15 helmets and dust extraction units/cowls) to ensure participants were protected from high dust levels/silica dust. The Learning Fund Feedback from UCATT members has been Stone Carving is an ancient craft requiring extremely positive, with one participant, specialist techniques and skill. The course Heather Griffith, stating: “this is the best recruited 15 learners: a mix of apprentice course I have ever been on.” Stone Carving and time-served Stonemasons from is not part of the every day duties of Historic Scotland sites including Melrose, Stonemasons within Historic Scotland and Blackness, Edinburgh, Stirling, Dirleton this course has provided the participants and Glasgow Cathedral. Candidates with additional skills which will enhance were given a 1ft x 1ft block of limestone, their prospects in the future. Such was a template of a mythical figure, and the success and positivity of the feedback specialist stone carving tools. Participants that UCATT is planning further Stone 2015 were then given the opportunity to Carving courses. Annual Report carve the mythical figure from initial The Learning Fund Evaluation of the Highlands and Islands Learning Fund

Scottish Union Learning Figure 1: Key Statistics from the commissioned Stewart Highlands & Islands Learning Fund Research and Scottish Centre – April 2011 to March 2015 for Employment Research Number of courses 166 to conduct an independent supported Number of accredited evaluation of the Highlands 81 and Islands Learning Fund for courses Number of non- 85 the period April 2011 to March accredited courses 2015. Number of course 1587 places supported The evaluation concluded that Scottish Number of learners 1189 Union Learning in the Highlands & supported Islands delivered a spread and variety Number of learners of workplace learning additional to that who undertook more 251 which already exists, which was both job- than one course related and non-job-related, accredited Number of learners to 497 and non-accredited, and successfully gain qualification attracted non-traditional and traditional Average number of learners across their range of abilities and 9 learners per course 12 provided opportunities for adult lifelong Average cost per learning. “The feedback from learners was £144 particularly satisfactory and demonstrated learner that the learning activities were associated with positive and empowering outcomes for learners.” to-face delivery) while 17% were delivered either online or by distance learning. As Figure 1 shows, the Learning Fund supported 166 courses. The types of As Figure 3 shows, the evaluation courses supported were reasonably wide identified that 97% of learners were ranging in duration e.g. one day courses satisfied with the course they have to a two-year part time HNC course; as undertaken, with over three quarters well as subject type (see figure 2) and of those, very satisfied. The evaluation level e.g. manual skills, Everyday Skills also highlighted that learners’ feedback - in numeracy and literacy, to ‘softer’ on the perceived benefits they felt they and higher levels of organisational had learnt or gained as a result of the skills in areas such as ‘leadership and learning undertaken showed that 72 % management’, and basic and advanced had extended their knowledge and skills; 2015 use of particular types of new and 62% were incentivised to learn more; 48% emerging digital technologies. Most Annual and 47% respectively had developed new Report courses (83%) were session based (face- skills and confidence; 31% felt more able Figure 2: Course Types

to perform their job and 24% felt they trade union representative interviewed were more able to apply for other jobs. commented: “People have this negative view of trade unions around conflict and Learning was also delivered, as Figure 4 while we are quite a strong union around (overleaf) demonstrates, to workers in campaigning, learning offers members every location across the Highlands & something back, it shows them that we Islands can offer something else and counter that sort of negativity.” The evaluation, as well as identifying the overwhelming postive benefits provided The learning providers interviewed to learners, also evaluated some of the highlighted the importance of union-led benefits being provided to trade unions, learning activities, stressing that union-led 13 employers and learning providers. learning had a number of economic and Trade union representatives outlined social benefits for their organisations. As these benefits in terms of increased one learning provider interviewed put it, membership services, increased capacity “Scottish Union Learning helps us reach and promotional issues and as one a diverse range of employees in a diverse

Figure 3: Course Satisfaction Rates

2015 Annual Report Figure 4: Location of Learners

range of organisations that we would not our staff problems was difficult. We had be able to otherwise do ourselves. We staff problems going back some ten years, provide the courses but it’s the creativity had tried some things that didn’t work of Scottish Union Learning that allows us and we needed a different mechanism to reach these people.” to work. This (training) brought people together, gave them a shared goal and Employers interviewed tended to exceeded our expectations by settling 14 equate union-led learning largely in things down. This is a workforce that has terms of better skills in the workplace now gone on to win awards for their levels and the impact of these on employee of service.” performance, with one employer commenting, “Getting to the bottom of

2015 Annual Report Case Study Learning Fund – An Introduction to Social Media

Cross-union on how to use Facebook and Twitter. By the end of the day, the learners built their confidence in the use of social media to 1 day engage under-represented groups, they 15 better understood the pitfalls of social Glasgow media usage in a workplace context, and developed a greater understanding of the concepts behind good social media policy. 14 The course was well received with a The Learning Fund number of learners developing an interest in exploring opportunities for further Due to the growing need for greater union-led learning. awareness of the use, benefits and potential pitfalls of Social Media, the Walter Macadam, GMB, said: “Positive GMB worked with the STUC Women’s action plays an important role in engaging Committee and STUC Black Worker’s under-represented groups in the trade Committee to organise a cross-union, union movement, it can and does play an cross-workplace ‘Introduction to Social essential role in breaking down barriers. Media’ one-day course in Glasgow. GMB has worked on a cross-union basis with STUC equalities committees in The introductory course supported previous years, the feedback continues to learners in the development of their be positive.” 2015 Annual social media skills with a particular focus Report Improving Everyday Skills

Scottish Union Learning promotes Everyday Skills Everyday Skills activity through Development Scottish Union Learning Fund Projects, Everyday Skills defines Everyday Skills as the language, literacy, numeracy, Events, Learning Conferences and basic IT and digital skills and Local Learning Forums. required both in the workplace and at home. Everyday Skills Scottish Union Learning works with activity also includes English the Scottish Government, Education language learning for those Scotland, Dyslexia Scotland, Scottish who do not have English as Book Trust, Scottish Council for Voluntary their first language and support Organisations and other partners to raise for learners who may have awareness of Everyday Skills needs and dyslexia and/or other learning suitable means of support. differences and disabilities. Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Group Through the Scottish Union Learning Digital Unions Project Everyday Skills Group, unions are Since its inception, Scottish Union 16 encouraged to engage with Scottish Learning’s Digital Unions project has Government strategies, such as Adult delivered digital skills and ‘Train the Literacies in Scotland (ALiS) 2020 Trainer’ courses to over 80 Union Reps and Digital Participation: A National across Scotland. The courses ensure that Framework for Local Action. Unions learners are provided with practical ‘Train are also supported in participating in the Trainer’ techniques to be confident national initiatives such as Adult Learners’ and able to deliver short basic online skills Week, Book Week Scotland and Dyslexia sessions to colleagues in the workplace. Awareness Week. The Group is comprised of members from affiliated unions, With the acquisition of a second round of Scottish Union Learning, Dyslexia Scotland funding from the Scottish Government, and Workers’ Educational Association. two additional ‘Train the Trainer’ courses The Group meets quarterly to discuss all took place in November 2015, with aspects related to workplace literacies, further courses planned between January digital participation and dyslexia; it is and March 2016. Through this project, also responsible for contributing to the Scottish Union Learning is able to support planning of the annual Everyday Skills trade unions in improving workers’ online Event. skills and promote the benefits of digital participation to employers. 2015 Annual Report Focus on Digital Skills

Louis Flood Louis 17 Digital Unions Caithness, Inverness, Orkney and the The Digital Unions project, funded by Western Isles. Scottish Government, was launched at the end of 2014, and has enabled the In addition, a group of ULRs addressed facilitation of a specific training model delegates at a Fringe Event at the STUC for ULRs. This will lead to increased Congress in April, explaining what they digital participation, with trained ULRs had learned through Digital Unions, how able to deliver digital skills sessions in they will use this to support people in their workplaces, and also in their wider their respective workplaces, and how their communities. overall involvement in Digital Unions is helping to increase their confidence, not Digital Unions was a major focus of SUL only in digital skills and in supporting activity throughout 2015, including the learners, but also in public speaking and Everyday Skills Event, the Highlands delivering presentations. The work they and Islands ULR Conference, and Local are doing through Digital Unions is an Learning Forums in Dumfries, Edinburgh, essential aspect of their learner-centred Fife, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Tayside, approach to workplace learning. 2015 Annual Report Case Study Refugee ‘Journeys’

Unions: CWU and GMB understanding of migration, the learners’ stories were a mixture of personal testimonies and part biographical and/ 2 days or fiction. In addition, they had the option to read their own story, or have a narrator read it, and record it on video Glasgow camera. Short films of the recordings were produced and two were screened to a full 12 house at the STUC St Andrew’s Day rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre. Over 100 copies of Book Week Scotland’s ‘Journeys’ books GMB Glasgow were distributed. APEX Branch and Scottish Book Trust This creative writing experience enabled the learners to reflect on their new-found skills and explored the potential for future In partnership with the CWU, GMB learning opportunities. Feedback included Glasgow Apex Branch, Scottish Book Trust, the benefits of being able to develop a STUC and WEA, Scottish Union Learning general awareness of creative writing in delivered a project to support workers, both a fictional and non-fictional context, refugees and asylum seekers who live develop their storytelling and writing in Scotland. Facilitated by experienced confidence, and gain an understanding 18 tutors from the WEA, 12 learners took of the creative writing process. The part in creative writing workshops where workshops also provided an introduction they told the story of their own ‘Journeys’. to utilising digital recording equipment Encouraged to create their written and the opportunity to deliver their work narratives to reflect their experiences and to a live audience.

2015 Annual Report Event Spotlight Book Week Scotland

Scottish Union Learning, in partnership with Scottish Book Trust, worked with unions to celebrate Book Week Scotland, which took place in November 2015.

Through a programme of workplace events, unions and their members participated in Book Week Scotland by encouraging people to read more, and distributed the Scottish Book Trust book, Over 600 packs and 20 campaign boxes ‘Journeys’ which focuses on people across were distributed by Usdaw at Book Week Scotland sharing stories of the journeys Scotland stalls in Morrisons and Tesco that mean the most to them. from Galashiels in the Borders to Buckie in Morayshire. Campaign boxes included ASLEF promoted Book Week Scotland copies of the book and information about at the Yoker Depot which resulted in ILAs and the Big Plus. The ‘Journeys’ book more people using the workplace library. and information were utilised to stimulate Workers reviewed the book and the best conversations about literacy and reading 19 three were awarded a book token. in the workplace. RCM organised coffee mornings and distributed over 100 copies of ‘Journeys’ at “Book Week Scotland is fast St John’s Hospital in Livingston and Forth becoming one of the stand Valley Hospital in Larbert. out campaign weeks for our project. RMT organised book reviews at train stations We use these excellent free books and depots in Aberdeen, Ayr, Edinburgh, to start conversations about literacy Glasgow and Perth with over 300 Reps, and reading in our workplaces. I’ve members and workers. Writers of the best had a very busy week, with the reviews were awarded book tokens. books proving incredibly popular wherever I went. At our stall in the Events at leisure sites, hospitals, and Tesco Call Centre in Dundee we universities were organised by UNISON. gave out over 100 books in the Over 600 people took part, with activities ranging from prize-giving as part of the ‘Six space of one hour!” Book Challenge’ at Wishaw General Hospital, running Adult Learners’ Week book stalls at Jill Little Woodhouse, Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning Project Worker supported NHS sites and Heriot Watt University, and events in some of the busiest 2015 the launch of the ‘Reading Ahead Challenge’ Annual workplaces Report at Glasgow Caledonian University. Highlands and Islands

A key objective of Scottish as remoteness and low density Union Learning in the Highlands population; Working with government agencies and Islands is to support trade to contribute to economic strategies union members and ULRs for the Highlands and Islands which in the region with the aim reflect workers’ aspirations in workforce development; of encouraging and helping Supporting unions and ULRs to build workers based in the area to collaborative working relationship with develop their learning and skills. employers, to develop more productive and rewarding workplaces; Working in partnership with trade The Highlands and Islands covers some unions, local learning providers and 15,000 square miles, which is more than other key partners to develop learning half of Scotland’s landmass. It includes provision that meets the needs of more than 90 inhabited islands but unions; accounts for less than 10% of Scotland’s Ensuring that the needs of the population. Highlands and Islands are incorporated in the development of Scottish Union Recognising both the challenges Learning. and opportunities of supporting union members in accessing learning The ULR role is recognised as being the 20 opportunities in this predominately rural, cornerstone of trade union learning. sparsely populated region, Scottish Union Typically, in the smaller workplaces of the Learning has a dedicated Highlands and Highlands and Islands, there may be only Islands Team based in Inverness. one ULR, or the ULR may cover several workplaces. The Team’s activities focus on: Working with unions to increase the Consequently, Scottish Union Learning number of ULRs and developing prioritises support for this crucial role the ULR infrastructure to create though the provision of guidance and opportunities for workers to participate resources for organising courses and in union-led learning; learning events, including the annual Establishing and maintaining ULR Highlands and Islands ULR Conference. Forums across the region, which provide opportunities for networking The Scottish Union Learning Team is in and support and for organising courses; regular communication with unions and Developing and co-ordinating good ULRs through email and the quarterly practice models of cross-union working newsletter eNews. The Highlands and extending the reach of union learning; Islands ULR Facebook group provides 2015 Identifying innovative ways to deliver another forum for ULRs to discuss and learning programmes which help organise learning. Annual Report overcome potential barriers such Case Study Grasping the App – Highland Healthcare Workers Develop Mobile Apps

UNISON ‘Developing a Mobile App’ course to enable UNISON to meet its objective.

10 Months The 14 learners selected for this 10-month 21 evening course all underwent an interview Highlands & Islands and IT skills test with College staff to ensure their suitability for the course and attended an Induction Day in August 14 2015. The learners are currently working in four teams and by the course end in The Learning Fund June 2016 will have developed not one, but four mobile Apps.

A key objective of UNISON’s Highlands Marta Chaba, UNISON Regional Learning and Islands Development Fund project and Development Organiser said, “The was to develop an App, for and by collective potential benefits of this course healthcare workers, to aid them in their are wide-ranging as not only does the job. However, sourcing a local learning course provide new skills, knowledge provider to deliver the type of course and qualifications for the learners, but UNISON was looking for was not without it’s enabling them to develop Apps challenges. Fortunately, Inverness that could help other workers in their College UHI identified three modules, job, as well as improve the service Programming for Mobile Devices, being provided to patients. It really is 2015 Enterprise Activity, and Computing collectivising the union-led learning Annual Report Project, effectively putting together a experience.” STUC Union Rep Awards STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning

The STUC Union Rep Awards paid time off for member-driven learning consist of four awards: the STUC opportunities. Led by Billy, Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Union Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong (CSEU) ULRs have brought learning into Learning, the STUC Equality the workplace, facilitating a return to Award, the STUC Health & Safety learning for hundreds of non-traditional learners. Award and the STUC Organising Award. Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, said: “Over his last seven years as a ULR, The recipient of the 2015 STUC Helen Billy McKay has provided unparalleled Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning support in learning to hundreds of was Billy McKay, a Union Learning shipyard workers across the country. In Representative and Convenor for Unite addition, he has placed learning at the the Union at BAE Systems. Sponsored by heart of the collective bargaining agenda SQA and Skills Development Scotland, the within BAE Systems and has successfully award was presented at the STUC Annual negotiated a 50-50 split in paid time off Congress by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for learning, which is unprecedented in MSP. this hard-hit industry. Across Scotland, ULRs are working to help workers raise Billy has delivered learning opportunities their skill levels by securing agreement with employers for better access to 22 for members in BAE’s Govan and Scotstoun yards, as well as Rosyth, learning and training. Billy McKay is an Barrow-in-Furness and Portsmouth. He inspirational example of this exceptional has integrated learning into collective work and the STUC is proud to present bargaining within BAE Systems, and has him with the 10th Annual Helen Dowie successfully negotiated a 50-50 split in Award for Lifelong Learning.”

2015 Annual Report Louis Flood Louis Learner of the Year Award Scottish Union Learning

The Learner of the Year Award was an understanding of his difficulties, and introduced by Scottish Union Learning in hope for the future. With the assistance 2011 to recognise the range of learning of software technology and reasonable journeys currently undertaken by lay adjustments made by his employer, Barry learners in the workplace, supported by has made real progress in achieving the trade unions. TUC Diploma in Equalities, in addition to other courses facilitated by his union. As Scottish Union Learning presented the 5th an Equalities Rep, he has been using his Annual Learner of the Year Award to RMT own learning experience, and increased member Barry Weldon, who is a Travel confidence, to fight for equality and Clerk based at Glasgow Queen Street fairness in the workplace. Railway Station. The Award was presented by Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Barry has ambitions to work within Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training. railway operations logistics, and is now a Barry was chosen as the 2015 Learner of student on the Institute of Rail Operatives the Year because of his commitment to Certificate at Glasgow Caledonian learning and equalities. Barry struggled University. at school, and left aged 17, giving up his dream of going to university to work in RMT Learning Organiser, Dennis Fallen, the retail sector, and subsequently the rail commented on Barry’s achievement: industry. He returned to learning through “Barry is an inspiration in overcoming barriers, and has achieved so much. We his passion for equalities by undertaking 23 an equalities course organised by RMT at are proud he has won this award, proud Glasgow Kelvin College. he is a member of RMT, and even more proud that he has used his learning to Barry was identified as having dyslexia, help others in his role as an RMT Equality but he found this liberating as it gave him Rep.

2015 Annual Report Louis Flood Louis Fair Work Working with the Scottish Government

The ‘Working Together: Progressive Policies in Scotland’ Review, which was published in 2014, recognised and promoted the positive role played by trade unions, not only in the workplace but also in the economy and wider civil society. It proposed recommendations for developing a more collaborative and productive relationship between employers and trade unions. In 2015, the Scottish Government responded to the Review, however, prior to publishing its Opportunities for skills development are formal Response, it had already begun essential in achieving Fair Work. Through to implement some of the Review’s Scottish Government’s continued support key recommendations. This included for Scottish Union Learning, unions are the creation of a new post of Cabinet able to facilitate a wide range of learning Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and initiatives, including Everyday Skills, Training, continued support for Scottish apprenticeships, up-skilling and re-skilling Union Learning, and the establishment and workforce development. of a stakeholder body, the Fair Work Convention. Additional funding arising from the recommendations of the Working 24 The Fair Work Convention has Together Review is supporting an responsibility for developing a Framework Equality Rep project and a Leadership for Fair Work in Scotland, building on Development programme. Job security, the foundations of ‘Working Together’. employee voice, decent pay, flexible The Convention is co-chaired by Anne working hours and opportunities to learn Douglas, former STUC President and contribute to progressive workplace also former Chair of the Scottish Union policies, and lead to improvements in the Learning Board, and Linda Urquhart, wider economy and society. The STUC, Chair of Scottish law firm, Morton Fraser. Scottish Union Learning and trade unions Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, have a pivotal role to play in establishing is a member of the Convention, alongside Fair Work practices across Scotland. other union colleagues Mary Alexander of Unite and Lilian Macer of UNISON, employers and academia. In addition to developing a Fair Work Framework, the Convention will advise Ministers on a range of workplace issues such as job security, workplace innovation, and the 2015 promotion of both workplace equality and Annual the Living Wage. Report Equality Rep Development Project

The Equality Rep Development Project is third sectors. A Scottish Union Learning aimed at increasing the role of Equality poll of union members has shown that the Reps in the private and third sectors, understanding of the role which Equality based on recommendation 18 of the Reps play is low. 55% of respondents Working Together Review. Work is being answered that they were not confident carried out with four pilot workplaces/ that they knew what Equality Reps did in branches which are at different stages the workplace and 59% wrongly believed of creating Equality Reps and delivering that Equality Reps were entitled to the equality work. Meetings have been held in same statutory release time that Health these workplaces and the groups will be and Safety Reps receive. However, a brought together for sessions to identify significant majority of those who had an common barriers for equality reps across Equality Rep present in their workplace different sectors. believed that they were effective.

Data was collected from most unions Findings will be circulated as on the number of Equality Reps who are recommendations for support for Equality currently active in Scotland but this was Reps in the private and third sectors – for difficult to gather from all unions and, unions and for the Scottish Government in some, difficult to determine which – and guidance for Equality Reps Equality Reps worked in the private and themselves.

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2015 Annual Report The Leadership Development Fund

During the year, the STUC secured funding an Assessment Panel, appointed by to support a Leadership Development the Scottish Union Learning Board, for Fund aimed at helping to develop approval. Funding was allocated to the leadership capacity within the trade union following unions: Aegis, BFAWU, EIS, FDA, movement in Scotland. This work relates GMB, PCS, Unite, UCATT and Usdaw. directly to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work agenda. Outcomes and Evaluation Activities in relation to leadership Unions were invited to apply for funding, development were organised to take individually or collectively, to allow them place between December 2015 and 31 to create new and original activities March 2016. The combined learning from aimed at promoting leadership skills in all of the activity supported will be crucial ways which are interactive, challenging, in determining the requirements for innovative and expressly inclusive. future provision of leadership training in unions across Scotland. Union Projects A total of nine applications were received A leadership event will be held in March from unions, with bids including a very 2016 as part of the evaluation of the wide range of activities and target groups. project to allow participating unions to These applications were submitted to share outcomes and good practice.

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2015 Annual Report Conferences and Events Scottish Union Learning Conferences 2015

27 Scottish Union Learning Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training organises conferences and also addressed the Conference and presented the Learner of the year Award events throughout the year to to Barry Weldon of the RMT. support Union Learning Reps and trade unions promoting and The Conference included a panel session involving Modern Apprentices and Young accessing learning opportunities. Workers chaired by Samantha Ritchie, Chair of the STUC Youth Committee. Scottish Union Learning Conference Workshops: Skills Investment Plans 2015 and Regional Skills Assessments, SCQF The 8th annual Scottish Union Learning - Working with employers, Better than Conference was held on Tuesday, 10 Zero, Digital Unions, and Equality Reps. November 2015 at the Stirling Court Hotel, Anne Douglas, Co-Chair of the Fair Work Stirling. The theme of the Conference Convention and Professor Patricia Findlay, was “Fair Work through Partnership”. The Professor of Work and Employment Conference was chaired by Harry Frew, Relations, University of Strathclyde, Chair of the Board and addressed by delivered a session on Fair Work. The 2015 Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary. Annual new Scottish Union Learning website was Report Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet launched at the Conference. Louis Flood Louis

Highlands and Islands ULR Conference the delegates’ responses have been fed 2015 back to the Convention. The 8th Scottish Union Learning Highlands and Islands ULR Conference ‘Working Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Together – A Collaborative Approach to Event Workplace Development’ took place on The 7th Annual Scottish Union Learning Friday, 11 September 2015 at Eden Court, Everyday Skills Event was held on 26 Inverness. The Conference provided February 2015 in the Glasgow Royal Highlands and Islands ULRs with the Concert Hall. The theme was “Everyday opportunity to share experiences of Skills: Opening to Door to Learning”, organising union learning and to learn with a focus on ‘open’ online learning new skills and knowledge through themed opportunities. This Event was attended workshops and discussion. Delegates by 80 delegates from 12 trade unions, participated in a range of activities and was addressed by Alyson Mitchell, including workshops covering ‘Digital Head of Digital Participation at Scottish Unions’ and ‘Creating Fairer and Equality Government, and David Kendall, Project 28 Aware Workplaces. ‘The Conference Manager from The Reading Agency. also heard from Pauline Sutton, SCQF Delegates were invited to attend breakout Project Officer, on ‘How to Use SCQF for sessions on “Open Educational Practices”, Workplace Development’ and Grahame facilitated by The Open University; “Digital Smith, STUC General Secretary, on the role Participation”, facilitated by BBC Learning; and remit of the Fair Work Convention. and “Everyday Skills in the Workplace”, Delegates also considered the question, facilitated by the Workers’ Educational ‘What does Fair Work mean to you?’ and Association.

2015 Annual Report Local Learning Forums

Local Learning Forums provide an important vehicle for ULRs to network and share practice, on a cross-union and cross-employer basis. In the course of the last year, there has been a greater focus on providing ULRs with learning opportunities to help develop skills in advancing the learning agenda within their individual workplaces.

Lowlands and Uplands Scotland In the Lowlands and Uplands, Forums take place in Dumfries, Edinburgh, Fife, Highlands and Islands Scotland Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Tayside. Scottish In the Highlands and Islands, Scottish Union Learning has also established a Union Learning continues to support new Forum in Aberdeen. This year there local ULR Forums in Inverness, Caithness, has been a concerted effort to ensure Orkney and Western Isles. Themes that all Forums have a common theme and Forum meetings held during 2015 while maintaining their distinct identities. included Digital Unions and an Open During 2015, the focus of Local Forums University workshop for ULRs on using has been around developing the skills Open Educational Practices. Highlands of ULRs to utilise free open learning and Islands ULR Forums also organise 29 resources in order to facilitate workplace cross-union courses across several and community learning. Forums were workplaces/unions extending the reach of held during Spring and Autumn, with union-led learning in the region. Courses sessions delivered by The Open University, organised through the Local Forums in through the Open Educational Practices 2015 have included CMI Level 6 Award in Scotland (OEPS) project, and Scottish in First Line Management (Orkney), CMI Union Learning, on utilising Open Improving Team Performance (Inverness), Learning Resources. These Forums were and Counselling – An Introduction extremely well attended, with excellent (Western Isles). feedback from ULRs on the benefits of using Local Learning Forums as a vehicle In December 2015, the Inverness ULR to develop and support the ULR role. Forum, in partnership with Scottish Union Learning and Inverness College UHI, organised a special open evening for union learners at Inverness College UHI’s new campus in Inverness. The College arranged tours of the new facilities for the workers and ULRs who attended the event. College staff were also on hand to provide information and advice about a range of 2015 Annual different courses, including Leadership and Report Management; Microsoft Office IT etc. TUC Education

TUC Education has an unrivalled reach legal rights to paid release in place to into Scotland’s workplaces providing support reps’ workplace activities. education and training for workplace representatives. In 2015, TUC Education Most union reps access their union in Scotland reported that nearly 3,000 learning through the TUC Education union reps accessed TUC training through short course programme. Shorter the TUC’s partnership with a network of courses are now vital to the programme, Scottish colleges. supporting TUC Education priorities and the work of affiliates. The wide range Number of Reps Trained of short courses now offered varies Overall, the latest UK figures for union from Organise, Workplace Accident and reps training have demonstrated another Investigation to Mental Health Awareness outstanding year with some 38,000 union to Handling Grievance and Disciplinary representatives accessing TUC Education Procedures. training. To improve take up of paid release, a TUC The TUC Education training programme booklet, ‘An Employers Guide to Trade includes core and additional courses Union Training’ is now available. The guide with increasing flexibility of access to is designed to be a tool for reps to use suit the needs of union reps. Numbers of with employers and can be obtained from reps participating on the TUC Education TUC Education in Scotland. programme in Scotland continue to be 30 very strong despite pressure on reps in ACAS, the Advisory, Conciliation and gaining release and cuts to facility time. Arbitration Service, says that training for union representatives: The TUC Education Programme TUC Education runs a fully accredited “…will enable them to undertake their programme for union reps and despite role with greater confidence, efficiency increased pressure on release, overall and speed and thus help them work with enrolment numbers are holding up management, build effective employment reasonably well in the 165th year of relations and represent their members the TUC programme. Accreditation properly.” and gaining workplace qualifications through the TUC route is widely Union Learning Representatives taken up by workplace reps and their Last year TUC Education in Scotland achievement is recognised within trained 130 Union Learning Reps. the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Numbers are slightly down on the Framework (SCQF). previous year with many ULRs reporting increased pressure on release for training. The 10-day union reps programme and This reflects a trend across Scotland and 2015 the 5-day course for ULRs continue to the wider UK that ULRs and other union Annual show a slight downward trend in numbers reps are finding increasing difficulty in Report attending, despite the fact that there are obtaining release for training even though ULRs have a statutory right to access training.

TUC Education Online TUC Education in Scotland offers a coherent and comprehensive online offer. Union reps in Scotland can now access all core TUC courses online enabling reps to improve their representational skills no matter where they live and work in Scotland. An increasing number of reps are choosing to learn on line every year. eNotes TUC Education continues to develop short, topic based e-learning modules, (eNotes) for union reps who wish to study online and without the need to join a formal college course. eNotes are a convenient way for reps to get up to speed on fast moving topics such as: The Living Wage, Building a Stronger Workplace Union, Facility Time, Understanding Universal Credit as well as other relevant themes. All eNotes can be accessed online at www.tuceducation.org. uk

New Course Directory 31 Union reps can now find course and booking information on TUC training courses as well as how to access any of the current 21 TUC eNotes on the new TUC Education Course Directory at; www. tuceducation.org.uk

2015 Annual Report Working with Partners

Scottish Government and Digital Scottish Book Trust Unions Scottish Union Learning has continued Scottish Union Learning has worked to work with Scottish Book Trust to with the Scottish Government Digital organise workplace events during Directorate to improve the digital skills Book Week Scotland in November of workers throughout Scotland. The 2015. Throughout the week, workplace Digital Unions project enabled the activities were organised by unions, development of ‘Train the Trainer’ courses which also distributed over 500 copies of for Union Reps to provide them with the campaign book ‘Journeys’ to workers the practical teaching techniques to be throughout Scotland. In addition, a short able to deliver short basic online skills creative writing project was organised, to sessions to colleagues in the workplace. reflect the journeys of migrant workers, Reps also learned about the issues refugees and asylum seekers. surrounding digital participation and skills in Scotland, with reference to the Scottish Zero Waste Scotland Government’s National Framework, Let’s Scottish Union Learning has continued Get On campaign and Digital Scotland. to develop its working relationship with Zero Waste Scotland through the Scottish Scottish Council for Voluntary Waste Industry Training, Competence, Organisations (SCVO) Health and Safety (SWITCH) Forum. The The STUC and Scottish Union Learning Forum has two main areas of focus, Health signed up to Scotland’s Digital & Safety and Education, Training and 32 Participation Charter with SCVO, with Competence. Scottish Union Learning the shared ambition for Scotland has helped the work of the Forum by to be a world-leading digital nation promoting Zero Waste Scotland frontline by 2020. The Charter establishes a leadership training courses and providing framework for organisations in Scotland up-to-date sector information to unions. to work together to support the Digital Participation Programme. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Open Educational Practices in Scotland Throughout the last year, Scottish Union (OEPS) Learning has built upon its relationship Scottish Union Learning has been working with SCQF around credit rating, focusing in partnership with OEPS and The Open on how credit rating could be used within University to develop the skills of ULRs the workplace. So far, Scottish Union in understanding Open Educational Learning has had positive engagement Resources, and how these can be utilised with employers in the food and drink, in workplace settings. Scottish Union justice and financial sectors. A Partnership Learning and The Open University, Agreement between Scottish Union through the OEPS project, delivered Learning and SCQF was established, which 2015 workshops through Local Learning will strengthen this relationship and Annual Forums to over 100 ULRs. enable expansion of joint work. Report Partner Spotlight The Open University

Almost 10 years ago, the STUC and The union learners to engage with The Open Open University in Scotland signed a University, supporting opportunities for Memorandum of Understanding. The young workers, and using innovative MoU recognised both organisations’ open learning practices to bridge the gap commitment to working in partnership between informal and formal learning to enhance workers’ opportunities through the delivery of 12 Open Learning in accessing Higher Education. This Workshops for ULRs. strengthened the existing relationship that had developed from the formation of The Plans for the next year include the Open University in 1967. Throughout the following: last decade, Scottish Union Learning and Refresh the MoU to include an annual The Open University have worked together plan with key engagement events; to organise learning across numerous A showcase event to highlight workplaces working with individual unions innovative use of open learning pilots; and on a cross-union basis. Create pathways for those engaging in open learning opportunities to progress During the last year, Scottish Union to accredited learning; Learning and The Open University Focus on collective workplace learning refreshed their approach. There is and workforce development, to include now a greater focus on engaging with examining how the OU fee waiver can employers, creating clearer pathways for be better utilised within the workplace. 33

2015 Annual Report Case Study Modern Apprenticeships

Digital Journalism Modern to inject new blood to an industry that is Apprenticeships (Level 3) undergoing drastic transformation with newspapers’ print sales declining and the ever-growing public consumption of NUJ digital media via mobile phones, tablets, laptops and PCs.” Scotland The NUJ’s lead has meant employers in the media sector taking on trainee reporters The National Union of Journalists played to learn the trade on the job, earning a major role in the development of while they are learning, and at the same the Digital Journalism pathway in the time attending college for further training Digital and Creative Media Modern in technical skills such as filming and Apprenticeship and continue to play a editing, and more academic subjects, like leading role in the uptake and delivery of media law. The modern apprenticeship in the programme. digital journalism means trainee reporters are receiving a comprehensive training Paul Holleran, Scottish Organiser, NUJ, experience, gaining valuable skills in the said: “We are paving the way with modern newsroom supplemented by technical apprenticeships in digital journalism in and ethical training and guidance at Scotland. The union seized the chance college.” 34

2015 Annual Report Nick McGowan-Lowe Case Study Modern Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships in in Business Administration (Level 3 and 4) Business Administration and Providing Financial Services (Level 3). (Level 3 & 4) Aegis ULRs have undertaken courses to equip them with mentoring skills, and these 35 Modern Apprenticeships in ULRs are now the designated mentors for the Modern Apprentices. The programme Providing Financial Services will continue to grow; in 2016 a further 60 (Level 3) Modern Apprenticeship opportunities will be initiated. The Union Learning Steering Aegis the Union Group is also exploring the possibility of an external recruitment drive for Modern Apprentices to be launched in Aegon’s new Edinburgh Retire Ready department. After a very successful MA pilot in 2014 In February 2015, the partnership between where six staff where taken through Aegis and Aegon led to Aegon being chosen the very first Modern Apprenticeship as Skills Development Scotland’s Youth programme in Aegon, it was agreed at Employer of the Month. Maria Clark, Aegis the Union Learning Steering Group to Learning Project Worker, said: “We believe expand the programme in 2015. The that it has helped people see the value of Steering Group consists of Aegis officials training and helped them feel valued by and reps, Aegon senior management and the employer. There is a new energy in the Scottish Union Learning. In January, the workplace. It is a win-win for Aegis and 2015 Annual expanded programme was launched to Aegon, and to receive the Youth Employer of Report include a total of 26 Modern Apprentices the Month Award was just fantastic.” Case Study Modern Apprenticeships – Highlands an Islands

RMT and CalMac Steer a Course to Success

Delegates to the Scottish Ratings Summit in November recognised the commitment of Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Caledonian MacBrayne to the introduction of Modern Apprenticeships. The event was hosted by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) to consider rating employment and training opportunities in Scotland.

A host of speakers, including RMT National Secretary Steve Todd, spoke of the urgent need to recruit young workers into the maritime industry. Another speaker, Engine Rating Megan MacDonald, received a warm welcome from the delegates. Caroline Barry, Learning Partner, CalMac, 36 Megan, from South Uist, is one of ten revealed to the delegates that the 2016 trainees taken on by CalMac in 2014. She apprentice cohort would utilise the state has been based on the MV Lord of the of the art maritime facilities at City of Isles for the last year. Megan said, “It’s Glasgow College. been brilliant for me. As an islander, I always had a thing for engines and boats, Dan Henderson, RMT Learning Project and everyone has been so supportive.” Worker, welcomed the positive The RMT and CalMac were among those development. He said, “We’ve worked in who discussed the challenges of providing partnership with CalMac since 2012 to quality training and careers for young introduce the Scottish Modern Apprentice ratings. In the last three years, two intakes programme for our trainees and now of trainees were trained in England, finally have a provider located within the as there was no regional Maritime MA community that CalMac serves.” programme.

2015 Annual Report Resources and Communications

Scottish Union Learning has Social Media Scottish Union Learning can be found on continued to raise its profile Facebook and Twitter. during 2015. The launch of Facebook: www.facebook.com/ scottishunionlearning the new website, increased Twitter: www.twitter.com/UnionLearning social media activity, new publications and new initiatives Scottish Union Learning with partner organisations, Highlands and Islands e-news as well as ongoing media Scottish Union Learning in the Highlands and Islands distributes an e-newsletter coverage, have all assisted on a bi-monthly basis that is designed in highlighting the work of to keep ULRs in the Highlands and Scottish Union Learning. Islands and Development Fund Project Workers up-to-date with local learning activities. This is sent to every known ULR in the Highlands and Islands, local union members with an interest in learning, Development Fund Project Workers and partners in the Highlands and Islands.

Scottish Union Learning 37 Everyday Skills Case Studies The Scottish Union ‘Union Learning and Everyday Skills Learner Case Studies’ www.scottishunionlearning.com publication, which was supported by The new Scottish Union Learning website Skills Development Scotland, is available was launched in November 2015. The to view on-line. The publication features website provides access to resources, case studies from different trade unions publications, events and information and and workplaces across Scotland. is a valuable resource for unions, ULRs, learners and partner organisations. Scottish Union Learning Dyslexia Guide The Scottish Union Learning Dyslexia Guide is available to view on-line. This publication provides useful information on raising awareness of Dyslexia in the workplace and on 2015 providing support to people who may Annual Report have dyslexia. Contacts Scottish Union Learning Team

Glasgow Office Inverness Office

Wendy Burton, Director Eleanor Adam, Development Officer, [email protected] Highlands and Islands [email protected] Ann Garscadden, Admin Manager [email protected] Pam Urquhart, Development Officer, Highlands and Islands Tommy Breslin, Development Officer [email protected] [email protected] Mairi Maciver, Admin Assistant, Catherine Garvie, Development Officer Highlands and Islands [email protected] [email protected]

John Slaven, Development Officer Diana Nicholls, Admin Assistant, [email protected] Highlands and Islands [email protected] Alan White, Development Officer [email protected] TUC Education in Scotland

Tricia Gallagher, Funding and Policy Officer Harry Cunningham, TUC Education Officer [email protected] [email protected] 38 Jennifer Payne, Marketing Officer Stuart Bell, Secretary/Admin Assistant [email protected] [email protected]

Tariq Akhtar, Finance Officer [email protected]

Catherine Macdonald, Admin Assistant [email protected]

Kirsten McTighe, Admin Assistant [email protected]

Natalie Price, Admin Assistant [email protected]

2015 Email: [email protected] Annual Report www.scottishunionlearning.com www.unionlearn.org.uk/education/index.cfm Scottish Union Learning

Scottish Union Learning supports trade unions in accessing skills and lifelong learning opportunities for their members that contribute to Learning collective prosperity, fairness and equality, for workers across Scotland. Scottish Union Learning, in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Directorate, is currently providing Leadership support to unions in developing leadership capacity within unions and increasing the number of Equality Reps in workplaces in Scotland.

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