Scottish Union Learning Annual Report 2018 Learners’ Quotes

I would Great course, recommend very informative this course and well to anyone. delivered.

Good mix of Enjoyed this visuals, theory very much. and practice. Looking forward Thoroughly to putting into enjoyed the practice. course.

2 Contents

Introduction 4

Structure 5

The Board 6

Advisory Groups 7

The Development Fund 8

The Learning Fund 10

Improving Everyday Skills 16

Digital Unions: Cyber Resilience 19

Fair Work: Leadership & Equality 21

Apprenticeships 24

Awards 25

Conferences & Events 28

Working with Partners 30

TUC Education 31

Resources & Communications 32

Contacts 35

3 Introduction Peter Hunter, Chair, Scottish Union Learning Board

This has It is important to know what drives been another this work, and throughout the year successful, I have engaged with SUL and the though unions involved, to understand how challenging, they work and the union values they year for demonstrate in supporting learners. union Their approach helps to remove learning. barriers, create opportunity, promote I would like Fair Work, and ultimately make a to take this change to the lives of workers, not opportunity only in their jobs, but also in their to thank personal, social and community our funders, Scottish Government, lives. The reason I am sharing this and our major sponsors, Skills with you in this Annual Report is Development Scotland, Scottish primarily to highlight the discipline Qualifications Authority, and The and effective focus of those involved Open University in Scotland, for their in union learning, but also to make continued support. a point about strategy - which can sometimes get lost in the busy day- Throughout the year, Scottish Union to-day operational objectives. It is Learning has engaged in a wide range important to be mindful of our core of opportunities designed to equip union values, to recognise who we workers and union reps with the skills are as union members in a wider and confidence they need to thrive movement, and to link our actions to in an ever-changing labour market. the overall learning strategy. Despite the challenges we face, such as the nature of annual funding, The First Minister recently precarious employment, automation acknowledged that SUL offers and Brexit, SUL, in partnership with access to learning that would unions and other partners, develops a otherwise not be achieved. We programme of incredible variety in both are grateful for the opportunity to content and format. This programme continue this essential work, and is aligned with Scottish Government to face the challenges of delivering priorities, and supports learners in learning and skills opportunities to overcoming the barriers that otherwise workers across Scotland throughout prevent access to learning. It is vital to the next year. the union movement as a whole that we recognise, value and support this work. 4 Structure

Scottish Union Learning supports The Union Advisory Group provides trade unions in accessing skills advice and information on strategic and lifelong learning opportunities and operational matters, as requested for their members that contribute by the Board, including updates on changes in the strategic direction on to collective prosperity, fairness learning and skills of individual unions. and equality, for workers across Scotland The Partners’ Advisory Group contributes to discussions about Structure The STUC General Council established the strategic direction of Scottish Scottish Union Learning to deliver, in Union Learning, advises on future partnership with unions, workplace development, and shares information learning opportunities in all sectors on the strategic direction of partner across Scotland, in line with STUC organisations. policy on learning and skills. The Scottish Union Learning Team The Scottish Union Learning Board has members located in the STUC/ was established to direct and oversee Scottish Union Learning offices in the strategy and work of Scottish Union Glasgow and in the UNISON office Learning. The Board includes members in Inverness. The Team delivers the of the General Council, representatives work of Scottish Union Learning in line of affiliated trade unions, the STUC with the Business Plan and Workplan General Secretary and a TUC approved by the SUL Board. nominated member.

STUC General Council

Scottish Union Learning Board Partners’ Union Advisory Advisory Group Group Director of TUC Education Scottish Union Officer Learning Scotland

Development Development Admin Manager/ Funding Marketing Officer Highlands Officer Lowlands Secretary to the and Officer & Islands & Uplands (3) Board Policy Officer

Finance Officer

Admin Assistant Admin Assistants Fair Work TUC Education Highlands & Lowlands & Project Scotland Secretary/ Islands Uplands (3) Officer Admin Assistant 5 The Board

Appointed by the STUC General Staff in Attendance: Council, the Scottish Union Wendy Burton, SUL Director Learning Board oversees and Sarah Wiktorski, TUC Education Officer Ann Garscadden, Secretary to the Board directs the work of Scottish Union Learning.

The Scottish Union Learning Board is The aims and objectives of appointed by the STUC General Council Scottish Union Learning are to: to oversee the operation of Scottish • promote trade union-led learning and Union Learning. The SUL Board has skills development in line with STUC responsibility for agreeing the strategic Policy on learning and skills; objectives of SUL and setting and monitoring its business and operational • support unions in identifying and meeting the skills and learning needs plans & budgets, in line with STUC policy. of their members and in organising workplace learning opportunities Chair: Peter Hunter (UNISON) across Scotland with specific resources Vice Chair: John Brown (CWU) dedicated to the Highlands and Islands; • assist unions in identifying the needs Members: Robert Mooney (Disabled of Union Learning Representatives and Workers’ Representative); Jack O’Neill provide appropriate support; (Young Workers’ Representative) John • provide assistance to unions Brown (CWU); Helen Connor (EIS); in accessing Everyday Skills Jackson Cullinane (Unite); Karen Foster opportunities for their members; (PCS); Brian Linn (Aegis the Union); Jane • work with unions to increase digital Rose (Prospect) and Paul Shaw (RMT). participation and awareness of Cyber Security issues in workplaces across During the year, Helen Connor (EIS) Scotland; and Jackson Cullinane (Unite) resigned from the Board and Jane Peckham • promote the development of leadership (NASUWT) and Susan Quinn (EIS) capacity within unions; were appointed by the General Council • promote learning or action which to serve until 31 March 2019. increases equality awareness and tackles inequality and Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, under‑representation at work; is an ex officio member of the Board and Ian • encourage and support employer Borkett, unionlearn Service Manager, is the engagement in delivering learning and TUC nominated member. A representative upgrading skills; of the Scottish Government’s Fair Work • establish relationships with partner Directorate attends meetings of the Board organisations in the provision of as an observer. learning and skills; • continue to develop resources for The Board receives regular reports on the unions, ULRs, and learners; and work of SUL including the Development Fund and Learning Fund, the Fair Work: • work with the TUC in ensuring the provision of a comprehensive trade Leadership and Equality programme, union education service suitable to the the Cyber Resilience Project, and the needs of unions in Scotland. 6 work of TUC Education in Scotland. Advisory Groups

The Union Advisory Group and Partners’ Advisory Group the Partners’ Advisory Group provide advice and information The Partners’ Advisory Group supports to the Board on strategic and the Board by: operational matters. • contributing to discussions about the strategic direction of Scottish Union Advisory Group Union Learning; • advising Scottish Union Learning The Union Advisory Group supports the on ways in which it could develop in Board by: order 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; • championing the value of union identifying strategic or operational • learning in the wider world of issues for the Board to consider; learning and skills. • advising the Board of changes in the strategic direction of individual Chair Grahame Smith, STUC General unions; Secretary • providing the Board with examples of good practice in trade union Partner Organisations learning. Dyslexia Scotland, Education Scotland, Equate Scotland, Glasgow Kelvin Chair Wendy Burton, Director College, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Learning Link Scotland, Newbattle Abbey College, Membership Membership is by nomination from all Scottish Adult Learning Partnership, STUC affiliated organisations. Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, SCQF Partnership, SCVO, SQA, The Open University, WEA Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland

The Board reviews membership of this Group on an on-going basis.

7 The Development Fund

The Development Fund Lowlands and Uplands Projects complements existing trade union learning strategies and • Aegis: Developing Skills in Financial supports developments in Services workplace learning by increasing • ASLEF: ASLEF Education the capacity of unions to • BECTU: BECTU Vision offer learning opportunities to • BFAWU: Nurturing Leaders Through members. Learning • Community: Engaging with Funding for nineteen projects was Employers and Members to Drive allocated in 2018, fourteen in the Workforce Development Lowlands and Uplands area of • NUJ: From Convergence to Scotland and four based in the Emergence: New Opportunities in a Highlands and Islands area. With the rapidly changing industry support of the Development Fund, • PCS: License to Skill unions have built strong relationships • POA: Skills for Professional Workers with existing and new employers from a range of industries and sectors to • RMT: Developing Skills in Rail help them identify skills gaps and Infrastructure, Rail Passenger and address these through the provision of Ferry Passenger workplace learning. • SAU: Collaborative Learning Networks • UCATT: Increasing Skills Accreditation for Hard to Reach Workers in Construction • UNISON: Member Learning Project • UNITE: Learn with Unite • Usdaw: Raise your V.O.I.C.E. for Fair Work • Young Workers’ Learning Project: Supporting Young workers in Precarious Employment

Highlands and Islands Projects

• NUJ: Innovation and Equality: A Strategy for a Sustainable Media Industry • RMT: All Aboard for Learning • UNISON: Member Learning Project • Unite: Learn with Unite

8 Case Study The Development Fund

Union: Unite the Union Location: LUPS Funding: The Development Fund

Unite the Union’s Development their relevant papers over the past two Fund bid focused on small private years. The impact of this is significant, sector contractors where workers are as it supports workers to retain employed on short-term contracts or employment and receive the correct are self-employed. These workplaces rate of pay for their trade skill. Without have traditionally proved challenging this support, it is likely many of these for unions to organise within, and workers would have left the industry, the focus has been on supporting as the cost of self-funding this learning workers to obtain a CSCS card, a would have been prohibitive. trade card which is now essential on Scottish construction sites. Through The range of courses is vast – ranging the Development Fund, Unite has from telescopic material handler to supported over 200 workers to obtain slinger/signaller to CSCS Skilled Worker Card qualification – and the union has been able to negotiate time off for the majority of candidates. Over the course of the last two years, Unite has had a presence in almost every major construction site in Scotland, including Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, Perth Bypass, Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, Queensferry Crossing and V&A Museum in Dundee, as well as school buildings from Ayr to Campbeltown. In this way, Unite has utilised learning to reach out to workers and to help organise and support workers in the front line of the Scottish construction industry.

l 9 The Learning Fund Lowlands and Uplands Scotland

The Learning Fund is financed opportunities in a wide range of by the Scottish Government and industries and locations. Some of the accessed by unions, through 3,500 learners who participate may Scottish Union Learning, to offer be at risk of redundancy, or employed workplace learning opportunities in the expanding gig economy where there is little or no employer-led to learners throughout Scotland. learning. The Learning Fund enables these learners to gain higher level The Learning Fund plays an important skills, learn new skills or evidence their role in working with employers and current skills through accreditation or training providers to identify and certification, and helps them to protect address skills gaps in workplaces, their current employment and enhance industries and sectors, as well as their employability prospects. meeting individual learner needs. The type of learning offered reflects the Learners with caring responsibilities, different employers, industries and those living or working in geographically sectors that learners are working in isolated or rural areas, or working long and provides transferable workplace hours with complicated shift patterns knowledge and skills. More than often find it difficult to attend traditional 300 courses took place during learning in colleges or training centres. 2018 offering non-accredited and The Learning Fund allows learning accredited learning at all levels and to be scheduled at convenient times covered vocational and trade skills and locations using tailored learning like electrical wiring, Everyday Skills, solutions to reflect the workplace Digital and IT skills, management and environment and the specific needs of leadership skills, and social and health individual learners. care skills such as mental health, autism and dyslexia awareness. Unions work with employers and training providers throughout Scotland 10 to offer collective workplace learning The Learning Fund in the Highlands and Islands

Scottish Union Learning in the events exploring alternative leadership Highlands and Islands plays strategies and behaviours in the a vital role in helping workers creative sector. access learning opportunities, supporting innovative approaches Unite is strongly represented amongst the building trades, and in 2018 which bring workers and learning has worked closely with Highland together despite the challenges Council and other local authorities to of the mostly rural, sparsely support these workers’ employability, populated region. with courses including the CITB Site Manager Safety Training Scheme. The Learning Fund supported a variety of courses in 2018 across the breadth Over the last year, the EIS has of the Highlands and Islands. Courses continued to develop its union learning ranged from Scots Law for Journalists offering to teachers and lecturers in to ECDL Spreadsheets, reflecting the the Highlands and Islands. Courses diversity of workers’ learning needs and including Equality and Human Rights their desire to acquire the skills and in the Classroom, Leadership towards qualifications to progress in their career, Management for Women Teachers, and to meet the challenges of changing Additional Support for Learning Needs, workplaces. have been delivered in locations such as Stornoway, Lerwick and Fort UNISON utilised the Learning Fund to William, and are highly valued CPD meet the needs of workers in health opportunities. and social care, SDS and school support settings for courses including The demand for courses on mental SSSC Awareness, Case Notes Writing health has continued, with Usdaw Skills, various computer skills courses, providing a Scotland’s Mental Health and several courses addressing First Aid course for retail workers in bullying and harassment, managing Inverness. This popular course was conflict, and mental health awareness. also delivered three times on a cross- union basis. Alongside a commitment to supporting the Modern Apprentice programme, The cross-union model is an enduring the RMT union project also focused on success in the Highlands and Islands, mental health. The ongoing partnership and is a pragmatic solution to the programme with the employer, CalMac, challenge of filling courses from small and See Me Scotland was supported by workplaces. The model provides a the provision of the two-day Scotland’s range of other benefits including the Mental Health First Aid course in exchange of knowledge and experience locations across the region. from a range of diverse backgrounds. Improving workplace culture was a Such courses can also help to develop key theme of the NUJ’s project which professional support networks. During delivered two Collaborative Leadership the last year, learner demand for 11 higher level accredited courses was a need for shorter courses, such as the met, when PRINCE2 Foundation and Planning for Retirement course. Practitioner, and COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate courses were delivered Changes in public sector workplaces in for workers from a range of workplaces particular, continue to drive demand for and roles, who had in common an financial planning knowledge and skills, aspiration to progress or to change and five courses were delivered across the direction of, their careers. These the region. These were complemented courses were very successful in terms by the delivery in Inverness and of learner outcomes, and were greatly Kirkwall, of AgeWise, which takes appreciated by the participants, with a more holistic perspective on life several anticipating new employment changes and wellbeing. opportunities as a result. Others commented that they had not realised that such opportunities were available through the union, and would now become advocates in their workplace.

Participants on the COSCA course in particular, remarked that the bonds formed over the course of the intensive learning experience, would be maintained, with the group supporting each other in their new endeavours. These courses demonstrate the need and value of investing in accredited courses, however, there will always be 12 Case Study The Learning Fund

Union: UNISON Location: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Oban & Stirling Funding: The Learning Fund

As many workers within the Social Care ensure they retain employment within sector are required to register with the sector. The programme explained the Scottish Social Services Council the SVQ process, helped learners (SSSC), there has been an increase identify areas of learning in which they in need and demand amongst workers require further support and understand to attain a relevant SVQ to support the requisite skills and confidence to the qualification requirements of move forward. registration. Through engagement with members, UNISON identified a need for Marta Chaba, Project Worker, UNISON, a short ‘Preparing to study SVQ’ course said “It is evident and essential that key for workers within the sector that were workers within the social care sector that require to undertake an SVQ have in line to undertake an SVQ to enable the opportunity to prepare for formal their SSSC registration. vocational study. Many learners will not have undertaken formal study for many Many of the learners in this group years and some may require support of staff lack confidence and an to ensure successful completion of understanding of what is involved in their SVQ. This bespoke programme of the process, and some learners also learning ensures learners will be in a required additional help before and strong position to successfully complete during their SVQ. their SVQ and subsequently their registration with the SSSC. Feedback The programme has run across from learners has demonstrated that Scotland with learners having the there is both a demand and need for opportunity to better understand and this preparatory course, it makes a real prepare for formal study of an SVQ to difference to the learners.”

13 Case Study The Learning Fund

Union: Aegis Location: Edinburgh Funding: The Learning Fund

Since the financial crash of 2008, promoting understanding, empathy and pressures upon workers in the Finance awareness of mental health issues, sector have escalated. These include rather than to produce mental health significant increases in target-driven practitioners. processes and monitoring systems, a negative public perception of finance The next stage of the course related workers, and a change in the nature of this practical understanding of mental jobs, with digitalisation changing the health to the real-life experiences of way workers interact with the public. participants within their workplace. This in turn fed into the final session, which These changes have created conditions gave information to workers on where where workers’ mental health can and how to get support. be negatively affected – a situation The most important aspect of the recognised by Aegis the Union, which programme focused on workers prompted the initiation of a major engaging with their union to raise learning programme around mental ideas on how to make changes to health within employer, Aegon UK. the workplace to deal with the mental health challenge. This included Having negotiated with the employer developing more specialist provision for release time for workers, the first in the future, including a dedicated part of Aegis’s tutor-led course provided steering group involving the employer, workers with an understanding of the union and other external bodies. what mental health issues really look At the heart of the programme is a like, dispelling the myth that these determination to tackle institutional always manifest in extreme behaviour. workplace issues that affect mental 14 The focus of these sessions was on health. Case Study The Learning Fund

Union: Scottish Artists Union Location: Inverness, Ullapool & Orkney Funding: The Learning Fund

The geography of the Highlands & businesses and community groups, and Islands means many artists are working how artists can share the value of what in relatively remote areas and often feel they do with others. isolated from the contemporary visual arts sector. There is a desire to feel part The course targeted local SAU of a wider creative community and in members, who are evenly split between the last year, the Scottish Artists’ Union applied and visual arts, who are living has organised three learning events and working in remote and rural areas, for its members across the region, in and often struggling to find the right Inverness, Ullapool and Orkney. The opportunities for them to make a living events aimed to provide a meeting from their practice. place for artists and support the wealth of creative talent from the region Along with positive comments about through learning, as well as enabling a the learning provided, nearly all the collective voice to emerge. participants expressed feelings of isolation and how gathering with The ‘Below the Waterline’ workshop, like-minded artists had been a really held in Stromness, Orkney, was positive experience, for example: timed to coincide with Living Wage week, and was an opportunity to raise “This workshop was super helpful awareness of the SAU’s Fair Work and informative. Information and contract. This intensive one-day course discussions were interesting and very offered professional development useful for my future. Felt comfortable training in effective negotiation of talking with everyone. Definitely need contracts, payments, rates of pay and more of these sessions in Orkney and how to price work. It explored the best throughout my life as an artist.” approaches for arts organisations, 15 Improving Everyday Skills

Scottish Union Learning promotes Everyday Skills activity Everyday Skills through Development Fund Scottish Union Learning defines projects, the Cyber Resilience Everyday Skills as the language, literacy, numeracy and basic IT and project, STUC Conferences, digital skills required both in the Learning conferences, Everyday workplace and at home. Everyday Skills Events and Union Rep Skills activity also includes English Development Days. language learning for those who do not have English as their first Scottish Union Learning works with language and support for learners Scottish Government, Education who may have dyslexia and/or other Scotland, Dyslexia Scotland, Scottish learning differences and abilities. Book Trust, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Workers’ Educational Association and other partners to raise Sector Action Plan 2017-2018. Unions awareness of Everyday Skills needs are also supported in participating and suitable means of support. in national initiatives such as Book Week Scotland, Dyslexia Awareness Everyday Skills Group Week and Maths Week Scotland. Through the Scottish Union Learning The Group is comprised of members Everyday Skills Group, unions are from affiliated unions, Scottish Union encouraged to engage with Scottish Learning, Dyslexia Scotland and Government strategies, such as Adult Workers’ Educational Association. The Literacies in Scotland (ALiS) 2020, Group meets quarterly to discuss all Science Technology Engineering and aspects relating to workplace literacies, Maths (STEM) Education and Training digital participation, cyber security Strategy for Scotland 2017, and Safe, and dyslexia; it is also responsible Secure and Prosperous: A Cyber for contributing to the planning of the Resilience Strategy for Scotland Public annual Everyday Skills Event.

16 Everyday Skills Spotlight Book Week Scotland

Scottish Union Learning and CWU organised two open days to Scottish Book Trust, worked promote Union Learning and Book in partnership with unions to Week Scotland at BT in Glasgow. celebrate Book Week Scotland, CWU also hosted a writing competition which took place in November for a six word story to inspire people to submit articles for the new Book Week 2018. Scotland ‘Conversation’ themed book in Through a programme of workplace 2019. The days were well received by events, unions and their members BT onsite staff who felt that producing encouraged people to read more by six word stories was an inspirational participating in book-reading related idea and expanded on the ‘rebel’ theme activities. The theme for Book Week to include topics such as slavery and Scotland was ‘Rebel’ and a free ‘Rebel’ freedom. themed book was produced by the Scottish Book Trust to support the EIS delivered two events during Book Week. The book was distributed by Week Scotland. The first was a twilight unions to over 500 members across book reading event organised by Scotland. Dunfermline District, at St Columbus High School for EIS and UNISON ASLEF and RMT organised two events members. People were asked to during Book Week Scotland. A stall explore the term ‘Rebel’ using the free was set up at Glasgow Central Station book. They were also encouraged to with over 75 railway staff taking part discuss well-known ‘rebels’ throughout in the ScotRail Mess Room. People history and in particular books that were encouraged to bring in their old show rebels in a positive light, such as books and swap them with hundreds of ‘A Ravenscraig Picture’ and the ‘Long books that were on offer in the Mess. Walk to Freedom’. ASLEF members were also asked to complete Union Learning Surveys The second EIS event was delivered at to help identify the best courses for Liberton High School, where the union them. Glasgow Libraries visited the organised a ‘Mindfulness’ lunch and stall in the afternoon and organised staff shared a lunch and read poetry online library accounts for staff, so they from the latest anthology from the could access eBooks, audio books, Scottish Poetry Library. As a result, music and eMagazines using the staff participated in further lunches, ‘Borrowbox’ library app. A promotional based on sharing poetry and food, event was held with staff from ScotRail providing them with an opportunity to and London North Eastern Railway in stop, talk and share experiences. Edinburgh. Books and book review forms were handed out to staff over the Usdaw organised a promotional course of the Week, and book tokens campaign to highlight Book Week were given to the those who wrote the Scotland and support the distribution best book reviews. of Scottish Book Trust’s ‘Rebel’ 17 book at Morrisons and Tesco retail and other visiting drivers who were at sites, and Livingston and Newhouse the depot. Unite also distributed copies depots. The campaign was used of the ‘Rebel’ books at its HQ in the to start conversations about adult John Smith building in Glasgow. The literacy in Usdaw workplaces across books were particularly popular with the Scotland, which included linking the cleaners who read them during their tea book distribution to members who breaks. were taking part in the new union bite- sized English course called, ‘A Play on The STUC Young Workers’ project Words’. ‘A Play on Words’ is a short organised a one-person show based on course using famous quotes to help ‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ members learn some basic English based on life in the building trades rules and avoid some of the most over 100 years ago and won a place common grammatical mistakes. As in literary history as the first authentic 2018 was the centenary of Women’s English working-class novel. Over 70 Suffrage, Usdaw also developed young activists and workers attended a feminist slant to its campaign by and were given copies of the Scottish planning to develop ‘Reading Rebels’ Book Trust ‘Rebel’ themed book. packs using the bestselling book ‘Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls’. “Book Week Scotland remains a popular event in our project year. Unite organised an event and a stall to ULRs across Scotland welcome the promote Book Week Scotland and the opportunity to talk about books and ‘Rebel’ book to drivers at the Co-Op reading, and to start conversations Newhouse driver’s bothy. A selection of about literacy in our workplaces. union training leaflets were distributed We are grateful for the support from at the stall and information on other Scottish Union Learning and the member services. As a result, the Book Scottish Book Trust that allow us to add Week Scotland stall generated a great more to our campaign stalls and get deal of interest in learning and book- even more of our members involved”. 18 reading activities from Co-Op drivers, Digital Unions: Cyber Resilience

Building on the success of Recent developments include the the Digital Unions and Cyber production of the first stage of a cyber Resilience projects, Scottish security ‘Train the Trainer’ programme Union Learning successfully providing reps and workers with the necessary skills and expertise to deliver obtained further funding from basic cyber security sessions with Scottish Government’s Cyber learners in their workplaces. The first Resilience Unit during 2018-2019. workshop took place in late October with ULRs from RMT, and further The project is continuing to build the workshops have been planned. capacity of organisations, unions, reps and workers by embedding cyber A new cyber security ‘Train the Trainer’ resilience into their learning offer in online and downloadable resource has workplaces. In partnership with Digital been developed to support the cyber Skills Education Limited, the project security ‘Train the Trainer’ workshops. provides reps and workers with the This resource will be used by the cyber opportunity to continue to improve trainers to deliver their cyber sessions their cyber security and data protection with learners. The resource is available skills. From October to December free of charge and accessible to all 2018, the project delivered cyber organisations, unions, reps and workers security workshops with BDA, CWU, who attend the workshops. RMT, UNISON and Usdaw reaching over 200 workers.

19 Case Study Personal Cyber Security and ‘Train the Trainer’ RMT and Scotrail

Union: RMT Location: Glasgow Funding: Cyber Resilience

In October 2018, RMT Union Learning websites and keep data safe online. Reps and union activists attended a In addition, Nicola was provided with Scottish Union Learning Cyber Security the tutoring skills to deliver “bite sized” workshop and ‘Train the Trainer’ cyber security modules on how to workshop at the STUC. Funded choose safe passwords and safer web by Scottish Government’s Cyber browsing with her colleagues Resilience Unit, the workshops provide participants with the knowledge to Shortly after attending both workshops, improve their own cyber security skills Nicola delivered a two-hour cyber and the teaching techniques to deliver security training session with RMT basic cyber security skills sessions with members in her workplace. The workers in their workplaces. session covered how to create strong passwords and use password One of the participants, Nicola Melling managers such as 1Password, is a union activist at RMT and works as Dashlane and iCloud Keychain. Nicola a Ticket Examiner for ScotRail, where discovered that the learners really her duties include inspecting, checking enjoyed testing the strength of their and selling tickets to passengers, current passwords against an online providing them with information, and password checker, and completing the assisting travellers with reduced interactive ‘Diceware’ random password mobility. generator exercise to create more secure passwords. Aware of the importance of cyber security in both her personal and Nicola thought that taking part in the working life, Nicola learned how to ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop made her set secure passwords, spot fake feel more confident about sharing her knowledge with others, and gave her the best tips to deliver a session herself. Nicola was impressed with what she learned on both workshops and has been sharing this information with others.

Nicola said, “I would definitely be interested in attending an additional workshop to develop my cyber tutoring skills, as I feel this would be an ever- changing topic which would be a continual challenge in the future as 20 hacking advances.” Fair Work: Leadership and Equality Programme

The STUC obtained funding from workers. The course aimed at providing the Scottish Government’s Fair union members from black and Work Directorate in 2017-2018 to ethnic minority communities with the help develop leadership capacity knowledge to challenge current barriers with a focus on equality within to leadership. The outcome was that the trade union movement in learners felt more confident in taking on leadership roles within their respective Scotland. unions. The BWC organised a follow-up session which encouraged participants This programme is aimed at developing to reflect on their own behaviour, noting leadership capacity at all levels within personal patterns and preferences. the trade union movement in Scotland, with a focus on under-represented The EIS course, entitled ‘Leaders groups. Funding was awarded to: Aegis, EIS, FDA, PCS, POA Scotland, Among Equals: Leadership Learning to Prospect, RMT, UNISON and Unite, Support Equality’ was attended by 34 and to three cross-union projects learners. The vast majority of learners delivered through the STUC Black were either current Equality Reps, or Workers’ Committee/Prospect, training to be Equality Reps. The aim of UNISON/PCS and STUC Young the course was to increase knowledge Workers’ Project,. around the role of Equality Reps, and increase potential for new Equality Aegis organised a course entitled Reps from under-represented groups. ‘Consciously Building Our Future’. The Feedback from the sessions indicate course, which focused on ‘Unconscious that more members have undertaken Bias’, was attended by 21 learners, all EIS Equality Rep training. of whom were union reps. The course sought to increase the leadership Entitled ‘Diversity in Leadership’, the skills of Aegis union reps by increasing FDA course was held on eight separate knowledge around unconscious dates. In total, 48 learners attended at bias, as well as discussing tools for addressing unconscious bias in the least one or more of the training days. workplace. A working group of reps The aim of the course was to enhance has been established from this session the leadership capacity of current FDA to take this work further. reps, and to engage with potential new leaders from under-represented The STUC Black Workers’ Committee, groups. A particular focus was placed in conjunction with Prospect, organised on individuals with self-identified a ‘Re-thinking Leadership’ day. The confidence issues. Two further course was attended by 10 learners, events - ‘Women into Leadership’, and and the majority of trainers and ‘BME into Leadership Scotland’, were speakers were themselves black subsequently arranged. 21 PCS organised courses entitled Entitled ‘Leading the Way to a Fairer ‘Women to the Front – The Future of Workplace’, Prospect’s course was Our Movement’. The courses were attended by 16 learners. The course attended by 13 learners and were placed emphasis on Fair Work and aimed at developing campaign skills workplace equality, and included a and building power and capacity session on the Fair Work Framework. through power structure analysis. A The course sought to equip learners session on building a grassroots with the ability to identify occupational campaign through video was delivered. inequalities – specifically discriminatory As a result, two learners have entered outcomes resulting from embedded leadership roles within the union, and historical institutional practices. The the majority of learners have started planned outcome was to ensure local campaigns. members had wider knowledge of Fair Work and a better developed approach POA’s ‘Taking Leaders Forward’ was to diversity and inclusion. attended by six learners. The course aimed to enhance leadership at local The RMT leadership event, entitled levels, and more importantly for under- ‘Developing New Activists and represented groups. The course was Representatives’, was attended by organised during the POA Scottish 18 learners. Cyber security, dyslexia Conference to allow those attending to awareness, and mental health were be integrated with the main event. As the topics covered in the course. These a result of the course, POA has five areas were selected following feedback new reps; all either young members or from members, and sought to provide women. members and reps with the necessary

22 skills to be able to undertake leadership develop the leadership skills of workers. roles within the union. The course As a result of the course, 12 members facilitators were all RMT reps, and were identified as new leaders who following the event, some learners have would take on local issues at work started rep training. related to Brexit.

Unite’s construction sector (formerly Entitled ‘The Whole Worker’, a course UCATT) organised an event entitled organised by the STUC Young Workers’ ‘Developing New Leaders in the Private Learning Project was attended by Sector of Construction’, which was eight learners. The course focused on attended by six learners. The course building collective power in precarious developed skills around approaching workplaces. Among the topics hostile employers, engaging with explored were hierarchies of power precarious workers, and identifying new within workplaces, and how workers leaders in the construction sector. The can use different tactics to address course produced six trained assessors/ issues arising from power dynamics. organisers who have skills in engaging Feedback from the event indicated with employers in precarious working that participants felt more confident environments, and progress was in dealing with workplace issues, and made in establishing fluid networks of were more positive about taking on a communication within hard to reach leadership role. workplaces. On completion of the activities funded Unite organised a couse which was through the programme, a final attended by 24 learners. Entitled dissemination event took place in ‘Campaign Leadership Skills’, the Glasgow in January 2019, allowing course looked at different leadership participating unions to share experience styles, conflict resolution, digital and good practice in relation to the communications, and developing public development and delivery of leadership speaking skills. The overall aim was to and equality training. increase the skills of current reps, and develop skills of emerging reps. As a As part of the Fair Work: Leadership result, some learners went on to secure and Equality Programme, further efforts full-time positions with Unite, and are being made to develop the National overall, the course has strengthened Equality Rep Network. Scottish Union skills in communications. Learning has been successful in obtaining further funding for 2019-20 to In partnership with PCS, UNISON continue work through the Fair Work: organised a course entitled ‘EU Leadership and Equality Programme. Workers Facing Brexit’, which was attended by 14 learners. The aim of the course was to better understand EU workers’ circumstances, provide training on issues related to Brexit, and

23 Apprenticeships

Scottish Union Learning has consultation process of Apprenticeship continued to work with unions Frameworks through working with the and Skills Development Scotland relevant Sector Skills Councils. SUL is on the growing ‘Apprenticeship also involved in the Future Standards Family’ programme. Architecture (FSA) Project with SDS and SQA. The main aim of this project Partly due to the introduction of the is to is to create the work-based UK Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017, learning system of the future, and to the apprenticeship programme has transition from where we are now to continued to expand the number this new model. of apprenticeships from across the growing Apprenticeship family. Scottish During 2018, SUL began to update Union Learning is represented on the Modern Apprenticeship Toolkit and the Modern Apprenticeship Group has undertaken site visits to develop (MAG), which provides unions with case studies of apprentice and union the opportunity to contribute to the experiences of the programme within development and review of MA unionised workplaces. Through the Frameworks. It is likely that the remit Development Fund and Learning will expand to include Foundation and Fund, Aegis, ASLEF, RMT, UNISON Graduate Apprenticeships. and Unite have continued to work with employers to deliver and develop SUL is also represented on the Scottish apprenticeship programmes within Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) workplaces. Unions have also been Employer Engagement Group and encouraged to work with employers to Frameworks and Standards Group. nominate an apprentice to join the new Trade unions have participated in the SAAB Scottish Apprenticeship Network.

24 23 Awards Learner of the Year Award

The Learner of the Year Award was established by Scottish Union Learning to recognise the range of journeys currently undertaken by learners in the workplace, supported by trade unions.

The recipient of the 2018 Learner of the Year Award was Isabella Sutherland, a member of Unite the Union. Isabella was chosen as 2018 Learner of the Year because of her commitment both as a learner and as an advocate for adults returning to learning in the workplace.

Isabella found education at school to be challenging due to large class sizes and the subsequent lack of a supportive environment in which to Juggling work and family commitments learn. She was aware that returning was challenging for Isabella, but with to learning was necessary in order to support from her family, and union maintain and build her skills base to colleagues, she has persevered and support her development at work. The already has plans for further learning support provided by Unite the Union’s through the union’s Leadership course. ‘Learn with Unite’ project ensured a high-quality learning experience and Having participated in a range of inspired Isabella to make use of the training opportunities, Isabella was learning opportunities which were made keen to ensure that her colleagues available. were fully aware of the learning opportunities on offer through the Isabella currently works for Aramark in union. She has therefore, become a Aberdeen as a Heli-pad administrator, Unite ULR and is keen to encourage in the offshore catering sector. Through her colleagues to participate in learning Unite, she has undertaken learning in order to increase their knowledge opportunities on Mental Health and skills. Her message to her Awareness, Understanding Equalities, colleagues who may be apprehensive ECDL, Writing and Presenting Motions, about going back to learning is not to and Automation. This has had a be afraid, as there is always someone positive impact on her working life, there to support you. improving her confidence and abilities in her workplace, and also in her personal life. 25 STUC Union Rep Awards STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning

The STUC Union Rep Awards and her collective approach to learning. consists of four awards, two The Leadership Development Project of which are administered by that Lisa ran was so successful that it Scottish Union Learning: The was rolled out nationally and in total, the union has engaged with over 450 Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong women learners through this Project. Learning and the STUC Equality Many of the learners who took part Award. have subsequently become actively involved in the union. The recipient of the 2018 STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning was Lisa has developed a variety of Lisa McGuinness, an FDA member high-quality learning opportunities who works at HMRC Cotton House in for her fellow workers, and has also Glasgow. Lisa has been a committed implemented a mentoring project to trade unionist since 2004 and is support new learners. This has helped currently a Union Learning Rep, a the FDA to recruit new members and learning lead for HMRC in Scotland, develop new activists from minority and the FDA lead on Learning in groups. The growing cohort of activists Scotland. Lisa’s work to promote that Lisa has been instrumental in learning within HMRC has largely developing is helping the FDA to build focussed on working with those from and organise in Scotland. under-represented groups, such as women and BME workers. The FDA now has a core group of ULRs across Scotland thanks to Lisa

26 STUC Equality Award When terms, conditions, and policies were being re-negotiated in her The STUC Equality Award recipient workplace, Linda insisted that equality for 2018 was Linda Ford from proofing was a fundamental part of the Prospect. Linda works at the process rather than a retrospective James Hutton Institute and is the ‘add-on’. Equalities Representative within her section and Prospect’s “Scottish Although her employer is not a public Research Establishments” Branch. body, Linda has ensured that they In addition, Linda sits on the STUC carry out a statutory Equality Impact Disabled Workers’ Committee. Assessment for all policy changes. Linda has engaged with the Scottish In addition, she has successfully Government’s Disability Stakeholder campaigned for Prospect membership Events to tackle the disability forms to include appropriate options employment gap and encouraged for non-binary people. Her newest the project to consult with the STUC campaign is to see that all materials, Disabled Workers’ Committee. printed or electronic, conform to accessibility best practice levels. Through her involvement with the STUC’s Equality Rep Network and with the support of Scottish Union Learning, Linda established an Equality Rep Network in Dundee. Linda has worked hard to develop her knowledge and understanding of equality issues and has attended various development events and is currently working on the TUC Equality Rep online course. 27 Conferences and Events

Scottish Union Learning organises SUL Highlands and Islands conferences and development Conference events throughout the year to The SUL Highlands and Islands Conference was held on 8 June 2018 support Union Learning Reps and in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. trade unions in promoting and Speakers included Grahame Smith, accessing learning opportunities. STUC General Secretary, Fiona Bruce, Dounreay Women’s Network, Craig Everyday Skills Event Lowther, Programme & Development The Everyday Skills Event was held Manager Education, UHI Inverness on 22 February 2018 at the Scottish College, and Priscilla Maramba, Youth Theatre in Glasgow. The theme UNISON – recipient of the SUL Learner of the Event was Everyday Skills: of the Year Award in 2017. Innovative Approaches to Learning in the Workplace. Speakers at the Event Scottish Union Learning included Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy Conference General Secretary, and Jamie-Max Around 100 delegates attended Caldwell, Community Organiser, Unite. the annual Scottish Union Learning The Event provided delegates with the Conference held on 13 November opportunity to take part in interactive 2018 at the Golden Jubilee Conference storytelling activities, improve their data Hotel, Clydebank. The theme of protection skills and explore online the Conference was “Developing an support for workers with autism. The Inclusive Workforce”. event was attended by 83 delegates from 17 different unions. The Conference was chaired by Wendy Burton, SUL Director, and John Brown, Vice Chair of the SUL Board. Speakers Leadership Dissemination Event The Leadership Dissemination Event at this event included Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment was held in Glasgow on 28 March and Innovation, Grahame Smith, STUC 2018. Unions which had received General Secretary; Marion Beattie, funding through the Leadership Skills Development Scotland; and Development Programme attend this Gerry Britton, Chief Executive, Partick event to deliver presentations on the Thistle Football Club. Workshops activities which they had undertaken, were held on: Building an Effective sharing experience and good practice. Voice, How to Be Irreplaceable in an Automated Workplace, Disability STUC Congress Equality in the Workplace – Making the SUL held a fringe meeting at the STUC Most of Staff Training, and Menopause Congress on 16 April 2018 to discuss and the Workplace. Twelve partner the future of freelance work in the organisations had exhibition stands at creative industries, and across the ‘gig’ the conference. economy.

28 Union Rep Development Days Highlands and Islands ULRs have regular opportunities to There are four ULR Learning Forums further develop their skills, network and - Inverness and Nairn, Western Isle,; share good practice through attendance Orkney, and Caithness. Development and participation at Union Rep Days are held regularly, where ULRs Development Days across Scotland. enhance their skills through bite-size learning sessions and by networking with colleagues from other workplaces. Lowlands and Uplands Scotland In the Lowlands and Uplands ULRs had Local learning providers often attend to the opportunity to attend Development discuss how they can work with unions Days in Dumfries, Fife, Glasgow and to meet the learning needs of their Lanarkshire. members.

The focus of the Development Days Development Days also provide an was on Digital Unions and Everyday opportunity for the ULRs to propose Skills. ULRs utilised the Development cross union courses on topics which Days to share good practice and an have a broad relevance across different understanding of the local needs workplaces, for instance mental health and demands of learners within their or equality. workplaces. ULRs also use these days as opportunities to influence the agendas of the Scottish Union Learning Conference and Everyday Skills Event. Representatives of Fife Trades Union Council and Dumfries Trades Council regularly participate.

29 Working with Partners

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Scottish Book Trust Scottish Union Learning has a strong Scottish Union Learning, in partnership focus on working with SDS around with Scottish Book Trust, celebrated the apprenticeship programme Book Week Scotland in November, through membership of the Scottish 2018. The aim of Book Week is to Apprenticeship Advisory Board encourage people to read more by Employer Engagement Group, participating in book-reading related Standards and Frameworks Group, events and activities. The theme for Modern Apprenticeship Group, Future Book Week Scotland 2018 was ‘Rebel’ Standards Architecture Advisory Forum and over 600 copies of Scottish Book and the Engineering Skills Leadership Trust’s ‘Rebel’ themed books were Group. This work ensures that unions distributed by unions to reps, members are aware of the changes to the and workers across Scotland. programme and have the opportunity to influence the development of Zero Waste Scotland Apprenticeship Frameworks and Scottish Union Learning worked in the development of the wider partnership with Zero Waste Scotland apprenticeships programme. Through and the Scottish Waste Industry meetings and exhibitions at Scottish Training, Competency and Health & Union Learning conferences, union Safety Forum (SWITCH) to promote members have been made aware of the Safety Health Environmental the wider services available to unions Awareness (SHEA) Passport Scheme, through SDS. and Competence Framework for the waste and resources sector to Education Scotland employers and unions. Scottish Union Learning was represented on the National Strategic SCQF Partnership Forum for Adult Learning which is The STUC established a Partnership facilitated by Education Scotland. Agreement with the Scottish Credit SUL was also represented on two and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) working groups, the Professional Partnership in 2016, and SUL has Learning Group which is co-chaired by continued to take this work forward with the SUL Director, and the Wider Access the SCQF and trade unions to support and Participation Working Group. The joint activity. Using the Framework to Professional Learning Working Group credit rate course provision, employers’ has undertaken research to identify internal training, and recognition of professional development opportunities prior learning enables workers to obtain for adult educators in Scotland. The accredited qualifications. Wider Access and Participation Working Group carried out an initial audit of existing adult guidance services across Scotland and disseminated examples of good practice. Through the work of the Forum, Scottish Union Learning has promoted the Adult Achievement Award across Scotland and supported the Adult Guidance National Conference. 30 TUC Education Scotland

TUC Education provides training eNotes are short modules which for more than 40,000 union contain a mixture of real-life case representatives, Health & Safety studies, videos, and quizzes and representatives and Union take between 20 and 45 minutes to complete. There are over 30 Learning Reps in the UK each eNotes available with topics covering year. equalities, employment law & rights at

work, building the union, health, safety There are three trade union education & well-being, and union learning. centres across Scotland, based within City of Glasgow College, Edinburgh Webinars are live discussions with College, and Fife College. TUC tutors experienced reps and officers about deliver education for trade unionists different issues relevant to trade in union learning, equalities, health unionists today. They are broadcast and safety, and more. Our centres are live online and are then available via part of a network of TUC approved YouTube. Recent topics have included providers across the UK through which Third Party Harassment, Menopause learners achieve nationally recognised Support, and Pensions. education credits and awards up to Diploma level. TUC Education also offers specialist short courses on Course Directory a range of topics including mental Union reps can view the current course health, accident & investigation, and directory, book a place, and access the employment law, and several fully eLearning resources at online courses, either self-directed or www.tuceducation.org.uk with tutor support, for reps who are unable to attend classroom-based courses. Union staff and officers can also access development opportunities via TUC Education. eLearning TUC Education has developed an extensive range of short, topic-based eLearning resources to help reps and activists keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. They can be accessed at any time on a PC, tablet or phone.

31 Resources and Communications

Scottish Union Learning has Scottish Union Learning can be continued to raise its profile found on Facebook and Twitter at the addresses isted. There is also in 2018 through social media, a Facebook Group for ULRs in the publications and the website, as Highlands and Islands, acessible via well as through trade union and the main Scottish Union Learning partner websites. Facebook page.

Scottish Union Learning General Information Leaflet The Scottish Union Learning General Information Leaflet provides a brief overview of the different areas of work covered, such as the Learning and Development Funds, Leadership Development Fund, Equalities, and Digital Unions. Scottish Union Learning website scottishunionlearning.com Scottish Union Learning The Scottish Union Learning website Cyber Security & Cyber

provides access to resources, Resilience Leaflet This resource from publications, events and information Scottish Union Learning and is a valuable resource for describes the resources unions, ULRs, learners and partner available through the organisations. Embedding Cyber Resilience into Workplace Learning Scottish Union Learning News Flash through Unions Project, including scottishunionlearning.com/content/ common terminology and definitions. newsletter Scottish Union Learning distributes an electronic newsletter on a regular basis. Scottish Union Learning Fair Work: Leadership and Equality This news flash highlights union learning Programme Leaflet information and photographs, and is This leaflet provides sent to unions, ULRs, partners and details about the Fair others who have an interest in learning. Work: Leadership and Equality Programme, which increases awareness Find us on Facebook around the Equality Rep facebook.com/scottishunionlearning network, and highlights the various leadership and equalities opportunities Follow us on Twitter that are available through Scottish Union twitter.com/unionlearning Learning. 32 Learners’ Quotes The course will add value to my day to day Clear, concise, work, and home life, engaging – good and will help me to be confident in providing examples of actual support for colleagues. practice

Enjoyed course, Very positive and inspiring. I hope now feel more this course will be run again in the confident to apply for a future and I will actively encourage job. colleagues to attend.

I didn’t feel out of my depth but learnt a lot of new tools and tricks I can apply Really helpful, in my daily role and increased my good practical confidence. Great course. workshops.

Very easy Very thought-provoking to understand workshop, felt engaged and a nice and listened to. Loved the relaxed relaxed atmosphere. environment.

Brilliant session, really informative. Presented in easy digestible chunks for This has been a fantastic a day. course. Thank you. I feel that I have learned more about myself today and how to be a more effective leader. Good course, I have achieved exactly what well explained, I had hoped to. good facilities. 33 Scottish Union Learning supports trade unions in accessing skills and lifelong learning opportunities for their members that contribute to collective prosperity, fairness and equality, for workers across Scotland. Learning Scottish Union Learning, in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Directorate, is currently providing support to unions in developing leadership capacity within unions and increasing the number of Equality Reps in workplaces in Scotland. Leadership

Equality

[email protected] @unionlearning Contacts Scottish Union Learning Team

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General Enquiries: [email protected] SUL Website: www.scottishunionlearning.com

TUC Education website: www.unionlearn.org.uk/tuc-education 35 Scottish Union Learning

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