Last week, union learning reps (ULRs) from across UNISON gathered to share their experience and generate new ideas in promoting reading in the workplace at our Stepping Up workshop. They came from sectors including local government, healthcare, further education, and police and justice. Some had run the Reading Ahead challenge in their branches; some had […]
UNISON has been recognised by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) as its National Strategic Partner of the year. The award marks ‘the degree to which a strategic partnership has enabled WEA to raise profile, influence the sector and raise educational aspirations.’ Roger McKenzie, assistant general secretary for organising and recruitment, said, ‘Our work with the […]
Ian began his learning journey when he left school in 2005, studying horticulture at college. He then completed an apprenticeship in the same subject, which led to a full time post as a gardener for Rochdale Borough Council where he began his 10 year UNISON membership. Before long, Ian took up a workplace union position […]
Mapping Knowing where migrant workers are based, their job roles, which languages they speak, what (if any) language needs they have, what barriers to learning they may face, what workplace issues they are experiencing, how they feel about trade unions, and which community organisations they have links with, will help inform and structure workplace organising. […]
Negotiating delivery of structured ESOL learning with an employer and ensuring the learning provider meets the needs of UNISON members is success in itself. However, our involvement shouldn’t end there. UNISON’s ongoing support for ESOL learning can make a big difference to members’ motivation and learning experience. There are many ways that branches, activists and […]
Government withdrawal of ESOL funding for people in work has made UNISON’s ability to organise workplace ESOL classes increasingly challenging. However, UNISON can still play an important role in supporting ESOL learners and ESOL learning in the workplace. UNISON is in a great position to bring employers, providers and learners together so our role in […]
Branches, through their officers, have responsibilities to… provide opportunities for the education of members and the development of activists UNISON Code of Good Branch Practice The role of the lifelong learning co-ordinator is to lead on member learning in the branch. They work closely with the branch education co-ordinator and the same person might even […]
UNISON support for non-formal workplace ESOL learning could take place before, during and after formal ESOL classes are arranged, as well as where ESOL classes cannot be negotiated. Coaching support for self-directed learning can be empowering. Short taster activities can build confidence and skills that help people progress while giving workers a positive first experience […]
Government withdrawal of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) funding for people in work has made UNISON’s ability to organise workplace ESOL classes increasingly challenging. The responsibility to meet the English language needs of workers rests with employers. Many employers are keen to offer ESOL for their staff but not to fund it. Although […]
During the first week of the summer holidays UNISON North West hosted a full week of short courses for school support staff. A total of 150 teaching assistants, learning support, admin support and midday supervisors enrolled onto a diverse range of workshops throughout the week. Monday 24 July Members started the week with a one […]
Many UNISON members would like to improve their skills and confidence in some area of English, maths, or IT. Learning reps are ideally placed to identify and address these needs. Identifying interest and need A workplace learning survey could help to identify English, maths and IT needs. Look at the Learning and Development tile […]
Are you interested in improving your English, maths or IT skills? Your employer has a responsibility to address your training needs in these areas. You can also contact your region for information about courses or providers in your area. UNISON has a national agreement with the WEA. GCSE maths and English courses are often free at […]
UNISON works in partnership with a number of well-known organisations, networks, and programmes. Open University The Open University and UNISON partnership is based firmly on a shared goal – to widen access to education and training to extend learning opportunities to those who have previously been unable to access them. To achieve this goal, both […]
Providing learning opportunities for our members has always been an essential part of our role – so, while we have had to postpone all face to face training during this current crisis, we have massively ramped up our online learning provision. Here is a selection of online training provided by UNISON and our partners that […]
We offer a range of shorter workshops delivered by the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association). Want to find out whether any of these workshops is running near you? Or are you a learning rep who wants to run one of them in your workplace? Contact your regional education team. Personal development Power to be you The […]
