New 2016 Course Programme Launched

Following a review of last year's UNISON Scotland training and a survey of local branch requirements for 2016, the Learning and Organising committee has designed a comprehensive and professional development and training programme to meet the needs and demands of our newly elected stewards, workplace representatives and union activists. See full details and download course programmes here

This year's programme has been adapted to take account of a request for more flexibility on the days on which courses are run and has prioritised the courses that our members and activists have identified as their primary priorities.

We have continued to include variety and specialist courses to empower our active members with the knowledge which will help them build personal confidence and provide them with the ability to challenge and tackle bad practices in the workplace.

Our programme acknowledges the threats that lie ahead for the union in the form of the Government's union reforms, which threaten to drastically curb union activity and put both civil rights and industrial relations at risk, and the ongoing onslaught of austerity cuts on public services.

Training and education is vital to the professional development of our activists, By gaining new knowledge and skills, and connecting with other activists in a learning environment, the movement as a whole is strengthened.

Training significantly contributes to an organising union, the wisdom that it brings develops strong voices which in turn create organisational strength.

For those of you who are looking at this brochure and wondering if you will be allowed by your employer to participate in the wonderful educational opportunities that are available, the Learning and Organising committee would like to remind everyone - that every trade union representative working for an employer where the trade union is recognised for collective bargaining has a legal right to paid release from work to carry out duties and activities relevant to their role.

They also have legal rights to attend training relevant to those duties and activities - source ACAS Code of Practice 3 (2010) - Time off for Trade Union duties and activities.

If you want to help to address inequality and unfairness, to improve terms and conditions, to fight for a living wage or just simply make a positive difference in your workplace. It's time...

TO GET INVOLVED, GET LEARNING AND GET ACTIVE!

LEARNING - IT JUST WORKS

Lawrence Hunter Chair, Learning and Organising Committee

Further information from Nancy Kelly on n.kelly@unison.co.uk
or Activist Education (Scotland)
01463 715891
activisteducationscotland@unison.co.uk