TUC Training Courses provided by Burnley College

September – December 2008

For Trade Union & Safety Representatives

ABOUT THE COURSES

TUC courses for trade union representatives fall into three main Categories.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES

The basic Union Reps Stage 1 – the essential foundation course for all union workplace representatives. It covers all the key issues in union organisation and bargaining.

Certificate for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives - Stage 1

Stage 1 – is for Safety Representatives and other union reps interested in workplace safety issues.

FOLLOW ON COURSES

These are designed to produce more detailed awareness of key issues and develop the skills of experienced reps or those with special responsibilities.

Certificate for Trade Representatives Stepping Up

Certificate for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives - Next Steps

ADVANCED COURSES

From September 2008 we will be offering the 36 week TUC Access Courses in Occupational Health and Safety and in Employment Law.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Choose a Course from the list below.

2. Fill in the Application Form ( format)and get it approved by your Branch Official or Full-time Officer.

Please note that Acrobat PDF files require special software in order to read. This software can be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Systems, Inc. website for a variety of platforms. Go to Download Page

3. Arrange paid release from your employer to attend the course.

4. Return your application form to:

Unison Branch Office,
Room D43,
County Hall,
Preston.
PR1 OLD

Applications for training/seminars/conferences MUST be sent to the Branch - not directly to the provider - for verification by the Branch Education Co-ordinator or Assistant Education Co-ordinator; expenses will NOT be paid for attendance on courses which have not been approved by the Branch. Training courses should be selected closest geographically to a steward's workplace or home.

COURSE LIST

Certificate for Trade Representatives - Stage 1

12 Mondays starting 15th September
(Code A2748-1001)

Certificate for Trade Representatives - Stepping Up

12 Thursdays starting 29th January 2009
(Code A2749-1001)

Award for Trade Union Learning Representatives

6 Tuesdays starting 16th September
(Code A2750-1001)

Certificate for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives - Stage 1

12 Tuesdays starting 16th September
(Code A2751-1001)

Certificate for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives - Next Steps

12 Thursdays starting 18th September
(Code A2752-1001)

TUC Award for Union Learner Representatives

6 Tuesdays starting 11th November

Diploma for Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives - Occupational Health and Safety

36 Wednesdays starting 17th September
(Code A2753-1001)

Diploma in Employment Law for Trade Union Representatives

36 Wednesdays starting 17th September
(Code A2754-1001)

ABOUT THE COURSES

We use trade union education methods based on helping you to tackle problems in the workplace and working collectively.

ACCREDITATION

TUC Courses are now accredited through the Open College Network. Reps who wish to will have the option to gain nationally-recognised credits for their achievements which can often provide access to vocational awards or other further and higher education training opportunities.

NEGOTIATING PAID RELEASE

The main way to get paid release is through agreements with employers. The role of the union learning representative is to be boosted by new legal rights to time off for training contained in the Employment Bill 2001. The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 Section 168 and the Safety Representatives & Safety Committee Regulations 1977 give accredited union and safety representatives a legal right to reasonable time off with pay to attend courses approved by the TUC or their union. Guidance towards establishing what constitutes time off can be found in the ACAS Code of Practice. Representatives who find difficulty in obtaining paid time off to attend should seek help from their senior union representative or full time union officer.

For further information on the above contact:

Paul, Teresa or Margaret at Burnley Trade Union Education Unit

Telephone: 01282 714705/714706
Mobile: 07774721476

For more information on the NW TUC programme contact the Regional Education Officer:

Peter Holland
The Cotton Exchange
Suite 506-510
Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9 LQ

Telephone 0151 236 7678