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Norfolk County UNISON Branch
UNISON Learning Reps
News, 11 January 2011
Brain Games
The link below is really useful for those people who may wish to practice or improve their literacy and numeracy skills. It can even be downloaded to run on mobiles.
There is no need to register if you just want to try it out but if you do register then it will track your progress for you.
Brain Games
Online Basics
Unionlearn have formed a relationship with UKOnline and Myguide offering the 'Online Basics' suite of courses. For anyone interested in learning more about using the internet to its potential, this may be for you.
Online Basics Suite
Free Skillwise Maths App You can work out sale discounts when shopping, split the restaurant bill, convert cm to inches and lots more. This is a BBC Skillswise pilot version and so they would like as much feedback as you can give about the download process and how you find using it.
Maths Skillwise
The Active Citizenship Education project worked with WEA in Yorks & Humber, NIACE and some local councils to produce a set of materials which cover the following topics:
- Climate change;
- E-democracy;
- Why Vote?
- Understanding migration;
- Women be heard.
The session plans are included as part of this resource and can be used by any provider to deliver and are downloadable by clicking here.
Why is Norfolk County Branch Involved in Learning?
Within our branch and national UNISON there is a strong commitment to equality through learning and education. Trade Union education and lifelong learning opportunities for our members help strengthen us as a union by empowering our members. If our Union can support members to develop their confidence through learning our members will, in turn, direct this confidence into the support they give to the branch. This can be through becoming a steward, Union Learning Rep, Health and Safety Officer, or just becoming more active by attending meeting and speaking out at work. Training is key to ensuring that all groups of members are able to participate fully in union activities - including UNISON members who work part time, or who are manual workers or low paid workers.
Training helps people challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices both within the union and the workplace. Equalities issues are integrated into all activist and member training. Learning is fun - and its free!
UNISON courses are friendly and informal because they?ve been specially designed for adults. Training involves practical activities and working with groups of other UNISON members and activists. You don't have to listen to long lectures or take exams. It's stimulating and gives you a chance to step back from your job and your activist work to think and learn. Skills development and confidence building are important elements of most UNISON courses. You'll be surprised at what you learn on a UNISON course!
UNISON pays for the courses and materials for courses. Where there is a charge, it is to branches - not to you. If you are interested in finding out more, talk to your branch education co-ordinator or branch secretary.
Stewards, health and safety reps, union learning reps and branch officers have the right to paid time off for training in their union duties in most workplaces. This also applies to part-time activists and those who take part in online courses.
UNISON advises activists to give several weeks notice to employers and to provide managers with information about the course. You also have the right to request time off work to train and study - click here for more information.
Who do we support?
Our training is accessible to everyone. UNISON education and training courses are open to all activists and members. Course materials are provided in large print or braille and provide facilitation. If you have childcare or other caring responsibilities and you are attending training away from home or when you would not normally be at work UNISON will provide a creche or cover the cost of care.
The courses currently being run through Norfolk County Branch include Return to Learn which offers new life chances to people who have traditionally been excluded from learning. Our branch also supports members to extend their skills within the union by offering training to become a steward, health and safety rep, negotiating skills, and many, many more.
Our branch is currently working to develop a network of lifelong learning advisers and learning reps who can:
* Encourage members and potential members into learning for their personal development;
* Work with the branch to negotiate learning partnerships with employers covering issues such as time off for learning;
* Encourage new learners to get involved in UNISON and help branches develop and organise.
Who is the branch Lifelong Learning and Education Officer?
The branch Lifelong Learning and Education Officer is currently Jo Rust. She can be called directly on 07824 624497, or email her on joanne.rust@norfolk.gov.uk.
The Branch also has several Union Learning Reps:
Andy Clayden in P & T;
Danny Marshall in P & T;
Samina Grant from City College Norwich;
Rachel Margerum from Norse;
Clive Sanham who works independently.
How can I get involved?
If you're interested in becoming a learning rep then contact any of the above and they will be happy to give you further information. Alternatively contact the branch office on 01603 222384 for further details. Full training will be provided.
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