EDUCATION WALES
A Message to Unite Members
Unite is a trade union dedicated to improving the pay and conditions of its members. Our reps education programme supports this through the delivery of training that equips our reps with the skills and confidence to be strong and effective in the workplace. Building workplace power is how we hold employers to account and win for our members.
Unite training is delivered by tutors who have all been at the sharp end themselves, representing Unite members in their own workplaces. Courses are delivered in a friendly and informal way, enabling reps to build relationships and contacts with activists from other workplaces and sectors.
Unite education is delivered in a variety of ways, primarily in person at our Unite offices across Wales. We also offer our workplace reps the ability to complete their training online through Zoom. Reps have the ability to mix and match how they attend our courses, ensuring that whatever part of Wales they are from, they are able to access the training they need.
For Workplace Reps and Health and Safety Reps we provide a clear 20 day training pathway, with courses split into 4 modules. All our courses require reps to secure paid release from their employer and are delivered during the week from 9.30am – 4.00pm. Your full-time officer can help you to secure paid release if you experience difficulties.
This year we will be running new refresher training for our experienced reps who may have completed all of the introductory training Unite offers. This course titled “Advanced Reps Training” will be available in both our offices and online.
In addition to the fantastic courses for our Workplace Reps, Health and Safety, Equality and Learning Reps, we can also run bespoke courses and bite size training upon request. Unite education is very flexible and if our advertised courses don’t suit your working patterns please get in touch. We are usually able to provide training designed to meet the specific needs of your workplace.
All of our courses are delivered in partnership with Adult Learning Wales. If you sign up to one of our online courses, please be reassured that participation is very simple, and you will receive pre-course help to familiarise yourself with online learning. The only technology you require to participate is a tablet or computer.
Please take a few minutes to look through this brochure and sign up for one of the many courses on offer.
To apply please contact us by email at [email protected]
Telephone 02920 821258.
Alternatively, you can view all of course dates online at: www.unitetheunion.org/education.
Being a Unite activist is a tough but rewarding role and Unite education is here to support you. If you require any further information, then please get in touch.
In solidarity
Glyn Conolly
Education and Development Organiser
Download your full brochure for 2024/2025 courses here.
As an elected Workplace Representative it is essential you access your initial training as soon after election as possible. Your initial training consists of Module 1A and 1B. This course runs over 10 weeks, one day per week.
Workplace Representatives Module 1A &1B - 10 Days
Course description:
This course is designed to be the core initial training for Unite workplace reps. The course covers the wide range of knowledge and skills needed by the new Rep including:
• Key skills for organising your workplace
• Handling discipline and grievance cases
• Communication skills
• Introduction to Employment Law Equality at Work
• Understanding the concept of ‘good work’
• Understanding and dealing with Issues around Dignity and Respect in the workplace
• Problem solving skills
• Bargaining skills
• Work-life balance
• Building a strong workplace union
Workplace Representatives Module 2B - 5 Days
Course description:
The course is designed for representatives as follow on training for those that have completed Modules 1A, 1B and 2A.
This course covers:
• Rights to information
• Workplace Rights
• Collective Bargaining
• Agreements
• The Case for Collective Agreements
• Planning for getting an agreement
• Collective Bargaining and Negotiation
Workplace Representatives Module 2A - 5 Days
As an elected Health & Safety Representative it is essential you access your initial training as soon after election as possible. Your initial training consists of Module 1A and 1B. It is best to book both courses at the same time to ensure you have a place reserved on each course.
Health & Safety Representatives Module 1A & B - 10 Days
Course description:
This course is the essential course for all new Unite Health and Safety Representatives. It is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence to organise effectively in order to carry out your work as a Safety Rep as well as to create understanding of how economic and others aspects affect the working lives, health, safety and welfare of working people.
The course covers:
• Understanding the role of a Unite Safety Rep
• The legal framework of Health and Safety
• Rights of Safety Reps
• Involving the members in Health and Safety
• Accident Investigations – Risk Assessments
• Examining your workplace risk assessment and evaluating them
• Understanding health & safety audits and company accident statistics
• Appreciate health & safety legislation including aspects of criminal and civil law
Health & Safety Representatives Module 2A - 5 Days
Course description:
Module 2A of Unites Health & Safety training builds upon the knowledge learnt in Modules 1A and 1B.
The course covers:
• Assessment of workplace action plan
• Understanding COSHH and related hazards
• Carrying out a workplace audit
• Explore manual handing and ergonomic risks
• Creating a healthier work environment
Health & Safety Representatives Module 2B - 5 Days
Course description:
Module 2B of Unites Health & Safety training builds upon the knowledge learnt in Modules 1A, 1B and 2A.
This course covers:
• Assessment of workplace action plan
• Understanding accidents and finding route cause
• Investigation techniques
• Managing risks and incidents
Course description:
Designed to give all Unite Reps the confidence and knowledge to address equality and diversity issues, the course provides a comprehensive overview of equality in the workplace.
On completion of the course Reps should be able to:
• Recognise equality issues within the workplace
• Know what constitutes discrimination, harassment and bullying
• Challenge their perception of equality & diversity
• Understand the key points of new equalities legislation, measures and legal decisions
• Decide how best to support workers in response to new equalities legislation
• Use interviewing techniques to deal with individual and workplace equality issues
• Develop equality policies and practice
Union Learning Representatives play a key role in any workplace. They bring a new string to the organising bow as well as assisting members to access high quality education and training.
Union Learning Reps Stage 1 - 5 Days
Course description:
This course is designed to be the core initial training for all Unite Union Learning Reps (ULRs). It helps them develop the basic knowledge and skills needed as a new Rep, enabling them
to work with colleagues in the workplace to analyse training needs. The course forms a solid foundation for the new ULR to develop their skills and their own personal development.
Union Learning Reps Stage 2 - 5 Days
Course description:
This course continues the core essential training for all Unite Union Learning Reps (ULRs). It helps them to further develop the knowledge and skills needed as a ULR in the workplace – working with management, learning providers and other organisations. The course completes the foundation for the ULR and prepares the ULR to develop more specialised skills and knowledge.
We offer a wide range of additional courses open to representatives. You may find some of these suitable for enhancing your existing skills. We advice that you complete your initial reps training before accessing these additional courses.
Pensions Stage One - 5 Days
Course description:
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the full range of different pension schemes reps are likely to encounter in the workplace, as well as covering state provision, auto enrolment, pension protections and the role of the ombudsman. We aim to enable workplace representatives to develop their understanding and skills to better support their members and gain confidence in dealing with pensions as part of the bargaining process.
Unite Wales Political School Stage One - 2 Days
Course description:
The Unite Wales Political School is a fantastic opportunity for members to come together to better understand the political objectives of our union. The course will look in detail at why trade unions are involved in politics; what devolution has meant for Wales; the nature of political campaigning; the policy process and future planning of campaigns.
This 2 day course will be comprised of group activities, discussions, debates and will include a number of guest speakers including political representatives who will also make contributions at the school.
Unite Wales Political School Stage Two - 2 Days
Course description:
Stage 2 of the Unite Wales Political School is for those members who have successfully completed Stage 1. The course will look in detail at political organisation; explore the international industrial, political, social and economic issues facing our union and how we can influence change for our members, our communities and our nation.
Mental Health Awareness
Course description:
This course will help Reps develop a better understanding on mental health issues and how they affect members in the workplace. You will develop a better understanding of Disability Discrimination Law and how it applies to people with mental health illnesses. The training will enable you to develop a strategy to deal with workplace mental health issues and ensure employees are not discriminated against.
Challenging Bullying and Harassment - 3 Day
Course description:
Bullying and harassment is a major problem in many workplaces.
This course will enable you to:
• Identify the various forms that bullying and harassment can take
• Implement strategies to deal effectively with bullying and harassment cases
• Deal with mental health issues and work related stress
Branch Secretaries / Branch Officials Course - 5 Days
Course description:
The Branch Secretary is a key player in the Unite team. The concept of this course is to develop Branch Secretaries within Unite by providing them with the knowledge and skills, and nurturing their passion, to drive forward the ideology of our union, to develop our activist base and grow and strengthen our membership. This course is designed for all new Branch Secretaries, and for those who have not attended the course recently.
The course covers:
• The administrative role of the Branch Secretary
• How the union works
• How ‘lay democracy’ starts at local branch level
• Understanding organisation procedures
• Encouraging active participation within the Unite structure
• Branch Finance
• Understanding the ‘Strategy for Growth’ and the crucial role that the branch plays
• Setting out a local ‘strategy for growth’ for recruitment, retention and participation in branch life
• Branch Portal
• Chairing and Organising Skills