Unison and The Open University win Participation Award

UNISON and The Open University (OU) have won Widening Participation Initiative of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards joint project that has helped more than 5,500 public sector workers access OU courses and training.

Working together, the OU and UNISON with support of the Union Learning Fund have successfully developed partnerships with local authorities to provide tailored education programmes for staff and encouraged employers to sponsor education and developmental opportunities for their workforce.

“We are delighted that our partnership with The Open University has been recognised for helping thousands of people develop confidence and skills through training,” commented UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis.

“As cuts hit the public services, training is needed now more than ever and we hope to continue this partnership to help thousands more staff reach their potential.”

Jeremy Roche, Dean of Health and Social Care at The Open University, said the partnership had achieved a tremendous amount in a relatively short space of time.

“This award recognises the significant contribution our partnership has to the widening participation effort, and we’re looking forward to continuing to provide education opportunities to public sector workers.”