Union Learning Representatives

Union Learning Representatives - Themes

• Recruitment and training of new ULRs
• Support and development of ULRs
• Briefings and training for officers and other union representatives about learning and skills and the role of the ULR
• Integration of ULRs into the wider union to maximise impact and build sustainability

Union Learning Representatives - Supporting Information

This theme will address the centrally important issue of training and supporting new and existing ULRs. Your project will need to consider how to recruit the harder to reach ULRs and engage new employers. You may also want to think about training and briefing other union activists and officers in learning and skills in order to help them incorporate this work into their role and also support their ULRs. Unionlearn is now developing a new fast-track shorter introductory course for existing reps that want to take on and /or support the ULR role but need a shorter and more focussed training programme.

Unionlearn has also piloted a successful online ULR course and is working with some unions to customise this.

Bids under this theme may wish to consider the following:

• Working at a close level with unionlearn Regional Education Officers to ensure that the supply of training meets union needs as effectively as possible
• Mapping workplaces with good union density to look at the potential of recruiting ULRs where there are none or too few
• Considering the potential of the online training course for ULRs developed by unionlearn and customised by some unions
• Considering the Fast Track ULR course suitable for existing reps or those with union representative experience
• Considering how to access and further develop progression pathways for ULRs including approved modules and training
• Arranging training and briefing for union officers and activists on ULRs and training and skills
• Considering how learning and skills can be incorporated into union bargaining arrangements
• Considering how to measure the contribution of ULRs and learning to union organising strategies
• Reviewing and developing union networks and support systems for ULRs
• Mapping and reviewing existing union organisation at all levels including workplace, branches, regionally and nationally to enable strategies to mainstream ULRs and work on learning and skills