2022 has been an exciting year for us – seeing the launch of UNISON College at National Delegate Conference and the return of our own ULR conference to UNISON Centre, with the introduction of new courses for members and for activists, and the trial of a careers information, advice and guidance service (read on for more on that)!
And we have some equally exciting opportunities coming up in 2023. Whether you’re a new member or a very experienced rep, we have something new for you.
For members
Careers advice and guidance service
Over the summer and autumn, we trialled a free careers advice and guidance service. Now we’re able to open this up to all UNISON members. You will be able to talk with an advisor who can help you consider how learning and training could help you reach their goals, and talk you through what’s available, through UNISON and through other organisations.
We’ll be able to put you in touch with an advisor from 3 January.
A taste of maths
We all use maths all the time – but we also tend to be unsure about our maths skills. With the WEA, UNISON is offering an introduction to basic maths skills in a short online course.
Excel for Beginners
Maybe the most intimidating program in the Office package, Microsoft Excel is a mystery to many. With us, you can take the first steps to seeing what it can do for you. We’re running monthly sessions for complete beginners throughout the spring.
Dealing with difficult telephone conversations
For many of us, it’s our least favourite part of the job – picking up the phone to find someone who’s angry or distressed on the other end of the line. This half day workshop will give you some techniques to feel more confident dealing with those difficult conversations.
De-escalation strategies
Do you have to deal with angry or aggressive people as part of your job? It’s a reality for many UNISON members in local government and beyond. This training will help to equip you with the skills to remain calm.
For activists
Supporting reps’ wellbeing
Being a UNISON rep isn’t always easy. The stress and pressure of dealing with casework, not to mention the emotional demand of supporting members who may be distressed or frightened, can take its toll, and it’s vital to know how to establish boundaries and take care of yourself. This session will introduce some techniques to help you do that.
Understanding anxiety
A session especially for UNISON stewards to help you understand what anxiety and anxiety disorders are, how they might affect people’s working lives, and how you can support members with anxiety while also taking care of yourself.
Advanced employment law: sexual orientation discrimination law
We ran this course for the first time in 2022 and reps who attended told us they found it very useful. It’s returning in February as part of our spring programme of advanced employment law training.
And there’s more
This is just a flavour of our spring programme. If you take a look at our Events page, you’ll see a packed calendar of courses and workshops for UNISON members and activists, including:
- advanced employment law courses for experienced reps
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- our regular online new stewards’ and health and safety reps’ courses
- Loss and bereavement in children and young people
- our existing Open University workshops, including Managing Challenging Behaviour, Mental Health Awareness, and more
- LGBT+ branch officers and contacts training – both online and face to face
Remember, too, to check your regional education team’s programme – there’s sure to be something interesting going on in your area.
See all nationally organised UNISON College courses and events
Find your regional education team
