Important notice: UNISON activist training during COVID-19 measures
Face-to-face training
All face-to-face training has been postponed and will be rearranged later in the year. If you were booked on a face-to-face course, the administrator will be in touch with you.
New Stewards: online course
We have quadrupled the number of spaces available on our online New Stewards course. If you were booked on a face-to-face New Stewards course that has been cancelled, we will be in touch to invite you to join the online version. Over the last few years, this has been a popular option for reps whose shift patterns or personal commitments made it difficult to get to a classroom. It’s delivered by experienced TUC tutors and supported by UNISON organisers.
Online learning for UNISON activists
Our e-learning site has a selection of quick online learning activities for UNISON activists. You can learn about dyslexia, the menopause, data protection, apprenticeships, and more.
Use your My.UNISON account to log in.
Visit UNISON’s e-learning site
And the TUC also has a wide range of online learning available, from short ‘eNotes’ giving you the basics of workplaces issues, including as the menopause, equality at work, and tackling hate speech, in twenty minutes, to full-length introductory courses for workplace representatives, health and safety representatives, and union learning representatives. Whether you’re a newly appointed rep looking to get ahead on your induction training, an experienced activist wanting to brush up your knowledge, or just curious about what a particular role might entail, these courses are well worth investigating.
UNISON training is designed to give our activists the skills they need to carry out their roles and to ensure that they can perform them with confidence. All courses are free to the UNISON member, although there may be a charge to the branch.
Click the buttons below to find out about the training available for the various different activist roles.
Health and safety representatives
Union learning representatives
Further training for reps and officers
UNISON is committed to supporting your training and development as an activist. As part of our Trained and Active plan, your branch will help you get on the relevant training courses and should allocate you a named contact who will be able to:
- answer your questions
- put you in touch with the information and people who can help you along the way
- have a regular catch up as you become more active in the union.
UNISON also encourages you to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to put your training into practice.
Trained and Active: how branches can support activists’ development
Our U-Train programme sets out the range of courses available to UNISON activists.
Our activists can connect with other UNISON reps and staff at the Organising Space. It’s a great way to find resources and share ideas.