UNISON College

UNISON College brings together the learning, education, and training that we provide for UNISON members and activists into one coherent offer.

UNISON College logo

Building on our long tradition of providing high quality training, we equip our activists with the confidence, knowledge and expertise they need to advocate for our members, and empower our members to take control of their lives and shape their careers.

UNISON College news

Since UNISON College was launched at National Delegate Conference 2022, we’ve been busy arranging new learning and training opportunities. Here are a few highlights:

  • All UNISON members can now take advantage of our free careers and training advice service. Just complete the form here and one of our team will be in touch.
  • Books to help you get your head around trade unionism: our crowdsourced reading list
  • As part of the development of UNISON College, we surveyed members about what they’d like to see. Read the findings here.

UNISON College is growing and developing all the time – keep checking back to see what’s new!

For members

We have always offered UNISON members a unique programme of learning for professional and personal development. The UNISON College has allowed us to expand this to reach more members than ever before, with a revised and increased range of courses, including:

  • Introduction to Mindfulness
  • Making Progress in Microsoft Excel
  • Conflict Management for Social Workers

And we’re working with the Learning Curve to extend our members’ access to courses in local colleges.

We’re now offering UNISON members a careers information, advice and guidance service. You can request a consultation with an expert advisor and find out what training and qualifications you’ll need to reach your personal career goals – and how to get them. 

Request your free careers advice session

Find out more about UNISON member learning 

For activists

UNISON is proud to provide high-quality training for its activists, ensuring that you have the skills you need to support our members and build our union. UNISON College will help you grow in confidence as you progress in your union involvement.

New courses for UNISON activists include:

  • Mental Health First Aid introductory and refresher training
  • Advanced employment law training, including
    • Gender identity discrimination law
    • Sexual orientation discrimination law
    • Sexual harassment law

Find out more about UNISON activist training 

How it works

UNISON College opportunities are delivered by UNISON staff, activists and by external providers in existing learning centres, regional offices, employers’ facilities, and online. Some are organised nationally and are open to members and activists across the union. Others are organised locally by regional education teams.

National events and courses

Find your regional education team