Digital Communications for Learning Reps (ULR follow-on development session)

21 April 2026 12:00pm–1:00pm

This webinar is for trained union learning reps (ULRs) who would like to explore new ways of promoting learning and communicating with members.

In an ever-shifting digital world, it can be hard to know how we can best keep in touch with the members we’re trying to help. But we don’t have to be on top of every social media trend, and we don’t have to be going viral every week; we just need to make sure that our message of the power of union learning reaches those who can benefit from it. In this session we’ll explore some ways of doing that, and, knowing that one size doesn’t fit all, start to make a plan that will work for your branch and workplace.

The session will be led by Kathleen Jowitt, assistant education officer and communications lead in the UNISON College (Learning and Organising Services) team.

This is one of a series of webinars for trained learning reps to develop their skills and knowledge to help them carry out their role more confidently. Look out for more sessions over the next few months.

 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will have:

• Developed an overview of some of the currently popular social media platforms, and what might influence our decision to use them
• Examined other ways of communicating with members, both online and offline
• Considered where communication around union learning can fit into the branch’s organising plan
• Begun to make a communication plan to take to the branch

Participation expectations
This session will be delivered in webinar format, with participant cameras and mics switched off by default, but there will be opportunities to unmute and turn cameras on, as well as contributing using the chat function.

Session Details
The session will be held on Microsoft Teams on 21 April 2026 from 12 noon to 1pm.

How to Apply
To apply for a place on this session, please complete and submit the following form:

ULR Development: Digital Communications

  • This will help us identify your membership record if you don't know your UNISON membership number.
  • We will use this information to check your UNISON membership, to seek approval from your branch for your attendance on this course, and to send you course information. If we are able to offer you a place on this training, then you will receive an email from us with further information.
  • UNISON Learning & Organising Equality Monitoring Form

  • This section of the form is entirely voluntary; however your co-operation would be appreciated. UNISON gathers this information so that participation in education and training can be monitored. This allows us to identify where there are areas of underrepresentation and work with our colleagues in the wider union to address any barriers to equal access.
  • We appreciate that some of the categories below are limited, but within these constraints, please give the answer most applicable to you.
  • This information will be used to update your UNISON membership records and will be treated in the strictest confidence.