7 September – 16 October 2026
Our online course is for newly elected and less experienced UNISON stewards and delivers the same learning outcomes as the face-to-face Stage 1 + Stage 2 workplace representatives course combination. It is delivered by a TUC tutor based at West Thames College and hosted on the TUC web platform, from where you will be able to access the course resources as well as submit coursework and engage with other participants in closed forums.
The course will enable participants to achieve ERA accreditation.
Closing date for applications – 21st August 2026
Although your learning will be mainly self-guided, the course is led by experienced TUC tutors who will deliver three virtual live tutorial sessions using Microsoft Teams. These tutorials will provide structure and guidance to the course and also create a supportive learning environment. The tutors are also on hand to provide additional support if required.
It is important to be able to commit to taking part in all three of the online tutorials, as outlined here:
- 10am – 12pm, Monday 7th September 2026 – followed by self guided learning
- 10am – 12pm, Monday 14th September 2026 – followed by self guided learning
- 10am – 12pm, Monday 21st September 2026 – followed by self guided learning
Monday 28th September, Monday 5th October and Monday 12th October are self guided study days. Activities are to be completed by Friday 16th October.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- understand the role of an organising union in public services
- recognise the importance of equalities in UNISON
- work with members to tackle issues in the workplace
- work with members in resolving cases
- know where and when to seek advice and guidance
- understand how procedures work in practice
- handle grievance and disciplinary and similar types of cases as the representative of UNISON members within your workplace
- be certified as competent to accompany members at a disciplinary and grievance hearing in order to comply with Employment Relations Act 1999
As with our other courses, you will be provided with a mentor from your region or branch, who will help answer any questions you have regarding the role of a UNISON steward.
You will need to spend approx 30 hours learning on the course. We would suggest 1 day per week (which can be requested as facility time from your employer).
If your application is successful, your branch will be charged £50. We will inform them of this when we contact them to approve your application.
Please note, you must be an elected steward to attend this training.
To apply for a place on this course please complete and submit the following form: