UNISON reps: getting trained, getting active

UNISON reps are the face of our union. Whether they’re stewards (workplace representatives), health and safety reps, or union learning reps, they’re the people who, day in, day out, do the work of making public service workplaces fairer, safer, and more fulfilling places to be. But our reps need to be confident in their skills […]

Looking ahead with UNISON learning

With holiday season upon us, many of us are breathing a sigh of relief and taking a break before we look ahead to the rest of the year. And there’s plenty to look forward to this autumn. We’re continuing to expand our online learning offer for UNISON members and for UNISON activists. Free online learning […]

The Next Chapter of UNISON Learning

UNISON learning reps, branch education coordinators and lifelong learning coordinators gathered online on Wednesday 17 March for an event exploring The Next Chapter of UNISON Learning. The event was chaired by Margaret McKee, vice chair of UNISON’s Development and Organising committee, who began by wishing participants a happy St Patrick’s Day and thanking participants for […]

Learning through the coronavirus crisis and beyond: ULearn 2020 is out now

The publication of our magazine celebrating all things UNISON learning is a highlight of every year. Uniquely, 2020’s edition has been published in an online-only format – but it’s still filled with stories showcasing some of the highlights from a year of UNISON learning. This year’s edition includes: our new partnership with the Staff Skills […]

Learning in lockdown: support for ULRs during the coronavirus pandemic

In this coronavirus pandemic we’re seeing once more the importance of learning for people’s wellbeing and mental health. And UNISON learning reps have been adapting what they do and how they do it in order to meet that need. It’s important to think about your own development in your ULR role and to make sure that you […]

Delivering learning at a distance: tools for ULRs

While we know that many of our members and reps will be extremely busy continuing to deliver our public services, or are busier than usual with caring responsibilities, others are on furlough or self-isolating and find themselves with unexpected spare time.   Meanwhile, people’s natural creativity and adaptability has been evident as they’ve been adapting their pastimes to life at home and sharing them […]

A win-win opportunity

UNISON learning reps from across the South East region gathered in Guildford for a network day earlier this month. Vicki Gibbs, area organiser for education and equalities, organised the event, and spoke about the ‘many joys’ of lifelong learning. The learning reps discussed their experiences so far.  Presenting learning as a ‘win-win’ opportunity for employers […]

Beyond the stereotypes: learning for young members, by young members

Matthew Hodgson is a UNISON learning rep and branch young members’ officer for United Utilities in the North West. In this blog he talks about his own experiences as a learner and explains how branches can reach out to young workers with learning opportunities. As a young person I was sadly treated with a stereotypical […]

Proud to support Reading Ahead

UNISON was delighted to host the launch event for the Reading Agency‘s 2018-19 Reading Ahead challenge at UNISON Centre on 13 September. Reading Ahead is an initiative that encourages less confident readers to choose six pieces (which could be books, articles, poems, blog posts…) and write a brief review of them. It aims to get people […]