Working Together on UNISON Courses: summary
UNISON offers the following summary of the Working Together Guidelines as a prompt for discussion and/or a basis for a course contract/pledge:
At the heart of trade unionism, and therefore at the heart of trade union education, is:
Respect
- For other course participants and what they bring
- For venue staff
- For yourself and your experience
- Whether that’s:
- In the classroom, in discussions and activities
- At breaks and during social time
- Online
- It includes:
- Language – inclusive, avoiding jargon and generalisations
- Actions – how we use our bodies
- Attitudes – listening, timekeeping
- And definitely doesn’t include:
- Discrimination – treating someone less favourably because of their identity
- Harassment – any unwelcome behaviour connected with someone’s identity
- Some specific points (some may vary from session to session):
- Smoking
- Video conference etiquette
- Digital device use
Working Together on UNISON Courses: full version
Introduction
UNISON is committed to the fullest possible participation of all its members in the activities of the trade union. On trade union education courses, so long as the applicant meets the advertised eligibility criteria for the course, no-one should be put off from participating because of the actions, attitudes or language of other course members. The following guidelines have been drawn up to help course members meet UNISON’s commitment to the full participation of all its members in a practical and constructive way. You will see that underlying this guide is a commitment to the principle that everyone has an equal right to benefit from, to contribute to, and to enjoy the course.
We assume that course members will agree with these principles and hope the guidelines will assist in putting them into practice. If you have any concerns, please raise them with your tutor in the first instance. Your course organiser will be able to advise you of the appropriate person with whom to raise any further concerns.
Working Together
A key feature of trade union education is the value it places upon the knowledge, experience and skills that each member brings with them to the course – both in terms of their trade union work and of their everyday lives. It is important that everyone feels equal and able to contribute if they so wish. So:
- Listen to what others have to say, and avoid being dismissive of their contribution.
- Wait until a speaker has finished and do not interrupt their train of thought.
- Aim to have reasoned discussion, not arguments.
- Any criticism should be constructive and help members to develop confidence, skills and knowledge.
- Make your own contribution as clear and concise as possible and do not dominate the discussion.
Ensure that everyone who wishes to speak is given encouragement and the opportunity to do so. It is important that members on the course can speak openly about problems they or their members have experienced in the full knowledge that personal or sensitive information is restricted to the classroom. Confidentiality must be respected.
Language
Language is important and UNISON’s policy is not to use language which offends or hurts people. This type of language should always be avoided as it causes distress. Often it is a reflection of stereotyped thinking about UNISON’s membership and policies. Do not be surprised if you are challenged if you make broad sweeping generalisations about any group of UNISON members.
Language which contains discriminatory references and which is abusive or threatening in any way should not be used and nor should jokes or comments which perpetuate discrimination.
Jargon
Jargon is a barrier to good communication. The more we become involved in trade union work the more likely we are to use jargon. Take care to explain any jargon or initials you use which other members may not be familiar with so that everyone understands what you are talking about.
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome comments, actions or behaviours relating to a person’s identity or beliefs.
There must be no harassment of any kind. Harassment creates an unpleasant or intimidating atmosphere and should be challenged.
Outside Course Hours – Tea/Coffee/Lunch Breaks
What has been outlined as guidance for behaviour during course hours is equally applicable to the scheduled breaks during the course.
Outside Course Hours (Residential Courses)
The social side of courses should be both enjoyable and valuable. It is important that this is true for everyone.
This means on the one hand, making sure that everyone feels able to join in if they want to – just as in the class – on the other hand, not putting pressure on individuals to fall in with a group if they do not want to, e.g. drinking alcohol, going out or staying up late. If you stay up late yourself, be careful not to disturb others – everyone needs to be able to participate fully at the first session in the morning.
To ensure that all participants feel comfortable during social occasions, these guidelines and UNISON rules must be followed throughout the duration of the event. (Rule B 1.2, Rule B 1.3, Rule I).
Time Keeping
The course has a tight timetable and members are responsible for their own time keeping. When participating in the course, you will often have a limited amount of time. Make sure you use it well and return to the main group in time for the report back.
Online Courses
Many of UNISON’s courses are delivered partly or wholly online, using various video conference platforms. The same standard of engagement and participation is expected regardless of whether the course takes place online or in the classroom.
Use of Social Media
Learners are encouraged to network and support one another outside of the classroom but the guidelines that apply in the classroom should also apply when using a WhatsApp group, Facebook page, or other online community set up by the group, particularly bearing in mind confidentiality concerns.
Service Providers
Classroom-based courses are often supported by staff such as technicians, catering staff, IT support, and reception staff, as well as by course facilitators. All staff should be treated with respect when undertaking their work. Staff at external venues are aware that we represent UNISON and any adverse behaviour may reflect not only on one individual but on UNISON generally. This applies at any informal/social gatherings as well as during course times.
Personal Assistants
Personal Assistants may be in attendance to support course participants and to ensure necessary requirements to participation are in place. Personal Assistants should not be included in course discussions or contributions, even where they are members of UNISON.
Mobile Telephones
While mobile telephones may be a useful resource for research, photography, or, in certain circumstances, social media engagement, during a course, participants are asked to ensure that they do not become a distraction for themselves or for other learners. You may wish to switch them to ‘airplane’ mode, turn off notifications, or take other steps to minimise disruption.
You should always bear in mind the fact that discussions on UNISON courses are expected to be confidential. Do not take or share photographs of other participants without their permission.
Smoking
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed during UNISON training courses. Participants who smoke will be able to do so in outside areas as designated by the venue during scheduled breaks.
Conclusion
These guidelines are intended for you to use during the course to counter problems as they arise, and to ensure that no-one feels excluded from the course as a result of language, actions or attitudes of other course members. They also seek to promote UNISON’s policies on discrimination and equal opportunities in a positive way as far as the conduct of trade union education courses is concerned.