By Kate Ramsden

Aberdeenshire Local Government branch led the way in Scotland as stewards and branch officers attended the pilot of a new UK training course, "One Step Ahead".

The aim of the course is to develop an action plan to improve representation, negotiation and future recruitment. It also provides a refresher for the experienced activists and further training for the newer stewards. Emma Phillips, Regional Organiser, and Betty Lyon, the branch's new Development Officer ran the course.

Stewards attended from Cornerstone and the Meat Hygiene Service as well as from Aberdeenshire Council.

"I was pleased to trial this new course with the branch", said Emma Phillips. "We had a good cross-section of participants and I believe that they all got something out of it.

"All those involved went away with a plan to address issues with their employer", added Emma. "This included plans to arrange regular stewards meetings and for the recruitment of new stewards and activists."

The course got mixed reactions from members who attended. The newer stewards found it very useful, but more experienced activists got less from it.

"The course was a good motivator to get better organised. It was interesting to hear from stewards from the voluntary sector and to get a sense of their different experiences", said shop steward Lesley Ogston.

Linda Robertson, also a steward, said, "I thought some parts of the course were very good and as a less experienced steward I felt I learned quite a lot. I enjoyed the workshop format, and meeting stewards from other parts of the branch."

Aberdeenshire Branch Secretary Bob Revie was positive about the new course but hoped the trial run would improve things. "I found the course was more geared to the newer activists than to the more experienced officers. It is a pilot though, so hopefully it will be changed to take all our views into account", said Bob.

The course will now be rolled out to the rest of Scotland, and will be amended in light of the comments of the Aberdeenshire participants.

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