Role of a Union Learning Rep
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Janette McQuiston is a Union Learning Rep for UNISON
in the Highland Healthcare Branch in Inverness
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... in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland
The Union Learning Rep is the promoter of Lifelong Learning
in the workplace. Your task is to ensure that members
are aware of the opportunities that workplace learning
can bring.
Your role is enshrined in legislation and time off from
work to train and carry out your duties is your right.
Initial training is provided over 3 days. Your role is
to talk with colleagues about training and education.
Other work includes:
- Helping to identify and highlight the learning needs
of people in their workplace
- Encouraging colleagues to take up courses and supporting
them while they are learning
- Working with UNISON branch officers especially the
branch education officer to promote lifelong learning
opportunities
The Learning @ Work initiative is government sponsored
and funding is administered, in Scotland, via the Scottish
Trades Union Congress.
The concept of L@W is a win/win/win situation.
- Employers win through gaining a more confident and
motivated staff.
- Unions win through having the opportunity to engage
with members and using L@W as a recruitment tool
- The individual Learner wins through having training
opportunities
Unions have negotiated a Learning Agreement and Charter
with Highland Council and with NHS Highland setting out
how workers and management will co operate to introduce
a culture of learning in the workplace.
These are available for you to refer to - if you would
like a copy just contact the people whose details are
at the end of this document.
Ongoing support is always available, not just at UNISON
branch level but also at regional level from Fieldworkers
and Area / Local Organisers - contact details are given
at the end of this document.
The L@W initiative has changed this and a great many
of our members are benefiting. The role of the Union Learning
Rep is the key to the future success of L@W and your assistance
will be greatly valued.
At present UNISON also has a fieldworker for Lifelong
Learning, Philippa Clark. whose job it is to support you
- the ULR.Philippa can be contacted on p.clark@unison.co.uk
and 01463 723952
Other great resources are available from the Scottish
TUC Highlands and Islands Development Officer, Eleanor
Adam, who can be contacted on 01463 248905 and EAdam@stuc.org.uk
Being a ULR is a rewarding job - it can literally change
people's lives. Your involvement is appreciated by UNISON
and will also be valued by the colleagues you assist.
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