scottish union learning news autumn 2011

Autumn 2011 Volume 6 Number 1

ISSN 2045-0206

Scottish Union Learning News

www.scottishunionlearning.com

Shaping Union LearningHighlands and Islands ULR Conference draws a crowd for learning

A Jump Start for Local LearningUnion Learning Reps gather at the Dumfries Local Learning Forum

Dates of the next meetings of the Aberdeen, Fife, Tayside, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Lanarkshire Local Learning Forums have been announced.

Agendas for all forums will be advised nearer the time of the meetings. Please note: you must seek approval from your own union to attend Local Learning Forums.

Dumfries Local Learning Forum30th November 2011 - 10.00am to 1.00pm North West Resource Centre, Dumfries

Edinburgh Local Learning ForumTBA Location TBA

Fife Local Learning Forum14th September 2011 - 10.00am to 1.00pm Dunnikier House Hotel, Kirkcaldy

Glasgow Local Learning ForumTBA STUC Centre

Lanarkshire Local Learning ForumTBAJimmy Brandon Learning Centre

Tayside Union Learning Reps Forum15th September 2011 - 10.00am to 1.00pm Verdant Works, Dundee

Local Learning Forums in the Lowlands and Uplands

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Dates of the next meetings of the Inverness, Caithness, Moray and Orkney Cross Union ULR Forums have been announced.

Agendas and venues for all forums will be advised nearer to the time of the meetings. Please note: you must seek approval from your own union to attend Local Learning Forums.

Caithness Cross Union ULR Forum27th October 2011 - 11.00am to 2.00pm Venue TBA

Inverness Cross Union ULR Forum20th September 2011 - 11.15am to 2.00pm Town House, Inverness

Moray Cross Union ULR Forum20th September 2011 - 11.15am to 2.00pm Town House, Inverness

Orkney Cross Union ULR Forum 25th October 2011 - 11.00am to 2.00pm Venue TBA

Western Isles Cross Union ULR Forum4th October 2011 - 11.00am to 2.00pm Venue TBA

Local Learning Forums in the Highlands & Islands

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www.twitter.com/unionlearning

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This well attended meeting of the Dumfries Local Learning Forum brought together ULRs and other union reps from seven different unions, all of whom had an interest in union-led learning in the workplace.

Members of the Forum spoke about the role unions can and do play in initiating and developing learning within the workplace. Jim Baxter, Project Worker, ASLEF, also spoke about how ASLEF worked to successfully develop a Modern Apprenticeship programme within the rail industry.

A presentation on Unions Into Schools was delivered by Terry Anderson, STUC Community Development Officer. Terry said, “The learning forums are a great way of helping develop union-led learning. Many ULRs play a dual role as Unions Into Schools Reps, and it is clear to me

that learning is an important factor in community development. There is a good nucleus of reps here and it’s been beneficial to promote STUC campaigns and the new Unions Into Schools ‘Songs for Social Justice Festival’ in Dumfries.”

John Dennis, Secretary of the Dumfries and District TUC, also attended the Forum. He said, “From now on, there will be a member of the Dumfries and District TUC Executive Committee that will attend the Forum on a regular basis. I see this as an important and positive development in linking union led learning to the Trades Union Council.”

The Forum members are keen to further develop membership, and new members are welcome to attend the next meeting on 30th November. For more information, contact your trade union or Tommy Breslin at [email protected].

Local Learning Forum Boosted by a Dozen in Dumfries

Twelve representatives attended the STUC Local Learning Forum in Dumfries.

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After ten years and 5,000 learners, the On Track programme pulled into the station for the last time in July 2011. On Track was designed to support non-traditional learners to make the transition to higher education. As a result of a random remark by Vince Mills of Caledonian University in 2009, Scottish Union Learning followed up with On Track and discovered a programme that had values, delivery and enthusiasm complementary to our own trade union ethos.

The challenge was to adapt a programme that was designed for first year university students to the demands of the workplace. Course material was extensive, not split into individual courses, and there was an open delivery timescale. After much creative debate, we settled on broad subjects adapted into four one-day courses: Professional Writing, Study skills, Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills.

Together with On Track, Scottish Union Learning organised a series of presentations to spread the message. Affiliated unions responded and as a result, On Track delivered 20 workplace courses, benefitting more than 160 union learners. On Track Tutors were dispatched across the breadth of the union learning scene, delivering courses in offices, factories, mail centres and even in prisons. At the centre were the On Track Co-ordinators, Brooke Yu and Ian Gillan, who organised the tutors and liaised with the unions and Scottish Union Learning.

On Track understood that for union learners, the bridge into higher education

was a point in the learning journey where learners needed support. Nobody is born with skills to understand academic language, but it is a skill that once mastered, can open up opportunities for those who missed out on university first time around. This is important as research indicates that degree qualifications can make a big difference to workers’ life chances. It was with heavy hearts that On Track accepted the removal of programme funding in July.

Scottish Union Learning held a final meeting with On Track on 14th July. The meeting was attended by 20 trade unionists, representing 13 unions. With a mixture of gratitude and sadness, John Slaven, Development Officer, made a small presentation to Co-ordinator, Ian, and Tutor, Kirstin, to thank them for their hard work. On a positive note, before the programme finished, On Track provided unions with the On Track learning materials. It is of small comfort that the name and materials have been saved and in some small way, On Track can continue to help union learners.

the Development Fund

End of the Linefor On Track

Staying on track:A guide to independent learning

On Track course materials can be accessed at www.scottishunionlearning.com/support/resources.

Representatives from 13 unions gathered to thank On Track for its support of 160 learners.


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One in 200with the OUOn Friday, 27th May 2011, the CWU Union Learning Reps in the Glasgow Mail Centre were delighted to host an event in the KEY 2 Learn centre to celebrate the 200th trade union learner to complete an Open University Course funded by Scottish Union Learning.

CWU member Susan Friel was named as the 200th OU Learner after successfully passing the OU ‘Starting with Law Openings’ course. She was presented with her course certificate and 200th Learner Award by Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, and Pete Cannell, Depute Director, Open University.

The commitment that Susan showed was tremendous, and the ULRs were delighted that a KEY 2 Learn learner was chosen to be the 200th OU Learner. It was a huge achievement for Susan to complete her course at this level, and at the same time, balance her job and busy home life.

Susan said, “I am glad that I took part and I really enjoyed my OU course as well as the On Track course that I attended beforehand. I would like to thank the ULRs for organising these courses and for their support throughout the programme.

Grahame Smith said, “The STUC sees it as being very important for this level of education to be available for learning in the workplace and that the benefits of this are widespread.”

Pete Cannell went on to say, “The way that these courses were delivered in partnership with the STUC was new to the Open University. We are delighted to have been able to achieve this.”

Mike Hewitt, Glasgow Mail Centre Manager, was also present at the event. He said, “I am delighted that a Royal Mail member of staff was the 200th learner. I would like to commend not only the learners for their commitment but also the CWU Union Learning Reps for all their hard work in making and maintaining the level of success achieved in the learning centre.”

Brian Regan, ULR, said, “The event was a great success and it highlighted the potential that there is within the membership to achieve a high standard of education. These levels of courses are paramount to the continued development of not only the learners but also the Key 2 Learn Centre. I would like to thank Scottish Union Learning for providing the funding for these classes and all their continued support. I would also like to thank Ian Gillan and the tutors from the On Track Program for their invaluable support of the ULRs and the learners.”

Grahame Smith and Pete Cannell congratulate Learner Susan Friel on her achievement.

By Craig Anderson, CWU


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Shaping a Better Way in the Highlands and IslandsThe 4th Scottish Union Learning Highlands and Islands ULR Conference “Union Learning: Shaping a Better Way” took place on Friday, 10th June in Eden Court in Inverness. The Conference, funded through the European Social Fund, was aimed at Highlands and Islands ULRs and union members interested in union learning.

The day kicked off with an optional ‘Early Birds Breakfast Briefing’ for those delegates who like an early start! The briefing was led by Philippa Clark, UNISON, and Andrew Gardner, ASLEF, who provided information on how unions can successfully engage with employers through the collective bargaining process to establish learning agreements.

The Conference formally opened with words of welcome from Conference Chair, Sylvia O’Grady. Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, and Stephen Boyd, STUC Assistant Secretary, then delivered a conference address and interactive session, involving a quiz and a Q&A on the STUC’s Better Way campaign.

Representatives from 13 unions attended the Scottish Union Learning Highlands and islands ULR Conference in Inverness.


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After a short break, delegates participated in two out of three workshops:

Ready, Study, Go! Belinda Kennedy, Communities Development Officer, North Forum This workshop looked at Ready Study Go, a pre-access learning programme designed to equip adults with the confidence and skills to progress to further or higher education. Scottish Union Learning will be offering a Ready Steady Go pilot to unions in the Highlands & Islands in the near future and the workshop offered delegates some information about what is involved in it.

Having Skills and using them: from Workplace Learning to better Skills Utilisation Professor Patricia Findlay, University of StathclydeWorkplace learning can improve workers’ skills, but are these new skills being used in the workplace? In this workshop, delegates were asked to think about why trade unions might be concerned with how skills are used. As well explaining what skills utilisation is, delegates also considered the role trade unions/ULRs can play in developing skills utilisation in their workplaces, highlighting three successful union-led skills utilisation projects involving fridges, boats and trains!

Supporting People Facing Redundancy Vivien Stellman, Skills Development ScotlandThis workshop looked at how ULRs can support workers who may be facing redundancy and the role of Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), the redundancy initiative that provides skills development and employability support for people affected by redundancy. The workshop also considered the role of PACE to both

workers choosing voluntary severance/early retirement and compulsory redundancies.

Conference then concluded with lunch and a networking session. A total of 55 participated in the conference with representation from the following unions; ASLEF; BECTU; CWU; EIS; GMB; PROSPECT; PCS; RMT; TSSA; UCATT; UNISON; UNITE and UCU. Overall, feedback from delegates on the Conference was very positive.

First-time delegates Janette Hackel, UCU, and Karina Liptrot, PCS, discuss learning.

Ann Irvine and Eleanor Adam greet delegates.

ULRs from PCS and UNISON participate in a workshop during the Conference.


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Get A Professional EducationThe School of Social & Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow offers a range of postgraduate programmes relevant to those working in the public or voluntary sectors, or interested in public policy and politics.

Key attributes include:

expert practitioners

Degrees include:

www.gla.ac.uk/socialpolitical/postgraduateTel: 0141 330 5992

www.glasgow.ac.uk

Have you thought about nominating someone for the new Learner of the Year Award? Scottish Union Learning has launched this new award to recognise the range of learning journeys currently undertaken by lay learners in the workplace, supported by trade unions.

Scottish Union Learning will present the Learner of the Year Award to a trade unionist who represents the most positive aspects of being a learner. The award will be made at the 2011 Scottish Union Learning Conference, which will take place in November. The Learner of the

Year will be recognised on the basis of representing the thousands of union learners throughout Scotland.

The individual can be from any area of Scotland. Nominations are welcome for those who have attended any form of learning organised by the trade union, including but not limited to, learning sourced from the Learning Fund or TUC Education. You may submit as many nominations for this award as you wish, but each nomination must be signed by an authorised official from your trade union. To learn more, visit www.scottishunionlearning.com/learner-award.

Scottish Union LearningLearner of the Year Award


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Scottish Union Learning Conference: 9th November 2011

For further information, visit www.scottishunionlearning.com/events. Up-to-date information on conferences and events is also available by following us on www.twitter.com/unionlearning or www.facebook.com/scottishunionlearning.

The 4th Scottish Union Learning Conference will take place on Wednesday, 9th November 2011 at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow. This one-day conference is sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

During this event, delegates can attend workshops, interact with speakers and build contacts with other ULRs. Learning resources from exhibitors will also be available on the day. To arrange attendance and release for this event, please contact your own trade union.

Since the start of the new ESF Priority 5 Programme in April 2011, a total of 36 successful Learning Fund applications have been received from 13 different unions. Two cross-union applications have also been received and a further seven courses have recently been submitted and await approval.

With 12.76% of funding committed, Scottish Union Learning estimates that up to 600 participants will benefit from the applications received to date. Some

of the courses approved so far include computer skills and web page design, accounting and bookkeeping, British Sign Language, literacy and numeracy skills, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and Introduction to Law in Contemporary Scotland.

As a result of this funding from ESF and the Scottish Government, almost 1,500 learners from various unions are expected to receive transferable skills training over the first year of the project.

Steady Progress forFunds for Learning

TheLearning andDevelopmentFundswith Scottish Union Learning


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“I hadn’t read a book for twenty years. Not since I was at school,” said Ian Barnsley, Fletchers Bakeries, Sheffield. Ian’s not unusual. Lots of us don’t read books for pleasure, or at all, but many of us would like to and just need a reason or some support to begin. This year, 18,000 adults took part in The Reading Agency’s Six Book Challenge, which takes place annually and runs in public libraries, colleges, and workplaces.

Over the last four years, the Six Book Challenge has swept across England and Wales and brought literally thousands of adults into reading. In the workplace, the Challenge has been successfully run by ULRs who are ideally placed to reach out to workers. The Challenge invites adults who want to get back into reading for pleasure, or start for the first time, to read six books and record their reading in a diary in order to receive a certificate and incentives along the way.

We know that people want to have choice in what they read, and also that some may struggle or be put off by books that look boring or difficult. Many people start with Quick Read titles which have proven popular in workplaces. Lots of learning centres also have their own book swap shelves, and this is a great way for people to read a book that someone else can recommend. The Challenge brings people to books and reading. It’s also a great opportunity to draw attention to other forms of informal adult learning that may be running in the learning centre

or in the community. Many workplaces forge partnerships with their local public libraries to share resources and work together to get their community reading. It’s helped dyslexic workers to gain confidence, enabled parents to feel more confident reading to their children, supported ESOL learners to try new books, and others to see what reading for pleasure is all about.

Lesley Flood, Training Co-ordinator, McVities, Manchester, said, “The Six Book Challenge gives HR, team managers and shop floor workers the chance to work together on a common goal. This is to complete the Challenge. It offers an ideal opportunity for all levels of business to engage and support each other, which in these difficult times is a win-win.”

With over 90 workplaces taking part in the Challenge, this is the perfect time for ULRs in Scotland to get involved.

For further information about running the Challenge in your workplace, contact David Kendall at [email protected] on 015�� 640537. You can order hard copies of two booklets, which feature case studies of different workplaces using the Six Book Challenge to inspire readers. You can download them at www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications/index.cfm.

Six Book Challenge At Work (2010)Getting Reading To Work (200�) You can learn more about the Six Book Challenge by visiting www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk.

Six Book Challenge at WorkBy David Kendall, The Reading Agency


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The STUC recorded its thanks to the Highland Council for the on-going support it provides for this annual Conference.

The STUC recently held a very successful Conference of Trade Unions and Trades Councils in the Highlands and Islands. The Conference, which is held annually, took place on Saturday, 11 June 2011 in the Town House, Inverness attended by 48 delegates from 14 unions.

Chaired by Mike Kirby, STUC President, the Conference was addressed by Stewart Stevenson MSP, Scottish Government Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, who outlined the priorities of the General Council for 2011/12.

A session on “There is a Better Way in the Highlands and Islands” was held, following which delegates participated in workshops on: Unions Engage with Modern Apprentices, Women and Local Campaigns or the Economic Case against Cuts. A Question and Answer Session

with MSPs involved John Finnie MSP, Scottish National Party, Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservatives and David Stewart MSP, Scottish Labour Party.

John Deighan of Thurso and Wick TUC who attended the Conference said, “This Conference allows us to highlight issues of concern for Trade Unionists in the Highlands and Islands, such as the potential closure of the Tax Office in Wick and the loss of 20 jobs in a fragile community. The Conference provided an opportunity for PCS, Thurso & Wick Trade Union Council and the local community in Caithness to highlight this as an issue of major concern. This, alongside other lobbying activity, has contributed to the success we have had in obtaining breathing space for our cause. The recent announcement that next year’s scheduled closure of the Tax Office in Wick has been delayed until 2014, has been welcomed, as it has allowed us time to fight to have the threat withdrawn permanently.”

STUC Highlands and IslandsConference Success


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Knowledge Transfer Partnership: An Update

Over the past year, Scottish Union Learning has been developing resources for union reps to assist and encourage their engagement with Modern Apprenticeships.

In April 2011, a ‘Your Rights as a Modern Apprentice’ leaflet was published. TUC Education delivered 40-minute activities to union reps on ‘Supporting Modern Apprentices at Work’, and these activities utilised the ‘Your Rights as a Modern Apprentice’ leaflet. Indeed, this resource has proven so popular that a second print run is now about to be undertaken.

Another new resource which will soon be available is the Modern Apprenticeship Toolkit. The toolkit aims to help union reps get apprenticeships on the bargaining agenda, support and organise apprentices and build equality and diversity. The toolkit will be utilised during two new TUC Education courses: ‘Mentoring Modern

Apprentices’ and ‘Modern Apprenticeship Awareness’. As part of the toolkit, there is an accompanying Case Studies booklet which will provide practical examples of union engagement with the Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

Between November 2010 and June 2011, the Scottish Union Learning Modern Apprenticeship Project undertook a survey of trade union awareness and engagement with the Modern Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland. The findings indicate that trade union support for Modern Apprentices and their programmes is of vital importance.

All of the above resources and the survey report will soon be available to download from the Scottish Union Learning website by visiting www.scottishunionlearning.com/apprenticeships.

New Resources from theModern Apprenticeship Project

The project is progressing from developing SharePoint, the knowledge management system, to determining the knowledge needs of the users and recording learning activity. Part of this process has involved interviewing senior officials in the union network and consulting with the Scottish Union Learning team. This consultation has been very valuable and has opened up important areas of further enquiry; for example, what union-led learning activity is being carried out within

each job sector? Sectoral information on learning is also of interest to the Scottish Government and is something that the new SharePoint site will be able to identify. In the coming months the new site will undergo initial testing and an evaluation will be carried out to determine the level of knowledge management support that will be required in the future. This part of the project plan is vital in terms of making sure that the new SharePoint site is fit for purpose and is meeting user needs.


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Modern Apprenticeship Toolkit

Scottish Union Learning has published the Modern Apprenticeship Toolkit, which is filled with valuable information and case studies. It

will soon be available for download at www.scottishunionlearning.com/apprenticeships.

Your Rights as a Modern Apprentice

Scottish Union Learning has published “Your Rights as a Modern Apprentice” which describes many aspects of apprenticeships. It is available to download from

www.scottishunionlearning.com/apprenticeships.

Scottish Union Learning Online Forum

Have you heard? The Scottish Union Learning Online Forum has recently been updated. It is a great resource for Union Learning Reps throughout Scotland. You can swap stories, ask questions and give advice through this online learning network. To sign up, visit www.forum.scottishunionlearning.com.

Supporting Union Learning Reps

Scottish Union Learning has published “Supporting Union Learning Reps”. This publication describes the role of the ULR and the

support available from Scottish Union Learning. It is available to download from www.scottishunionlearning.com

Skills Utilisation and the Role of Trade Unions

Scottish Union Learning has published its Skills Utilisation report in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde,

which is available to download from www.scottishunionlearning.com.

Dyslexia Guide

The STUC Dyslexia Group developed a new guidance pack for ULRs that contains general information about dyslexia: how to recognise the signs, issues around

assessment, the law, how dyslexia affects people in the workplace and how ULRs can support and signpost those who may have dyslexia. The guide is available to download from www.scottishunionlearning.com.

Reading Upon Learning

Many new publications are available online, which may help Union Learning Reps in the workplace.


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live&learn

September14 Local Learning Forum, Fife15 Local Learning Forum, Tayside20 Learner of the Year Award Nominations Due20 Local Learning Forums, Inverness and Moray26 STUC Offices Closed

October1 Better Way March1-2 STUC Black Workers’ Conference4 Local Learning Forum, Western Isles25 Adult Dyslexia Conference25 Local Learning Forum, Orkney27 Local Learning Forum, Caithness

November� Scottish Union Learning Conference14-15 STUC Women’s Conference1� STUC Disabled Workers’ Conference30 Local Learning Forum, Dumfries

December6 Local Learning Forum, Western Isles12 Local Learning Forum, Orkney13 Local Learning Forum, Caithness14 Local Learning Forum, Fife14 Local Learning Forum, Moray15 Local Learning Forum, Inverness15 Local Learning Forum, Tayside26-30 STUC Offices Closed

January2-3 STUC Offices Closed

What’s up in 2011?Learning Matters

Scottish Union Learning

STUC Centre: 333 Woodlands Road • Glasgow G3 6NGTel: 0141 337 8111 Fax: 0141 337 �101

Highlands and Islands: UNISON Building • 53 Shore Street • Inverness IV1 1NFTel & Fax: 01463 248 905

Email: [email protected] • www.scottishunionlearning.comwww.twitter.com/unionlearning • www.facebook.com/scottishunionlearning

Copyright in this publication is held by the STUC unless otherwise stated. For further copies of this item contact Scottish Union Learning on 0141 337 �111 or at [email protected]. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille and audio tape.

Live&Learn

Available in large print

* Please contact your own trade union to make arrangements to attend these events. Organisation of attendance and release is by your own trade union and is not the responsibility of Scottish Union Learning.

scottish union learning news autumn 2011

Documents

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union reps

orkney cross union ulr

pm town house

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role unions

pm verdant works

pm dunnikier house hotel