Unions North Issue 25

The Magazine of the Northern TUC

LfAF Celebrations Unionlearn in the region celebrating outstanding LfAF achievements

Dealing with Money Matters Supporting financial awareness in the workplace helps workers

Unions and digital inclusion All you need to know about unionlearn’s new campaign

The Equality Awards 2010 An update on the winners at the glittering Awards ceremony

unions north Issue : 25 January 2011

Issue 25 unionsnorth

New Government skills strategy recognises the work of unionlearn and hard working ULRs

Response to the Government’s new Skills Strategy On the 16 November BIS announced the overall funding for unionlearn. Within the Skills Investment Strategy it says: “we will continue to support unionlearn and the Union Learning Fund by investing the same amount as in the current year in respect of core BIS grant and ULF.” This amount currently stands at £21.5 million.

While this is a positive outcome, and a tribute to the hard work of all ULRs, unions and unionlearn staff, BIS will wish to be closely involved in how funds are allocated, between and within BIS core grant and ULF. The Skills Strategy document was also published at the same time contains many positive references to unionlearn and the valuable contribution ULRs make to increasing the skills base of the UK workforce.

‘Skills for Sustainable Growth’ was the title chosen for the new Skills Strategy,

The key aspects appear to be: increasing and broadening the role of apprenticeships – and in particular, those for adults; replacing the Train to Gain programme with a far smaller and more tightlytargeted initiative of training support that concentrates on SMEs (small-tomedium enterprises) and their lowerskilled employees; re-engineering fee-remission and other support for learners, in different directions and with new emphases, but again on a much reduced and ‘thinner’ basis, overall – and with the idea of government-backed loans for those aged 24 and over taking Level 3 or higher courses; a strengthened connection between benefits and training, for those who are out of work;

and a demand-led growth and innovation fund, designed to be employer-led, and within employment sectors.

Not much of this is unexpected – indeed, much is quite familiar territory already.

There is much to welcome in the strategy plans to increase the number of apprenticeships, continued free courses for adults who struggle with their reading and writing, and the recognition that unions are key to helping people sign up for learning at work.

We know that there are 6 job seekers for every vacancy in the north east so completion is high compared to 5 to 1 in the other parts of the country and this is set to increase. So where people can demonstrate they have transferable skills with a track record in

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learning, become more valuable to an employer go to the top of the pile when an employer is recruiting.

What follows is an extract taken directly from the full report relating to unionlearn for your information and interest at this stage.

Unionlearn and workplace learning champions 21. We will continue to support unionlearn, the TUC.s learning and skills organisation, in building on the impressive track record of unions and Union Learning Representatives. Unionlearn has played a

TUC/unionlearn Equalities Forum delivering an effective and practical approach to equality

major role in promoting formal and informal learning in workplaces and wider communities, especially in reaching out to those who are poorly qualified and most in need of support. We would like unionlearn to play a greater role in promoting Apprenticeships to disadvantaged groups in the workplace and to employers that have not trained apprentices before and will support Union Learning Representatives to play a more active role in helping individuals in the workplace to access careers information and advice. For example, they might help individuals use the tools available through the Next Step online channel, including the

The idea behind the Forum emerged from the work of the Vulnerable Workers Project and, in particular, the need for more dedicated support for ULRs developing their own vulnerable worker strategies in workplaces across the region. So far the Equalities Forum has been attended by ULRs from over 20

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22. As a further step we will work with other relevant bodies to explore how we can promote the development of workplace learning champions in non-unionised workplaces drawing in particular on the experience and success of Union Learning Representatives and Community Learning Champions. Subject to these discussions we aim to promote this through the new workforce pledge, and in other ways from April 2011.

Striking a fair balance different workplaces and has discussed the role of equality and diversity standards in the work of the trade unions and the implications of the Equality Act; held workshop sessions on mapping the workplace for equality issues; developed community involvement approaches and explored inclusion strategies for the recent Celebration of Learning events.

The discussions held at the Equalities Forum have already led to some innovative projects in workplaces, building on the work that ULRs do to support strategies for learners with barriers to mainstream learning.

The Equalities Forum is also an informal way of ULRs and other interested reps to share experiences, to learn from each other and develop best practice with regard to equalities and vulnerable workers.

The TUC/unionlearn Equalities Forum was set up in January this year with the aim of bringing together Union Learning Representatives (ULRs), union reps and activists around a practical approach to equalities issues.

skills health checks, course directory, relevant market information and funding support available, or open a Lifelong Learning Account.

At each session of the Forum, time is spent getting to know each other’s projects, the issues and barriers to learning that crop up and the challenges we all face in developing this strand of work. As such, it is important that ULRs themselves take ownership of the Forum and its agenda. My role, as the Vulnerable Workers project worker, is merely to facilitate discussion and to organise agendas - the fundamental approach is that the content of the Forum should be decided by its members. For example, the recent session on community inclusion was delivered

in response to requests by several of the members of the Forum for training on how to engage with the wider community on learning.

In a number of union learning projects, the ideas discussed at the Forum have been followed up by individual support by unionlearn, tailored to the needs of each workplace and developed in conjunction with ULRs on the ground. As a result of these sorts of collaborations, more diverse union projects are being created.

The Equalities Forum has been one piece in a larger jigsaw that has established equalities at the heart of the unionlearn project and there has been noticeable shift in emphasis amongst many of the Learning for All Fund projects and the wider union learning community towards an engagement with vulnerable workers over the last couple of years. As we hoped, individual ‘champions’ of this approach have emerged, who have taken a greater responsibility in their workplaces and developing sustainable projects.

Looking forward, the Equalities Forum will play a central role in the cementing of this approach. ULRs, reps and other members with an interest in equalities issues are actively encouraged to join in the activities of the Equalities Forum by contacting Ben Sellers at the TUC on 0191 2275566 or emailing bsellers@tuc.org.uk

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Supporting financial awareness in the workplace helps workers deal with changes in lifestyle

Money Matters at work and in life Unionlearn’s Skills Recession and Recovery project in the northern region carried out its commitment to run another financial capability briefing for Tees Valley reps and ULRs on the 8th December, held in Middlesbrough. Due to popular demand this is the third financial capability session held in the region after briefings were held earlier in the year in Newcastle and Kendal in Cumbria.

unionlearn’s working relationships with major stakeholders and employers in the region, working alongside CAB and the Consumer financial education body (Cfeb) to bring their skills into the workplace, therefore ensuring quality advice and guidance during the recession, in cases of redundancy (either directly affecting the worker or their family) and simply just as good financial practice and management.

An impressive 65 reps/ULRs have now attended the financial capability briefing, expanding their knowledge on financial issues that may affect their members and colleagues.

Partnerships have been formed with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) where they will now visit workplaces to deliver advice on handling debt, managing budgets, the best energy deals and choosing the best credit options.

Ken Gyles, SRR Development worker, Northern region said: “Developing this new line of advice for reps/ULRs is vital if people are to receive a diverse mechanism of support in the workplace to deal with changes in their lifestyles.

This new development of work strengthens

Briefings on money management are now taking place in many workplaces across the region, working alongside Cfeb and CAB, emphasising the unique role of today’s union representative and ULR.”

Danielle Blake from the union PCS who attended the briefing earlier this year said:

I found the briefing very informative and enlightening; it touched upon the financial issues affecting people today and explained the relevant law and the important difference between priority debt and non priority debt. Following on from the event I am looking into arranging mini information sessions for members during a work-life balance day organised with my employer as it will equip them with the relevant information and encourage them to consider how best to approach today’s current economic climate.

For more information on the financial inclusion agenda or the Skills: Recession and Recovery project as a whole, please contact Ken Gyles on: 07876746867, email: kgyles@tuc.org.uk or got to: www.unionlearn.org.uk

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Saddle up for a Wheelie good cause!

In November 2008 Ken Gyles, Skills, Recession and Recovery Worker in the northern region sadly lost his daughter, Emma, aged 24, to a rare form of ovarian cancer. Since her death Ken, her family and friends have all united to raise money to pay for a medical student to study the disease which claimed her life.

Having previously done the Coast to Coast and Great North Bike Rides, Ken’s latest challenge was to cycle 90 miles from Emma’s birthplace in Aspatria, Cumbria, to Gateshead to help add to the fund. Lending their support, wheels and fundraising abilities were some of Ken’s friends, Northern TUC Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan and Richard Edmondson, Emma’s surgeon and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Newcastle University.

They had a great day’s cycling with a great send off from Emma’s family and friends in Aspatria, the team then cycled the first leg to Carlisle, meeting the support car, driven by Dave Storrie (Regional Development Worker), filled with drinks, sandwiches and cakes in preparation for the trek ahead. The next leg took them from Carlisle to Greenhead where

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they all tucked into a well deserved lunch before cycling to Hexham.

At the final leg the intrepid bunch were met by 10 of Richard’s staff and friends at Newburn, who cycled the last 7 miles to the finish at the oncology department at the Queen Elzabeth Hospital where Emma was treated, where they received a fantastic reception from more than 50 staff from the hospital.

The secretaries from the oncology department, led by Lillian Stokoe, organised a beautiful Champagne reception, where everyone was also introduced to Laura Hill, the medical student taking up the bursary for the next 12 months.

Surgeon/Senior Clinical Lecturer and fellow rider, Richard Edmondson, said: “Emma was very unfortunate to be diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at such a young age and her death was a tragedy.

Staff and friends of the Northern TUC take on 90 mile bike ride for Charity

“I’m a keen cyclist and I think it is an excellent idea to raise money for a bursary for a medical student. I have been inspired by Emma’s plight and the efforts of her family, which is why I was very happy to be taking part in this event, which saw us cycling through some stunning countryside.”

He added: “Using this bursary Laura will work with my research group using state of the art facilities to develop tests, which will be used by doctors to decide which treatments will be most effective for patients.”

Ken said: “I would like to thank everyone for their kind donations and support during the last 15 months of fund raising, achieving over £15,000 so far.

This a brilliant effort by everyone concerned, and has enabled us to offer the opportunity to Laura to work closely with Newcastle University, and Northern Cancer Care Research Society ( NCCRS) working towards research in ovarian cancer over the next 12 months, which will ultimately help other young women across the region suffering from this dreadful disease.”

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The New 2010 Equality Act and the impact on union members in the workplace

Equality Street

The Northern TUC hosted a one day briefing for trade unionists ahead of the 2010 Equality Act which came into force on October 1st 2010.

strengthen protection against discrimination and extend its scope beyond the workplace.

Over 100 trade union members attended the event and heard how the Equality Act would be relevant to their workplace. The day included a presentation by Neil Foster, Northern TUC Policy and Campaigns Officer on how the findings from book The Spirit Level showed how the whole of society benefits from greater equality and not just those facing discrimination.

Improved protection for disabled people and their carers Enabling employers to take positive action in recruitment and promotion Extending the existing race, sex and disability duties on public bodies to religion or belief, sexual orientation and age Enabling employment tribunals who find against employers to make recommendations of changes that will reduce future discrimination and disadvantage.

Sally Brett, the TUC’s Senior Equality Policy Officer gave a detailed presentation on the different aspects of the law and the opportunities and implications for workplaces and employers.

Sally highlighted how the Equality Act aims to consolidate the existing discrimination laws into a single Act. She outlined its intention to

Some of the main changes include:

A range of workplace scenarios allowed the attendees to interpret the new legislation and understand how it could apply practically in the real world.

Unionlearn’s Vulnerable Workers Project Worker, Ben Sellers, spoke of the growing importance of workplace learning projects, ULRs and Equality Reps to ensure that the legislation is applied in the workplace and that employers are aware of their new obligations. He highlighted how North East Equality Reps were involved in a number of positive activities including bringing displays from the Anne Frank Trust into workplaces across the region.

The final presenter, Suzanne Devlin from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, outlined the available advice and support they can offer.

To find out more visit: www.equalityhumanrights.com or telephone the dedicated advice line on 0845 604 6610 from 8am-6pm.

To download pdf versions of the report please visit www.tuc.org.uk/northern

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LfAF Celebration St James’s Park - Newcastle N

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talking to learners, ULRs and employers and stakeholders/partners and collating their feedback. Alex talked through the key findings of the evaluation and made reference to the major achievements of the LfAF over the last 3 years:

The event was held to once again showcase the amazing successes of the fund at the end of its current ESF co-financed funding cycle, coupled with the very positive and informative end of phase evaluation.

52 employers, 13 industrial sectors, 10 unions 20,054 adults on Skills Register 4,974 learners / 367 ULRs trained 77 ULRs IAG Level 3 / 73 ULRs IAG Level 4 4,858 Skills for Life assessments / 2,720 Skills for Life learners 1,109 Level 2,197 Level 3 & 49 Level 4 qualifications 10,023 non-accredited learning completions 17 matrix Standard Awards

Attendees were taken through the results of the evaluation by Alex Jones of ERS Consulting, the independent company who have spent the last year

As well as these hard outputs, there are some equally effective softer outcomes highlighted in the evaluation that make the Fund an excellent

Almost 100 delegates made their way past all of the cameras and news reporters to help celebrate the success of the flagship Learning for All Fund.

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Unionlearn with the Northern TUC brought some much-needed good news to St James’s Park in early December during an ‘interesting’ week for the football club.

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Learning for All Fund Celebration Event

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ULRs, union learning officers and learners take part in some informal adult learning through the union-led and LfAF funded Live and Learn project at Durham County Council.

learning model such as successful employer engagement during a time of austerity, successful employee engagement, particularly with harder to reach and vulnerable workers, improved industrial relations and structures in place to identify future need and organise/deliver provision.

He finished the presentation by looking to the future and referencing the BIS report ‘Skills for sustainable growth’ which highlights the ‘important role of Trade Unions in supporting investment in skills through initiatives such as unionlearn alongside the future of the ‘right to request time to train’.

The remainder of the morning session was taken up with a potted history of the LfAF and how far it has come since its inception 9 years ago by Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan, as well as the northern region premiere of a unionlearn film shown at 2010 Congress featuring the varied and exemplar work of workplace projects in our region.

This was nicely complemented by ULR Barry Curran of the Look Forward project at Gentoo talking about the importance of planning for success and the ultimate aim of workplace lifelong learning – sustainability.

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The keynote speaker after lunch was Petrina Lynn, Head of Learner Services at the Skills Funding Agency who also gave hearty congratulations on the success of the LfAF and ULRs in the northern region, but the main crux of her presentation was the future skills landscape and national skills priorities that are emerging and will have a significant bearing on the work of union learning reps and workplace projects – as well as learners, providers and indeed the Skills Funding Agency itself.

As it stands at the moment it looks as though there will be a focus on more adult apprenticeships (another 75,000, with a focus on Level 3), fully funded level 2 or first Level 3 for people aged 19-24, fully funded Skills for Life provision and the £210 million allocated for adult and community has been ‘protected’.

Train to Gain will also be replaced with an SME-focussed programme to help small employers to train low-skilled staff and a more demand-led, labour market relevant approach to learning and training.

Attendees were left with the good news that unionlearn has been successful in securing the same £21.5 million budget for 2011-12 and that union-led learning has a major role in promoting both formal and informal learning, with a greater role in promoting Apprenticeships, Careers Information and Advice and Lifelong Learning Accounts.

This event was a real celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment to the learning agenda in the northern region. The achievements of the Learning for All Fund are definitely something to be shouted about and we hope to emulate our successes here into the new challenges and areas of work that lie ahead and make a lasting impression there, too.

Beth Farhat unionlearn Union Development Co-ordinator

Multiple Workplaces - North East

Adult Learners Week Awards 2011 The Adult Learners Week Awards organised by Niace, celebrate all kinds of learning.

This includes informal learning, learning which leads to a qualification or learning simply for fun. They recognise and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary adults who have transformed their lives for the better, and who can inspire others to give learning a go.

There are four main award categories: Individuals whose remarkable learning achievements have made a difference to their lives and have inspired others Groups of three or more people who have come together for a common purpose and transformed their and/or other people's lives through learning Families whose members have experienced the benefits of learning together

Opening Doors to Adult Learners which recognises creative and innovative projects or organisations that had a positive impact on the lives of their learners.

Over 30 workplaces across the North East, led by trade unions participated in Adult Learners Week in May 2010.

To register your interest with the campaign to be kept informed of the 2011 awards please visit. www.alw.org.uk unionsnorth issue 25

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LfAF Celebration SMILE - Sunderland Microsoft IT Learning and Employment RTH E R

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Learning with a SMILE

Microsoft Britain Works Challenge Competition for Local Authorities is part of the Britain Works Programme which aims to get 500,000 people into work within the next 3 years.

The challenge set by Microsoft was to invite Local Authorities to develop programmes to maximize the distribution and uptake from their training voucher scheme to disadvantaged groups and communities.

The Sunderland Microsoft IT Learning and Employment (Smile) Team from Sunderland, including Howard Fawcett, (the lead ULR for the Learning Styles Learning for All Fund project at Sunderland Council) submitted their entry and were subsequently invited to go to London as part of the final three.

Howard and his colleagues went along to Microsoft’s UK headquarters to present the bid proposals before the judging panel and compete for the top prize. In their presentation, Howard made special mention of Unionlearn’s 43 funded projects and the network of 3000 ULRs available to help promote the learning vouchers; this along with the £650,000 of investment within the region was delivered to the panel for consideration.

When the Judging Panel concluded their analysis, they acknowledged the

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unions’ contribution to the bid, then declared that Sunderland had won the £10 million 1st Prize, comprising: 100,000 Essential Skills vouchers + 5,000 Business Worker vouchers including 2,500 exams + 2,500 Technical Specialist vouchers including 1,000 exams Howard is very proud and privileged to help promote learning opportunities so the prospect of creating so many learning opportunities within Sunderland and the wider community is exciting. This prize has never been awarded in Britain before and has only been awarded three times worldwide.

This prize will also benefit the wider region over time.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, both endorsed and declared her support for the Learning Styles Project not long after it was begun

so it was extremely fitting that she attended an update and celebration meeting along with Beth Farhat, unionlearn’s Union Development Coordinator and the Smile team on the 29 October to see the progress and benefits the region has had since the vouchers were made available.

Sharon said: “It is great to come see the work being done to give people real and valuable skills that will help them in the challenging job market.

“It’s difficult to get good and employerrecognised online training, so the SMILE project providing it for free represents a great opportunity for Sunderland residents to learn new skills and improve their CVs, and I hope lots of people will sign up.”

If you are resident in the North East and would like to benefit from a Free Microsoft Learning voucher please go to: www.sunderland.gov.uk/smile or contact 0191 520 5518

Maths4Us

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Maths4Us is a joint initiative between unionlearn, NIACE and National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) to encourage people to tackle numeracy, take-up numeracy learning and have fun with maths. Please familiarise yourself with this initiative at www.maths4us.org

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Best Foot Forward verrucas, hard skin or in-growing toenails. Some of the learners from Redcar had this to say about the sessions:

“It feels great, helps me do my job better when my feet don’t hurt.”

Ian Ward

Ian Ward takes a big step forward with Nichola’s help.

Your feet are the last thing you think of until they hurt!

Ever felt like your feet were on fire after being on them all day? Well Stockton and Redcar Tesco Extra have the perfect solution.

The union learning reps Steph and Jayne Chapman had a healthy feet session in Stockton Extra during adult learning week and it went down a storm.

Since then the healthy feet sessions provided by a local mobile chiropodist have regular monthly sessions where

the sheet is always full of people who wear safety shoes and the staff who are on their feet all day.

As it went so well in Stockton Jayne, the mobile ULR, took the healthy feet sessions to Redcar and it took off there.

The reps in Redcar, Ian Ward and Glynis Knock, had their feet done so they could tell others how great it felt. Since then they too have regular monthly sessions.

In these sessions the learner gains advice from the chiropodist, Nicola, about how to take care of your feet: what creams to use and how often they should be applied, how to treat corns,

“I feel like a new woman, like my feet don’t belong to me, it’s like walking on air.”

Glynis Knock

“I now have happy feet thanks to the helpful advice on keeping my feet healthy.”

Sharon Walker

“I’ve got my party feet back!”

Jen Anderson

“It’s heaven!”

Pam Weller

Jayne is hoping to take the sessions to other stores in her area so others can feel the benefits of healthy feet too. unionsnorth issue 25

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Learning Fortnight Celebration of Learning - Rheged, Penrith

Celebrate Good Times come on!

Sabrina Mimid, Regional Language Network said: “This has been such an exceptional event. The RLN is determined to provide support for language and cultural learning in a climate where, more than ever, businesses need to be more competitive and where individuals need to gain more skills to improve employability. We are delighted with the enthusiasm the ULRs show for language and cultural skills today. “

Unionlearn in the northern region marked the Celebration of Learning fortnight with an event in Cumbria On Monday 25th October over 70 ULRs (minus Kool and the Gang!)made their way to the Rheged Centre in Penrith, Cumbria to celebrate not only all things Cumbrian, but also to get ideas, inspiration and to help celebrate this year’s official learning fortnight (which started on October 18th)supported by unionlearn and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

ULRs spent the morning in their SelfOrganised Network, sharing issues, advice and best practice – building up an appetite for the lovely entirely locally produced lunch of Cumbrian fare that Rheged is famous for. The Celebration of Learning Education, Learning and Skills Forum began in earnest after

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lunch with opening remarks from Chair, Joyce McAndrew, and a quarterly update on what is happening in the wider learning agenda from Beth Farhat, unionlearn regional Union Development Co-ordinator. Attendees also heard from David Kendall of The Reading Agency about the very popular Six Book Challenge initiative which has proved a massive success in engaging learners in workplaces and encouraging them to read for pleasure.

Like every ELSF, unionlearn in the region like to bolster the theory with some practice and as always, the workshops were diverse, well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed: a Spanish Taster session from the Regional Language Network courtesy of Sabrina Mimid; an introduction to UK Online (one of the main themes of this year’s CoL )from Julia Watson, Unet centre Support Worker; and a session on Green Skills from Sarah Pearce of the national TUC Green Workplace Projects.

Sarah Pearce, TUC Green Workplace Projects added, “It was great to meet so many union learning reps from the region. We packed a lot into a one hour session – covering the obstacles reps face in getting support for environmental projects and sharing ideas on how to get the active participation of both employers and our fellow colleagues in the workplace.”

The celebratory atmosphere was really brought home as the day closed with certificate presentations of the TUC Diploma in Employment Law, and Diploma in Occupational Health and Wellbeing to 8 people in the audience

by Ian West, Regional Education Officer.

Beth Farhat, Union Development Coordinator said: “The calibre of support and attendance at these events always amazes me and this one was no exception. It’s imperative that we do stop and take the time to celebrate our collective and individual achievements, and the difference learning makes to people’s lives every day in every way.”

Celebration of Learning - DHL/Argos, Darlington

Celebrations get into the zone

On Tuesday 19 October a celebration of learning was held over three shifts, with displays in the canteen and drivers rest room at the DHL/Argos distribution centre It was staffed by the Learning Centre convener (Clare Ritchie) and the Union Learning Reps (Christine Harding, Steve Percy, Billy Beck and Tom Grey) as well as a representative from Baltic training (Trevor Turnbull) who is currently our main provider. Everybody did an excellent job of promoting the Learning Zone and offering advice and guidance.

The displays featured sign up sheets for all the courses we currently offer along with enquiry forms and surveys.

The displays promoted our learning centre library along with the 6 Book Challenge. We had posters, leaflets and a power point presentation advertising us as a UK Online centre and promoting the myguide courses for computer and internet beginners. There was also literature on Open University, ITQ, NVQ and skills for life courses along with leaflets promoting the union and application forms.

We used our funding to provide refreshments; nothing beats free cakes for getting peoples attention!! – and the remainder of the funding was used to purchase Six Book Challenge promotional materials.

Prizes were presented from competitions held at our previous Learning at Work Day; Paul Cameron’s name was drawn out of everybody who had signed up for courses and he was lucky enough to win the X- Box and Paul Musset who won the caption competition went home with a box of learning materials. The wining slogan is...

Your chance to: - Sign up Catch up - and move up.

Everybody who attended and completed a contact form has been entered into a prize draw.

As there were refreshments left over the ULRs took them around the warehouse and used the opportunity to speak to prospective learners and hand out enquiry forms.

The day was a great success with 73 surveys completed and 30 learners signing up for new courses, including Skills for Life, NVQs, ESOL, UK online and ITQ courses.

The learning centre library attracted some new readers and hopefully the launch of a library in the drivers’ lounge will further encourage reading throughout all of our colleagues and further promote the Six Book Challenge.

All in all, the entire event was a great success and we are currently enrolling all the new learners and are looking forward to the next event. unionsnorth issue 25

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Online Resources

Climbing Frame The NEW union learning Climbing Frame is a free website for Union Learning Reps (ULRs) to help them in their role of supporting learners in the workplace.

jobs, possible career routes and personal situations. This website has been designed to help ULRs effectively carry out their role in supporting union learners and help bring learning into the workplace.

The Climbing Frame can be used to: provide up to date information to help during discussions with learners update ULRs knowledge about various learning opportunities develop individual action plans with learners keep records of sessions with learners store local information and contacts

The Climbing Frame recognises that union learners have aspirations, experiences and skills which relate to all aspects of their lives: their current The Climbing Frame website is available now for more information visit: www.climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk email: climbingframe@tuc.org.uk

gather information about learner profiles to support negotiations with employers

Climbing Frames being built all over Cumbria ULRs from Pirelli, McVities, Innovia Films, Carlisle City Council and the Rural Payments Agency registered to be users of the new unionlearn Climbing Frame.

This is a new online tool for ULRs to

help support their learners via a web page, If you have access to the internet you can use the Climbing frame after registration. It only takes a few minutes to register.

Dave Storrie Regional Development Worker for TUC unionlearn Northern said: “The response from ULRs since the launch in July has been

tremendous. Using the internet to access the Climbing Frame has been vital in the positive response from ULRs. ” Along with the New Climbing Frame News letter which is packed with information, tips and Frequently Asked Questions this looks to be a formula for success.

To find out more about Climbing Frames in Cumbria or the North East please contact Dave Storrie, Regional Development Worker on: 0191 227 5561; Mobile 07747 636 451 or email dstorrie@tuc.org.uk

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Trade Unions and Digital Inclusion Unionlearn is mounting a new campaign...

Get Online; Get a Lifeline supports unions to play our part in reaching those people not online or lacking confidence with computers. We want to enable them to enjoy all the benefits the rest of us take for granted.

We are working in partnership with UK Online Centres as well as the BBC and Race Online 2012.

What are the facts?

Over 10 million adults have never accessed the internet.

2 million of those adults have children, who need internet access for education 9% of the population are both digitally and socially excluded.

90% of new jobs need at least basic internet skills.

Access to key public services and benefits is increasingly handled online

The average family could save £560 a year from shopping and paying bills online.

Internet access is a social justice and fairness issue!

What can you do as a ULR or union rep?

Let your colleagues and members know cheap ways to learn how to use the internet, courses If you have a learning centre – you can register online centres and access the free myguide (find out more from unionlearn’s website) If you don’t have a learning centre, don’t worry! Visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/onlinebasics for information on how to help people use myguide at work or at home.

myguide and online basics are free and partnership opens up access to grants to help your centre

Why is this a union issue?

Many people at work are not confident with computers, especially: older workers those whose jobs have little use of technology those facing redeployment and redundancy those who would like to get parents and older relatives and friends online.

The ULR voice CWU ULR Sean McGeough: “We’ve found online basics absolutely fabulous - we’ve reached groups of people who would never have been interested in traditional courses.”

Unions can make a massive difference, join in with Get Online; Get a Lifeline!

Find out more, including course information, guides and games, at:

www.unionlearn.org.uk/onlinebasics unionsnorth issue 25

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Unions Working at the heart of the future Modern trade unions enjoy a unique place in the social and economic infrastructure of the UK. With over 6 million members trade unions are by far the biggest and most effectively organised single voluntary organisation in the country.

demonstrate trade unions making a difference to the skills of the workforce, tackling skills for life challenges and enabling workers to gain higher level skills, enabling workers to progress to their optimum roles in the workplace.

Trade union members cannot be described as passive; every month they make a financial contribution to remain a member of their union, in order to access the full range of comprehensive services that are provided by the organisation.

Supporting that ambition through enabling workers to live a healthier life through raising awareness and informing lifestyle choices, trade unions are supporting workers to realise their own personal ambitions as well as being more productive. This is clear evidence that modern, effective trade unions are a key to a healthier and happier life.

Trade unions are making a massive difference in the workplace and across communities; progressing access to skills at all levels, promoting better health and tackling inequality – trade unions work.

The case studies in our new publication provide a snapshot of highlights that

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For more information or a hard copy of the new Unions Working publication please contact Susanne Nichol at: snichol@tuc.org.uk/northern or for an electronic version go to� www.tuc.org.uk/northern

Your chance to get a snapshot of trade unions making a difference to the skills of the workforce

Issue 25 unionsnorth

More than 400 employees attended EDF’s Adult Learners Week Event in June this year

EDF now has the energy to learn

Staff at EDF Energy’s Sunderland Customer Service Centre are now able to embark on short courses in the workplace thanks to the support of unionlearn.

Earlier this year, all employees at EDF Energy on Doxford International Business Park were invited to attend an Adult Learners Week event.

Around 400 employees took the opportunity to attend the event, which ran from June 7 to 11 and was organised by EDF Energy and union representatives. It was set up in a market style with stalls staffed by union representatives, EDF Energy’s occupational health team and external companies and colleges offering information on a range of topics.

Courses offered included: Mathematics English Microsoft IT Training Since this event three Union Learning Representatives have been recruited and trained. The first maths course commenced in October and was attended by seven employees, a Skills for Life English course is due to start in December and a Spanish beginners course will start in January 2011.

A steering group has also been set up which meets monthly to discuss issues such as promotion, courses due to run and facilities required.

The first qualification presentation will take place shortly for employees who have completed the maths course.

Lesley Colley, a Customer Service Advisor who is taking the maths course, said: “After the adult learning event earlier this year, emails were sent around Doxford advertising the courses and asking for candidates. I left mainstream education over 26 years ago and

felt that it would be worth brushing up on my mathematical skills. I was always good at maths when I was at school so I was getting very annoyed with myself for not being able to work out a simple percentage.

“Being able to do this course through unionlearn is fantastic. It means all fees are covered and the union- makes all of the arrangements; all we have to do is turn up.

“After attending the maths course I now feel confident that I can work out any mathematical problem I may be faced with in my everyday life. My new skills make it easier for me to work out billing queries at work, and have proved invaluable with my passion for baking at home. I now look forward to doing more courses as and when they are offered.”

We are committed to providing employees with personal development and training opportunities. The training offered by the unionlearn courses provide an ideal opportunity for members of staff who want to learn new skills. The courses are all delivered in the workplace and are tailored around working hours so that members of staff can learn in their own time and don’t have to travel to college.

Kevin Gatens: Head of Customer Contact Centre North East at EDF Energy

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unionsnorth Issue 25

After seven years the Equality Awards sees a record number of applicants

Equality north east

The Equality Awards 2010 The winners of the 2010 North East Equality Awards were announced at a glittering Awards ceremony held at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on 22nd October.

Guests heard a keynote address from Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central and other speakers included Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the TUC and Liz Reay, Chief Executive of Equality North East.

This, the seventh year of the Equality Awards, yet again saw a record number of applications, from a wide range of organisations. The Awards were presented to those companies, organisations and individuals in the region that are carrying out excellent equality practices so helping remove the barriers faced by many people in employment and entry to employment.

Liz Reay, Chief Executive of Equality North East, said: “This year has seen the implementation of the main requirements of the new Equality Act so it is heartening to find that once again employers in the North East are ‘ahead of the game’ as far as fairness and equality is concerned.

“The Awards have become a significant fixture

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on the North East business calendar, highlighting and celebrating the good equality practice being carried out regionally. The finalists were chosen from a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations shortlisted for their efforts in promoting Equality and Diversity in the workplace. The standard this year has been particularly high.

opportunity to the more specific areas of engaging under-represented/vulnerable groups or those who are often overlooked or discriminated against.

The Trade Unions Equality for All Award This year was the best so far in terms of both quality and quantity of nominations, but after much deliberation, the judging panel managed to whittle the pile down to three very deserving finalists:

Based at Her Majesty’s Prison Acklington, it is not the first place you would think about fostering a learning and cohesive culture in the workplace, let alone the community, but with links into Morpeth Family Planning and Amble’s BorderLinks centre (where they work with young parents and adults who have physical, social, mental and emotional disabilities offering free IT courses) that is precisely what they do.

South Tyneside Homes (At Home with Learning) and South Tyneside Council’s (The Learning Port) joint nomination

Bright Sparks is a practical and successful project that delivers on its promises and practices what it preaches.

And the winner is...Bright Sparks

An embodiment of the truly inclusive nature of this project is perfectly illustrated in their demand-led, vocational Bagpipes course, which has students from Japan, Jamaica, Northumbria and Scotland! With projects like this, the future for equality and diversity is indeed very ‘Bright’!

This application ticked every equality and diversity box, from offering equality of

Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners!”

The POA/HMP Acklington ‘Bright Sparks’ project The multi-union and City of Sunderland ‘Learning Styles’ project

Issue 25 unionsnorth

Contacts: Kevin Rowan Northern TUC Regional Secretary krowan@tuc.org.uk

Unions count!

Ian West Regional Education Officer iwest@tuc.org.uk

Unionlearn now has an updated Skills for Life strategy.

Beth Farhat Union Development Co-ordinator bfarhat@tuc.org.uk

It takes into consideration the importance of good levels of literacy and numeracy, in a changing economic climate and the key aspects of skills development highlighted in the national Skills for Life strategy:

Dave Storrie Regional Development Worker dstorrie@tuc.org.uk Linda Hughes Regional Development Worker lhughes@tuc.org.uk Jo Gonzalez-Chamberlain Development Worker, Learning for All Fund jgonzalez-chamberlain@tuc.org.uk Julia Watson u-net Performance and Support Officer jwatson@tuc.org.uk Tom Ross Policy Project Worker tross@tuc.org.uk Melanie Lowden Secretary/Office Manager mlowden@tuc.org.uk

Employability - ensuring that the development of literacy, language and numeracy skills support people to find, stay and progress in work

events

For more information on events or issues please contact the Northern TUC

Raising standards and achievements in literacy, language and numeracy by boosting demand and the capacity to cope with that demand among individuals and employers Delivering flexible and responsive Skills for Life provision.

The strategy includes a specific focus on developing numeracy skills and support for union learners to achieve nationally recognised numeracy qualifications.

Northern TUC Commercial Union House 5th Floor, 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QE Telephone 0191 232 3175 or email northern@tuc.org.uk

Ben Sellers Vulnerable Workers Project Worker bsellers@tuc.org.uk Anne Aitkenhead Unionlearn Project Assistant aaitkenhead@tuc.org.uk David Nicholson Project Worker dnicholson@tuc.org.uk

Best wishes for a happy and successful year to all of our readers

Pat Winter Project Worker pwinter@tuc.org.uk Julie Robinson Higher Level Skills Project Worker jrobinson@tuc.org.uk Mike Tansey Project Worker mtansey@tuc.org.uk Joe McGuigan Project Worker jmcguigan@tuc.org.uk Ken Gyles Skills (Recession & Recovery) Development Worker kgyles@tuc.org.uk Graeme Rushton Project Worker, Cumbria grushton@tuc.org.uk

January 2011 Calendar 22

Regional Council Gateshead Civic Centre: 10.30am

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Women’s Group Venue to be confirmed:10.30am

February 2011 Calendar 16

March 2011 Calendar 16

TUC Executive TUC Regional Office: 10am

April 2011 Calendar 02

TUC Annual Regional Conference Hilton Newcastle Gateshead 02-03 April 2011 (Unionlearn day 03 April)

TUC Executive TUC Regional Office: 10am

visit us online at: www.unionlearn.org.uk/northern

Susanne Nichol Marketing and Communications snichol@tuc.org.uk Copyright in this publication is held by the TUC unless otherwise stated. For further copies of this item contact Northern TUC on 0191 232 3175 or via Email northern@tuc.org.uk. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost.