Midlands and East Coast

in education and learning

Programme dates

Reps rights to time off with pay

What are skills for life?

Courses available

Learning and Union Learning Reps

GMB Regional Education Programme 2008

GFTU Programme GMB Course Application form GFTU Application form

Education and learning

GMB puts emphasis on the education and learning opportunities for its members – especially for its activists. To become active in the GMB means using skills and applying knowledge – skills for communication, persuasion, representation and leadership. Few are born with such skills or knowledge – but many can acquire them through education and learning.

GMB offers a range of regional services and support for education and learning. These Regional services are primarily aimed at GMB representatives.

Click Courses available to view what’s on offer in the Midland & East Coast Region for

• Representatives
• Activists
• Members

Courses for GMB Representatives

Initial Support Training: All GMB reps begin their training with an Initial Support session provided by their allocated GMB Regional Organiser (full time officer) . This should take place within 6 weeks of being appointed. Kits to support the work of reps are provided at this Initial Support Training session.

The Regional Programme aims to offer new GMB representatives PROGRESSION routes and for existing reps opportunities to REFRESH — so that ALL GMB reps feel there is a place for them in the programme.

All trade union Reps have rights to time off to attend union-approved courses which are free of charge.

GMB Reps are provided with traveling expenses and subsistence to cover out of pocket costs while attending.

The programme is offered in 3 “strands” covering

• Workplace Organising Reps
• Safety Reps and
• Union Learning Reps - to assist learning in the workplace.

Alongside of these 3 main strands are short courses which are given dates in the programme but can be offered at short notice—IN RESPONSE TO DEMAND.

To Contact the Regional Education Service ring 0115 9601105 or email

GMB Regional Education Programme 2008

Midland and East Coast Region
GMB Regional Education Programme 2008

The Regional Reps course is preceded by an Initial Support Training session with the Regional Organiser within six weeks following appointment. At that session reps will be provided with a the appropriate GMB reps kit of information.

Learning and Union Learning Reps

Why Are Unions Bothered With Learning?

Many GMB members already participate in Adult Learning, but many are still missing out. More than ever, the changing nature of work means we all need to constantly update our skills. It is estimated that many of the skills we have today will be out of date in five years time. Workers need skills to get and remain in employment, and to improve earning power and career prospects. The GMB supports all members who wish to improve their Skills for Life - reading, writing number, communications and I.T. skills – use the links in the menu to find out how GMB can help you to improve your skills. Learning is part of GMB’s commitment to strive for equality and a fairer society.

Learning Is Part of Our Wages and Conditions

Learning must become a central part of our terms and conditions at work - a bargaining issue. It is part of the Trade Union agenda. Learning is not only for work. It can be fun, provide ways of meeting new people and make an immense difference to how confident our members feel.

Many GMB members have proved that anyone can make achievements, making it easier for workers to cope with changes at home or in employment. Some go on to discover education which changes their whole life.

To support GMB members, we need reps with skills in providing advice and guidance, and who can improve access to learning. That’s where Union Learning Representatives come in. Similar to union shop stewards or health and safety reps, union learning reps (ULRs) are GMB members who volunteer to help members at the workplace on learning and training issues. They seek to develop skills and play a vital role in promoting lifelong learning at work.

What Can Learning Reps Do?

As from April 2003 unions and their members can appoint Union Learning Representatives (ULR’s) to undertake activity on their behalf at the workplace and to get training the the ULR role. The Employment Act 2002 provided ULR’s with the right to time off with pay to carry out their role and get training. The law states that the ULR’s functions are concerned with:

• analysing learning or training needs
• providing information and advice about learning or training matters
• arranging learning or training
• promoting the value of learning or training
• consulting the employer about carrying on any such activities
• preparation to carry out any of the above activities
• undergoing relevant union approved training

Support for Union Learning Reps

Learning Reps are an integral part of any branch of workplace committee.  They can receive support from their fellow Reps, Organiser or the Education Department.  If you are interested in becoming a Learning Rep please contact the Regional Office on 0115 9607171.

Courses available

Initial Support Training with the allocated GMB full time Regional Organiser within 6 weeks of appointment. All types of GMB reps receive this IST session before entering the Regional programme for GMB Reps. All reps receive an information kit at this IST session.

The Regional Programme for GMB Reps

Advanced Workplace Organising Representatives
(10 Days)

This course offers more opportunity to practice skills in handling disciplinaries and grievances.  Also begins to look more at equal opportunity issues, employment law and collective issues such as negotiating techniques and bargaining.

Courses for Safety Representatives

Advanced Safety Representatives
(10 Days)

This course is designed to further build skills for information gathering and handling, including internet sources, survey techniques and in-depth look at how to approach specific hazards and risk assessments.  Also takes a closer look at useful legislation and building campaigns.

Courses for Union Learning Representatives

Union Learning Representatives
(5 Days)

Following the Induction Course this course deals with the role and rights of the ULR, useful skills , negotiating facilities for ULR activity; Skills for life and Learning as part of the GMB organising agenda

Follow-On Courses for ULR’s

• Skills for Life:
• What are Skills for Life?
• How can SfL needs be identified
• Best practice in improving SfL

Information, Advice and Guidance:

• IAG Programmes,and agencies
• Best practice for IAG
• The ULR role and skills in IAG

Workforce Development:

• Workforce Development Programmes
• The ULR role in WFD
• Key skills for ULR’s on WFD.

GMB Short Courses (2-3 Days) for Workplace Reps and Safety Reps on Day Release

View the full programme on Programme Dates

• Contracts of Employment
• GMB Organisation in Workplaces
• Diversity and Equality
• Grievance and Disciplinary Handling
• Negotiating Skills
• Health and Safety Refresher
• Workplace Inspections
• Safety Committees

Courses for Reps with the General Federation of Trade Unions

GMB Representatives can also access the programme of residential courses of 2-4 days held midweek or at the weekend at various locations across the country. View the GFTU programme or download the GFTU application form which must be returned to the GMB Nottingham Office 6 weeks before the start date. All costs covered.

Courses for Reps at Northern College near Barnsley, Yorkshire

Midweek courses of 2-4 days are available at Northern College at Wentworth Castle. All costs covered. View the full programme on Programme Dates

What are skills for life?

Skills for Life means the ability to read, write and speak English and use maths at a level which allows you to “function” (ie live a normal life), progress at work and fit into society.

Up to 7 million adults in the UK lack these skills at a ”functional” level 2 which is equal to GCSE A-C.

What this means is that these adults are often:

• unable to lead a “normal” life in terms of reading/ writing and helping their children,
• are unable to progress at work, and
• will find themselves in low skill / low paid jobs which are insecure in our modern globalised economy.
• more likely to suffer unemployment.

Many adults get by at work by “hiding” the gaps in their skills (“I’ve forgotten my glasses today”) and seeking work with low skill demands. But work is changing and upskilling is needed to survive in all areas. GMB Union Learning Reps (ULRs) can help to plug the skills gaps. ULRs can take Skills for Life training to help them in this part of their role.

Assessment

The first part of the process in tackling the gaps in our skills for life will be to find out where the gaps are (what areas of knowledge and skills) and what level we’re operating at in each area. This involves an initial assessment.

What’s Involved ?

An assessment is an entirely confidential one-to-one process. It can be started off by those GMB Union Learning Reps or by the Regional Learning Project Workers who have been equipped with a simple-to-use assessment tool viewed on a laptop. This will give the first indication of what level you may be operating at for English or Numeracy (number skills).

Using the laptop, the initial assessment takes about 40 minutes. A clever piece of software does an immediate print-out of the results. Armed with these results you will be sign-posted to a Skills for Life support unit in your area. If you wish your GMB ULR can accompany you to the unit. Here specialists in the unit will discuss the results and begin a further assessment to find out exactly are the where the gaps in your skills lie. A programme of learning is then planned for you to attend. All Skills for Life courses are free.

Skills for life Courses can also be arranged on site with the agreement of the employer. Contact the Education department for further information.

Then What?

For those who left school without any qualifications it is possible to take a new National Test in English and Numeracy which , when you pass , will certify that you have the necessary skills at either level 1 or at level 2. Many GMB members who start on a Skills for Life programme end up gaining the National Test qualification. The initial Assessment tool available on GMB-provided laptop (see above) also includes a practice version of the National Tests.

Click here to find out more about the National Tests.

Reps rights to time off with pay

The right to time off with pay for trade union reps at workplaces where the trade union is recognized is based on the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. This law give trade union reps (including Safety Representatives and Union Learning Representatives) of recognised unions the right:

• to have time off with pay to carry our certain functions during working hours (such as representing members in grievance and disciplinary hearings and preparing for them (see full list below)
• to have time off with pay for being trained on union (eg GMB) or TUC approved courses. Most courses run during the mid-week from 9.30 to 4.30 pm, generally on the same day over several weeks.

Time off for training

Workplace Reps should as far as possible give ”reasonable notice”, six weeks minimum if possible when requesting a period of paid release.
GMB advises Reps to let their Organisers know about problems as soon as they arise and not wait until the last minute. Unreasonable refusal to permit time off can be grounds for a claim at an Employment Tribunal.

Arrangements for courses are undermined when reps withdraw from courses at short notice. Last minute requests by the employer to withdraw time off on the grounds of ”work pressures” are easier to resist if there is a clear Facilities Agreement. The GMB provides reps with model agreements for facilities and other issues at work.

Reps working part-time: recent Tribunal decisions have confirmed that when trade unions reps (who work part-time) attend courses from 9.30 to 4.30pm, they are entitled to be paid for the whole period of the course.

If you have any difficulties whatsoever on time off whether it is not granted or you are threatened with action by your employer, then please contact your organiser straight away.

Programme dates

Course	Location	Days Dates
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	LINCOLN	THURSDAYS
Introduction to Workplace Organisers		1, 8, 15 & 22 May, 5 June 2008
Introduction to Health & Safety		12, 19, & 26 June 2008
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	HULL TUEC	WEDNESDAYS
Introduction to Workplace Organisers		7, 14, & 21 May, 4 & 11 June
Introduction to Health & Safety		18 & 25 June, 2 July 2008
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	NOTTINGHAM	TUESDAYS
Introduction to Workplace Organisers		13 & 20 May, 3, 10 & 17 June 2008
Introduction to Health & Safety		24 June, 1 & 8 July 2008
GRIEVANCE DISCIPLINARY REFRESHER	LEICESTER	WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2008
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	LEICESTER	WEDNESDAYS
GMB@WORK		10 & 17 September 2008
Introduction to Workplace Organisers		24 Sept, 1, 8, 15 & 22 October 2008
Introduction to Health & Safety		5, 12 & 19 November 2008
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	NOTTINGHAM	THURSDAYS
GMB@WORK	NOTTINGHAM	18 & 25 September 2008
Workplace Organisers		2, 9, 16 & 23 October, 6 November 2008
Health & Safety		13, 20 & 27 November 2008
REGIONAL REPS COURSE	DERBY	THURSDAYS
GMB @ WORK		11 September 2008

N.B. GFTU Educational Trust courses are also available, running both mid-week and at weekends - details on request or on the GFTU website: http://www.gftu.org.uk/docs/ET_programme2006.pdf

Taste for Learning at Marr Foods

Thanks to the activity and persistence of Sean Smith, GMB members at Marr Foods have started onsite computer and basic skills courses, and a group of Kurdish members are improving their English.

“After the first day of the courses, people told me how much they’d all enjoyed them - everybody was happy,” says Sean Smith who is the learning representative at the factory. 

The computer and basic skills courses were relatively straightforward to set up, but the English courses for the Kurdish workers proved a little more difficult, Sean says.

“Funding looked like it was the biggest problem, and no-one seemed able to help - until I remembered how I used to call Ron Oldfield, the senior tutor at the Hull Trade Union Studies Centre, when I needed help or advice in my early days as a shop steward,” he recalls.

“So I gave him a ring and he said he would do what he could, and a few weeks later I was called by Hilary Doig, the basic skills co-ordinator at the centre, who said she would visit the factory and speak to some of the Kurdish workers,” Sean says.

“She must have worked very hard because a week or so later she told me that the course could go ahead, so we arranged another computer course for 16 people, to run on the same day,” he explains “The best moment of my GMB rep life was when a woman came up to me as I waited outside the trade union centre in the cold and rain, shook my hand and thanked me for making the whole thing happen.”

Leicester Learning Links Project

In 2000 the GMB launched the “Leicester Learning Links” or L3 project in Leicester City and County Councils. With finance from the Union Learning Fund, the project the “L3” project aims to:

• Set up a network of “Learner Reps” across the Departments and DLO’s which are participating in the project
• Provide advice and information (Via the Learner Reps) on learning opportunities at work and in the local community;
• Assist members to take up those opportunities by basing between management and colleges;
• Offer extra support for those who may be reluctant or fearful to try to learn perhaps because of bad experience at school or in the past.

Working with South Leicester College the project will be able to offer individuals a “Learning Needs Assessment” which will help members discover what they might like to do and decide on a programme which suits them.

Dave Towers (0800 9520047) is the Project Manager for the Project and Steve Bosworth-Payne (0116 2392387) as Co-ordinator at the County Council Technical Service DLO.

Recipe For Learning at Fenland Foods, Grantham

In 1998 / 1999 Mark Bartlett and three other GMB Reps at Fenland Foods in Grantham attended a Front Line Advice and Guidance (FLAG) course for Learner Reps organised by the GMB. Over the next 18 months they talked to the company to discuss ways in which the GMB could bring the new leaning agenda to the attention of members and workers on a site employing over 500 people. Using the information and training provided on the FLAG course they eventually put together a joint project with the company to increase the level of learning activity at Fenlands. The result was the “Recipe For Success“ project which in March 2001 received financial backing from the government’s Union Learning Fund. 
Mark Barlett, who was seconded from his normal duties to act as Project Manager: 

“The company allowed me to work with Richard Gray, (Fenland Foods Training Co-ordinator), to see what our members and employees wanted. We compiled a Workplace Training Survey and the results that came from the survey confirmed there was a need for employee development and that members were willing to learn given the opportunity.

We then invited the senior management at Fenland Foods to discuss the possibility of running the Recipe For Success project, we received their full support.

Fenland Foods saw this project as a continuation of development of it’s commitment to improve the skills and knowledge of it’s workforce. It views this initiative as a crucial link in it’s partnership with the GMB Trade Union and the local community.

Since the project started, myself and Richard, have got a start date for our basic computer course, Richard has compiled, (with Grantham College), an English for Speakers of Other Languages course for Fenlands employees and I have begun to address our basic skills needs. 

Learner Reps have a crucial role in opening up these learning opportunities to the workforce and in breaking down fears and barriers they may have about going back into learning. Our aim is to have a team of 12 Learner Reps appointed and trained by the local Trade Union Education Centre . Via their activity we aim to attract 100 learners in our first year. Thus far we have reached 80 in the first month.”

Springboard in Bird’s Eye-Walls, Humberside

A year ago David Lindley would have been forgiven for thinking neuro-linguistic programming was a form of brain surgery. Now the engineering store-keeper is not only practicing it but helping others benefit from it too!

David found out about NLP after he attended a one-day course identifying the individual learning needs of workers at Birds Eye Walls in Humberside. 

The joint GMB/management Springboard course has been made possible thanks to the ULF.It involves workers preparing a CV to able them to decide what they want from work and from other areas of their lives. 

Learning reps trained as part of the project and then helped others find the courses which will enable them to achieve their dreams.

As someone who is disabled with MS David wanted to improve his interpersonal skills and interact with others in the same boat.

“I now talk to people I receive treatment with and I can connect better with colleagues at work,” he explained. “It’s give me more respect for other people by being able to listen and understand what they are doing.”

David’s colleagues at the company have been just as excited about trying new opportunities after Spring boarding into learning. One female fishcake packer took a kick boxing course. Others have taken up car maintenance, calligraphy, flower arranging, massage and aromatherapy. Even more wanted to learn IT and a whole weekend shift of over 100 people signed up for a computer course.

Ron Oldfield, the project director, said most of the staff are part-time women. “And these are people from the category that we were told we would never get back to learning! I’ve been a officer for 21 years and I have never known anything so exciting.”

Sandra Alien, Springboard coordinator, added: “People have really grabbed the chance to learn and it’s now a case of having to rein them back because once they have done one course they are asking what they can do next.

“A lot of these people are from the age group whose kids have grown up and are now lookingto do other things. We even have one grandmother who did a computer course because she wanted to be able to keep up with her grandchildren.”

Second time around

Richard Morgan’s story

After many years of being a round peg in a square hole I decided that it was time to take a chance, and try for a year’s education. I applied to Ruskin College Oxford, one of several adult education colleges for which GMB provides members with bursaries (grants). 

Ruskin College was founded in 1899 and its ethos then and now was to provide a university standard of education for working class people. Ruskin is still a leading provider of adult education to those who need a second chance. The founders of the college knew that education was power and the only way for the working people to be able to affect their lives was through self advancement.

My chosen subject was Politics, but it could have been economics, law, youth and community work, history, sociology, computer studies (very popular), creative writing or even any three subjects over the three semesters (terms). You can also study complimentary subjects in the first year, ranging from blues music, writing for publication to speaking in public. One part of the course is an introduction to word processing and computers in general.

The tutors work at making sure that every member of the college gets the full benefit from their time in and out of class, as do the librarians, domestic staff, administration and the food is plentiful and excellent. (all of us put on weight) Each student has a study bedroom and access to cooking facilities, showers, baths and the like. 

I can honestly say that it was one of the best things I had even done to apply. The next two years (one on a full bursary and one self-funded) were to be the most rewarding in my life. I began to learn how to learn. 

My second year was entitled Dip He in Social Change This consisted of Sociology, Research Methods, Politics, Economics, IT, and a combined History and Literature. The students in my year went on to other universities and I’m currently at Derby.

Oxford is not just for the rich and shameless. It is for anyone with the desire to learn, who can demonstrate the will to do so. There are penguin suits and ball gowns of course, complete with chinless wonders, but they are in the minority, its mostly ordinary hardworking students, who are there to learn.

It is possible to stray into other areas of interest, such as the theatres, cinemas, museums, art galleries, music venues, sports halls, restaurants, cafes and of course the many and various pubs. Most highly rated is the Oxford Union, with it’s guest speakers , debating clubs, library and perhaps most known for the beer (lager) at £1.00 a pint. 

As an under-graduate at Ruskin you will be able to attend any of the lectures at the University , you will have a Bodlean Library card, and be welcomed into places that are closed to members of the public. Ruskin has it’s own Students Union ( I was Vice President) it is also possible to take part in the management of the college (I was on the Governing Executive, the Council and the Academic Board)

Ruskin is at present at a crossroads, during my years it was agreed to sell the present two sites and to transfer onto one site, probably in the city centre. To be a part of the future of one of the finest colleges in Britain all you need to do is dare to try. It helped me to open my mind and gave me some friendships that will last a lifetime. The college is big enough to have some of the finest tutors in the land and it is also small enough to give individual care and support to each and every student, regardless of ability. 

By combining the GMB bursary and a the government grant, it is just about possible to make ends meet. The accommodation is comfortable, the food excellent, tutors superb, the city is both historic and interesting. What have you got to lose?  My only regret is that I waited so long to apply.

GMB provides educational bursaries for full or part time study at a range of colleges .Contact Jake Jackson, Regional Education Officer on 0115 9607171 or email