Branch reps part 3: Essential Organising Skills

What do unions actually do at the local level? How should meetings be run and how can individuals influence their own union? All these questions will be answered on this key course.

It is vital that BECTU branches and shops have a life of their own. They should be places where members can raise concerns and issues and decide democratically what to do about them. On this course you will find out how meetings are organised and run; how to make policy and organise around issues locally; how to recruit and retain members.

Who should attend this course?

Local branch officers (chairs & secretaries), shop stewards and any union rep who would like to learn how to organise a meeting - or simply make them better!

You should attend the Branch Reps part 1 course before this as it contains information and resources that you will need to know before attending this course. Please check with Training Officer Brian Kelly if you are unsure which course to attend or in which order it is best to take the courses.

 If you are an elected or nominated  BECTU representative then you are probably entitled to time off for training by law. In addition all reps courses are free to attend and BECTU will pay reasonable expenses to enable you to attend.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, you will:

• Understand how union branches are organised and what they do

• Have a clear idea of the role of branch officials, including the Chair and Secretary

• demystify the jargon

• Know how to manage debate and discussions at meetings

• Learn how to make policy and influence the wider union

• Have some new ideas about how to make your local meetings interesting and well-attended.

What next

Not the course you are looking for?

This course is being held at BECTU head office in London