Union learning Reps are a recent innovation and one of the most popular and effective trade union initiatives for years. Here we explain a bit more about what they are, answer some of your questions and explain how to become one.
What are they?
Union Learning Reps (ULRs) are local BECTU members who have volunteered to carry out the role and have the support of their local union branch or workplace group (sometimes called a 'shop').
To become a ULR you must
Be a paid up BECTU member
Have an interest in education and training
Be elected or appointed by a local BECTU branch
Please contact the Education & Training team if you want to discuss becoming a ULR or if you are a ULR already contact us to let us know and to allow us to begin supporting you
What do they do?
As with most 'simple' ideas the reality is a little more complicated and will depend on how supportive your employers are and how supportive your members and fellow reps are. Your role will also depend on one very important factor- you! You will have to decide how much you want to do and how much time you want to spend as a ULR.
Some of the things you might do as a BECTU ULR include:
Make sure that your fellow reps attend union training courses - all the information you need to do this is elsewhere in the 'Training & Development' section' of this website
Find out what learning needs your fellow members have - your branch secretary will be able to help you find out who your members are and how to contact them
You can find out what learning needs members have by carrying out surveys or one-to-one discussions
Advise individual colleagues about learning opportunities by 'signposting' them to places they might get training or professional advice (possibly using this website to help)
Setting up relationships with local colleges through a key contact person (we can help with this)
Meeting with management
- Making sure that learning and skills are on the agendas of union meetings
Here is some more information about the sort of things ULRs might do
ACAS Code of Practice on Duties and Activities, including those of ULRs
The BECTU Model Learning Agreement contains a list of potential ULR activities and responsibilities
The National Occupational Standards for ULRs are an exhaustive list of all the different things a ULR can do - in reality it is too comprehensive but there are plenty of good ideas in there!
