LTB 260/21 – Core Reps Programme: September – December 2021

LTB 260/21

24th June 2021

TO:  ALL BRANCHES

Dear Colleague,

Core Reps Programme: September – December 2021

Introduction
Please be advised of our next schedule of reps and activists courses for the period September – December 2021.  The courses will be delivered by our Further Education Providers using various online platforms.

Background
The CWU is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive and accessible training (core) programmes for all representatives and activists as well as lifelong learning for members. 

The venues or ways in which these can be delivered are:

  • Residentially (where students attend a venue and remain onsite for the duration of the course)
  • Locally (where students attend on a daily basis at a venue closer to where they live e.g. a CWU owned Learning Centre; an employers’ premises; an FE providers premises or privately owned property e.g. hotel/community centre
  • Virtually (Google Classroom; Teams; Zoom)

Rationale
The decision to continue with online (virtual) delivery for the first quarter of the Academic Year (September – December 2021) has not been taken lightly and does not erode the commitment previously given to provide residential education in the future.

There are a number of factors that have informed our decision.  These include:

  • Our partner FE providers resource limitations post pandemic and a duty of care to risk assess venues where they have tutors delivering courses
  • Government guidance that further lifting of restrictions is still under review with potential for further delays to restriction lifting, localised lock-downs and travel constraints
  • Sister trade unions where tutors are organised advising that their preference is to proceed cautiously regarding classroom courses
  • Continuing advice that if it is possible to work from home, to do so

All of the above is under continual review and we are in regular dialogue with FE partners.

IMPORTANT – MANDATORY FAIR & EQUAL COURSE

The mandatory “Fair & Equal in the CWU” Course includes a pre-course element of activities which reps MUST have concluded successfully before attending the scheduled part of the course. 

If the pre-course activity is not completed, the representative will be advised that they are unable to proceed to the full day tutor led course.

 Courses in England

Date 2021 Course Cut-off date
Sept 13th – 17th Intermediate Health & Safety Part 1 31st July
Sept 20th – 24th Introduction to Health & Safety Part 1 31st July
Sept 27th – Oct 1st Essential Skills Part 1 7th Aug
Oct 4th – 8th Postal Agreements & Procedures 14th Aug
Oct 6th Fair & Equal in the CWU 14th Aug
Oct 11th – 15th Equal Rights Part 2 21st Aug
Oct 18th – 20th Mental Health Awareness 28th Aug
Oct 25th – 29th Union Learning Reps Part 2 4th Sept
Nov 1st – 5th Intermediate Health & Safety Part 2 11th Sept
Nov 8th – 12th Introduction to Health & Safety Part 2 18th Sept
Nov 15th – 19th Essential Skills Part 2 25th Sept
Nov 24th Fair & Equal in the CWU 2nd Oct

 

Courses in Northern Ireland

Date Course Cut-off date
Sept 20th – 24th Essential Skills Part 1 31st July
Sept 27th – 1st Postal Agreements & Procedures 7th Aug
Oct 6th – 7th Fair & Equal in the CWU (2 DAYS) 14th Aug
Oct 11th – 15th Introduction to Health & Safety Part 1 21st Aug
Oct 25th – 29th Union Learning Reps Part 1 4th Sept
Nov 9th – 11th Mental Health Awareness 18th Sept
Nov 22nd – 26th Essential Skills Part 2 2nd Oct
Nov 24th – 25th Fair & Equal in the CWU (2 DAYS) 2nd Oct

 

Courses in Scotland

Date Course Cut-off date
Aug 30th – Sept 3rd Essential Skills Part 2 (Rescheduled) 17th July
Sept 6th – 10th Intermediate Health & Safety Part 1 24th July
Sept 13th – 17th Essential Skills Part 1 24th July
Oct 6th Fair & Equal in the CWU 14th Aug
Oct 18th – 20th Mental Health Awareness 28th Aug
Oct 25th – 29th Union Learning Reps Part 1 4th Sept
Nov 8th – 12th Intermediate Health & Safety Part 2 18th Sept
Nov 15th – 19th Postal Agreements & Procedures 25th Sept
Nov 22nd – 26th Essential Skills Part 2 2nd Oct
Nov 22nd Fair & Equal in the CWU 2nd Oct

 

Courses in Wales

Date Course Cut-off date
Sept 20th – 24th Essential Skills Part 1 31st July
Sept 27th – 1st Postal Agreements & Procedures 7th Aug
Oct 6th Fair & Equal in the CWU 14th Aug
Oct 11th – 15th Introduction Health & Safety Part 1 21st Aug
Oct 25th – 29th Union Learning Reps Part 1 4th Sept
Nov 8th – 10th Mental Health Awareness 18th Sept
Nov 22nd – 26th Essential Skills Part 2 2nd Oct
Nov 24th Fair & Equal in the CWU 2nd Oct

 

Application Process

Authorised applications must be received by the cut-off dates. 

Please see attached a video guide for Branch Secretaries on how to apply for courses.

IT, Infrastructure and learning differences

Having tested online delivery of samples of both accredited and unaccredited courses, it is crucial that the student is set up appropriately and in good time before the training commences.

The learner must preferably have access to a good PC / laptop.  Tablets can be used but have some limitation in our experience.  Attending training courses using a mobile phone will not be allowed.

There must be a stable internet connection from the learning is taking place.

Colleges will also be in contact before the course to advise of any additional requirements.

We would appreciate Branches / ULRs assistance in ensuring any applicants are prepared in line with the above points.  If any reps encounter difficulties getting set up with IT equipment in preparation for course attendance, please advise their Branch Secretary, Union Learning Rep or the Equality, Education & Development as soon as possible.

Additionally, upon application; please ensure that we are aware in good time of any adjustments that may need to be arranged such as issues relating to dyslexia or sight / hearing differences.

Release & Notice

Paid release should normally apply where the union is recognised and / or in line with any existing agreements.

Please forward any enquiries relating to this LTB to courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

 

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

21LTB 260 – Core Reps Programme September – December 2021