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