Download a UNISON Scotland Activists Education Course application form here now and or get a form from your Branch Secretary or Branch Education Coordinator.
Complete the form and get it signed by the appropriate Branch officer and return without delay but at least 28 days before the course begins.
Return to: Activist Education, 53 Shore Street, Inverness IV1 1NF
NB For courses in Grampian Resource Centre please click here to download the Grampian form.
Complete and return to: UNISON Grampian Resource Centre, 7 Alford Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1YD
What are the courses like?
Our courses are friendly and informal so you are invited to dress for comfort. You don’t need any formal qualifications. Our training is aimed to make learning a fun rather than a daunting experience. Everyone’s views and experiences are heard.You will work in small groups a lot of the time. You won’t be lectured to or suddenly called on to give answers. There are no tests or exams. On all courses there is a standard set of working together guidelines. These include guidance on the avoidance of language or behaviour that may be offensive. They are for the purpose of ensuring everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Where are courses held?
Most of our non-residential courses are in UNISON offices or public sector venues.Ourweekend residential courses are usually in large city centre hotels. Single room accommodation is usually provided, unless you request otherwise. If you are travelling some distance to a nonresidential course your Branch is responsible for booking your accommodation although we can assist with suggestions.
Course Fees
UNISON training is free to all participants. Your Branch pays a fee for the course and also pays your travel and other expenses. Meals are provided. If you have special dietary requirements please advise this on your application form.
Child and Dependent Care
If you require assistance it is important to advise us as soon as possible and note it on your application form. It should be possible to provide free crèche facilities on request particularly for residential courses or tomake an allowance to assistwith additional childcare costs to enable you to attend.
Facilities for Disabled Members
All of our venues have disabled access but as disabilities vary greatly from individual to individual it is important you let us know as soon as possible so that we can meet your needs whether they are mobilityrelated or otherwise.
Time Off
We would strongly advise you to tell your manager now that you are arranging to go on a course. Local procedures will be different for making the request but your Branch can help with this.
Course Timings
Usually courses run from 9.30am till 4.30pm. Weekend residential courses usually begin at 6pm on the Friday and finish after lunch on the Sunday. You will be sent precise details of the timings with your joining instructions.
Note to Branch Secretaries/Branch Education Officers
For some courses, participants will be asked to bring along materials or resources with them eg copies of grievance or disciplinary procedures, contracts of employment etc. In the letter to the participant confirming her/his place, we list any materials she/he will need to bring to the course and ask her/him to contact her/his Branch Secretary for assistance with finding the materials.
Members who turn up to courses without the necessary materials are put at a disadvantage, so we would be grateful if you make every effort to ensure that requests for assistance from your members attending courses are met. After training please support activists to use their newly acquired skills.