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  9. Equality Reps: Introduction - July, 2026, In Person

Equality Reps: Introduction - 2, July, 2026. Northern Region, In Person, Newcastle

This course is aimed at new Equality reps and those who have been doing the role sometime but have not yet attended the Equality reps introduction. This course is the first part of a two day programme for all equality reps and there is an expectation that you will attend both sequentially. This course will help you explore equality through an allyship lens, understand your rights as a UCU Equality Rep, and gain practical tools to engage members and influence change. You will look at legal frameworks, intersectionality, branch organising, and the social model of disability. This course will underpin concepts explored further in day 2 (Bargaining for Equality). If day 2 is not currently advertised in your area you may attend in alternative regions/devolved nations.

Equality rep courses

Course details

Nation/region:Northern
Course meeting dates: 2, July, 2026

Please ensure you can attend the entire course prior to submitting your application  form. Please further ensure you have secured time off from your employer to attend.
Course meeting times:9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Course time commitment:7 to 10 hours.
Location:Newcastle/Gateshead

Applications for this course will close at 12 noon on Monday 29th June 2026. This allows for course logistics, refreshments, accommodation, logins etc. to be arranged in good time. Applications beyond the closing date risk not being accepted.

Course content

Aims of the course:

  • understand an allyship approach to equality & intersectionality
  • understand your rights as a Rep
  • explore potential changes in the rights of equality reps and the impact
  • understand your role as an Equality Rep, boundaries and branch working
  • how to involve members and organising around equality
  • understand how equality impacts on individual representation
  • assess UCU equality structures
  • understand what the law says about equality
  • equality law in practice
  • protected characteristics
  • social models of disability and UCU policy

Elected branch Equality reps will also be expected to complete UCU's Bargaining for Equality.

UCU courses are funded via members' contributions and public funding.

Information Facility time

Online courses are no different to face-to-face courses in terms of time off for training. Time off for training is a right and one which should be exercised as part of normal industrial relations. For more info please see  Facilities and time off for UCU reps.

Non attendance at online or classroom based courses can cost both UCU and the delivering college money. Please make sure you let us know early if you cannot attend.

When you apply for a course we will assume that are making a commitment to attend the course as advertised, and have secured time off from your employer. Please contact your branch/region if you are having problems securing time off.

Important Before you complete this form, please be aware: You may be asked to register with the delivering college in which your trade union tutor is employed. Where colleges are drawing down funding for delivery you will be ask for your passport or equivalent identification details to register. This is a demand of the college who are following government requirements in order to satisfy public funding criteria. This is not a requirement UCU want to see and we are lobbying for change. However, as it stands, if you do not register with the college, your place will not be fundable.

Please Note: The above reference to ID will not apply to this course.