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  9. Rep 1: UCU reps induction - March 2026, In person

Rep 1: UCU reps induction - 11, 12, 13, March 2026, Northern region, In Person, Newcastle

This classroom based course is aimed at new reps/caseworkers and activists who will be undertaking this role in the near future. Existing reps who have not attended training before are also encouraged to attend. You should complete this course prior to applying for the Rep 2 course. Throughout the course, we will explore key themes including how to organise around equality issues, deepen your understanding of UCU's democratic structures, and clarify your rights and responsibilities as a rep. You will develop core skills in member communication, recruitment, and organising, emphasis will be placed on building collective responses.

Representing courses

Course details

Nation/region:Northern Region
Course meeting dates: 11. 12, 13, March, 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. (including regular breaks)

Course time commitmentRoughly 20 - 25 including pre-course work
Location:To be confirmed - Gateshead or Newcastle

Application deadline:

Applications for this course will close at 12 noon on Friday 6th March 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

This Rep 1: Introductory course will cover the following:

  • organising around Equality issues 
  • UCU organisation and democracy
  • your rights as a rep and how to apply them
  • organising and campaigning
  • communication with members
  • recruitment
  • members issues
  • collective organising responses

The course will give you a good grounding in the role of a UCU rep. You will be expected to complete this Rep 1 course prior to applying for the 'UCU Rep 2: Representing members course.

Participant work on this course may be seen by both a college via an internal and external verifier as part of the certification process.

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

Information Facility time

TTime 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.

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.