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  9. Equality Reps: Induction - October 2025, Online

Equality Reps: Induction - 15, October, 2026, North West Region, Online

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:North West
Course meeting dates: 15, October 2025

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 am. to 4:30 pm.
Course time commitment:10- 12 hours.
Location:Online - Course materials are held on a unique UCU sharepoint site. You will be given a login and instructions nearer the course. 

Closing Date:

Applications for this course will close at 12 noon on Monday 13th October 2025. This allows course logistics, refreshments bookings & logins etc. to be generated 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.

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. If you are having issues securing time off please contact your branch/devolved nation/regional office.

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.