Learning representatives

Read more about UCU's reps training courses

If you are interested in becoming a ULR or would like to find our more about the role, please email ulr@ucu.org.uk

Find a more comprehensive rundown of the role here:

• The role of the Union Learning Rep [1mb]

What can a learning rep do?

UCU learning reps offer assistance and expertise on including training and development in local collective bargaining agreements and can offer members individual advice and guidance on development issues. Developing a workplace Union Learning Agreement (ULA) is a key part of the role, as quality learning agreements and actively engaged union learning reps can not only deliver for our members but also increase member participation in UCU.

Example Union Learning Agreements

• Chesterfield College ULA [158kb]
• Glasgow Caledonian University ULA [110kb]
• Joint Hull unions ULA [244kb]
• Kent Ace [143kb]
• Stockton Riverside College ULA [83kb]
• Teeside University ULA [217kb]
• Wiltshire College ULA [131kb]

UCU CPD programme

UCU's Continuing Professional Development programme is free and open to all members, with the following aims:

• to deliver high quality Continued Professional Development in line with UCU's bargaining agenda for example, around climate sustainability, decolonising the curriculum and workforce casualisation
• motivate and enthuse members attending CPD events to become more active in their local branches, collectively challenging issues whether they affect them directly or not
• increase the number of reps going through UCU's formal reps training programme
• ensure members understand the Union's current industrial aims through attendance on CPD courses.

The 90 minute online workshops are facilitated by experienced trade union tutors, nationally, regionally and in branches. The CPD team work closely with ULRs to support them in putting on workshops in their branches.

Click for the Learning and Development Online Workshop Catalogue

"The ULR cuts across all roles and issues in the union. It's a way to support the rest of your reps enhance their knowledge about union activities and possibility but it's also a way to materially strengthen your negotiators hands at the bargaining table. Equipped with the latest knowledge, strategies, and training on a plethora of issues negotiators can achieve more for their branches." 
HE ULR

Learning rep rights

UCU learning reps can claim statutory time off to undertake their duties if they are trained. However this has to be negotiated with the institution's management. See:

• ACAS code of practice 3 extracts: Union Learning reps - time off [73kb]
• sample learning rep letters, including draft time off for training letter [87kb]

Learning rep resources

To support our growing network of learning reps based in colleges, universities, adult and prison education branches we run learning reps courses throughout the year. Further details of training courses are available here.

In addition, UCU has produced a handbook for learning representatives as well as a model learning agreement:

• UCU union learning rep handbook [345kb]

We have also produced a couple of guides for getting employers to support CPD:

• Guide to negotiating for professional development in FE [268kb]
• Guide to negotiating for professional development in HE [441kb]

Unionlearn

The TUC via Unionlearn provide a wealth of advice and guidance for learning reps as well as running events and training. For further information go to Unionlearn