Lifelong Learning Co-ordinators Report

For AGM - 15 Feb 07

We were particularly pleased this year that the branch was able to organise a Women's Lives course in Exeter. The course was run by the WEA and the tutor was Chris Collier. 9 women from the branch attended the course together with members from 3 other branches.

This is what some women have said about the course:

'It was really nice to meet with other women who had similar experiences to me'

'It made me think about things and gave me confidence write and to express my opinions'

'At first I thought it was not for me as I needed to learn more about spelling and grammar, but then I met such nice people and my confidence improved'
'I felt very nervous before I started the course but all the women there were very friendly'

'The residential course was great and it was free too. It was really good to get away and do something for myself for a change!'

There are other courses which UNISON run and we can arrange through this Branch. Have a look at the website to access the regional education programme and please contact me for information about a range of other courses suitable for adult learners.

This year we were particularly pleased to support a Dyslexia Information Pack on a CDROM, produced by the North Devon Dyslexia Association and we have some expertise in understanding the impact of dyslexia in the workplace. We are indebted to Andy Bowman who led this piece of work. Dyslexia is a hidden disability and often people feel embarrassed about discussing their needs. If members would like to know more about this then they can contact me in full confidence.

The role of the Union Learning Rep (or ULR as it is known) is becoming established within our Branch. There is statutory and employer recognition (through the Partnership Learning Agreement) of the value of ULR's to support learning in the workplace. However, many things are said and written into policies, statute and guidance which in practice never happen. We have had 12 ULR's not all of whom have completed their training but each one has difficulty accessing facility time. If Devon County really wants to engage in a partnership with the ULR's and the Trades Unions it must sort out facility time and support staff to engage with adult learners in the workplace.

Our main aim for 2007 will be to produce a film for a CD ROM or DVD to be available around the County for members both in statutory and voluntary / independent teams. It would illustrate with examples the benefits of learning and development and the support that UNISON can give with this.

Rose Gander
Branch Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator
01392 468059

www.devoncountyunison.org.uk
Jan 07.