Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator Report to AGM 2006

Eight members have been trained and UNISON Learning Reps (ULR's) are available to any member who would like support or advice about learning and development. A further 5 members are either in training or about to be trained. The training course is accredited and you can have time of with pay to attend and to undertake any duties. If you would like to know more then please contact me, Branch office, or any of the current reps. Details below and on our Website.

Branch ULR's have also gone on to develop their skills according to their special interests. Two have taken a course about Dyslexia in the Workplace. The Branch is actively supporting Devon County Council's aim to become a Dyslexia friendly employer. Between 4% and 10% of employees in the workforce may have undiagnosed dyslexia. Help is available at work to help you with this. Our Learning Reps can advise. Please do not be shy and approach us for advice.

ULR's have also taken a Skills 4 Life course and the Branch has been asked to join the employers Skills 4 Life initiative. We recognise how important it is to feel confident with reading, writing and communicating. We are taking names NOW for any member who would like to take our Women's Lives course due to start this spring in Exeter. Details below. Branch ULR's are part of a Regional network and attend TUC events. I was a Branch delegate to National Conference in Glasgow in June and spoke in front of over a 1,000 delegates to support the change in rules about ULR's. And I survived! You too could do this. You feel great afterwards.

Women's Live's Course at last arrives in Exeter this Spring

This is a fantastic course, free to members, and the details are already on the website.

Quick Reads Campaign - Launch 2 March

Written by bestselling authors, Quick Reads are compulsively readable, short paperbacks with a maximum 128 pages. Only £2.99. The Branch is supporting this initiative and will have lots of £1 book tokens to give away. Contact Rose if you are interested.

Pathways into UNISON Course

Last year the Branch piloted this course and has been asked by Head of Learning and Organising in London to be part of a Regional presentation to the Development and Organising Committee. We have been seen as a good example of how education can help with Branch organising and recruitment. As a result of this course for women, several have become active in the Branch.

Branch awarded £200 for its work on our Learning Partnership with DCC

It was a surprise to be awarded this money and we have spent it on a rather smart looking display stand which we take with us wherever we advertise UNISON learning opportunities.

Branch Learning Events

It was a real pleasure to be invited to Kingsbridge Adult Social Services and Tumbly Hill Day Centre. One member is now taking a Lay Tutor Course and a ULR Course. We held a similar drop in learning event in Exmouth at Danby House where women were interested in the Women's Lives Course. It was nice meeting members and we hope to get out to localities this year. We are aware that the Branch feels very Exeter based. However, having said that, we did arrange a Branch Induction day for new reps and members in North Devon which had to be cancelled due to lack of support. If you would like a learning event in your team or locality then please contact me.

For the Future

• Ongoing commitment to and development of Partnership Learning Agreement
• Ongoing recruitment of members willing to be involved at all levels in the Branch.
• Support for members who are dyslexic.
• Support for members who struggle with reading, maths and confidence.

Rose Gander
Branch Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator

Tel. 01392 468059