Lifelong Learning

UNISON has always been at the forefront of improving access to learning for all NHS employees not just professional staff.

UNISON wants to change the culture and approach of Lifelong Learning, so that everyone can get access to courses that can help with confidence, opening new pathways to more work opportunities or just helping with life in general. It is a fact that one in five people in the UK have difficulty in finding plumber in the yellow pages, that’s over seven million people.

It is essential that the Health Service lifts the profile for Learning in the work place, improves the skills of its workforce, and retains staff by giving opportunities to develop for non-traditional learners. UNISON believes that learning never stops, and at Leeds Mental Health Trust, UNISON wants to work in partnership with employers to open more learning opportunities for all without discrimination.

That’s why we are currently negotiating a learning agreement that sets down some fundamental rights for learners and learning,
establishing a culture of learning across the Trust and associate organisations.

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Recently we have developed a workshop for PDP’s (Personnel Development Plans) so that staff have more confidence and understand how to make a positive contribution and how it fits in with Agenda for Change and the KSF.Also within the training dept at Leeds Mental Health Trust, the staff development team offer many different ways to engage in personal development. A resent UNISON survey found that out of 200.000 non registered nurses 75% would consider professional training if it was available to them. Over the next five years 50.000 registered Nurses will retire from the NHS!

Learning is an essential part of the new proposed NHS pay structure, Agenda for Change with Knowledge and Skills Framework. Learn while you earn to move up the new pay structure. It also is part of the Department of Health’s Skills Escalator concept to help NHS employees develop a meaningful career path, and that everyone has an opportunity to gain meaningful qualifications. Grow your own professionals - we can’t keep importing our Registered workforce from countries that need them for their own development.

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A key role in achieving this is to have UNISON Lifelong Learning Advisers and union Learning reps, accessible in wards and departments to help and encourage people to take up Learning, to give impartial advice and support to all staff. Learning Reps have a legal right to time off with pay to undertake duties and training. To become a Lifelong Learning Adviser, you can attend a three day accredited course. Within the course you will find out more about how to help with the Governments skills initiative how to help and support colleagues in Learning. and end up with a useful qualification yourself. Also by follow up bolt on courses improve your own skills, on Information, Advice and Guidance, Dyslexia awareness, Life Skills Awareness (Basic Skills).

We are always looking for people to become Learning Advisers or Learning Reps, so if you have an interest in learning and helping others then please give us a ring or send an email to the address below.

If you would like to know more contact the UNISON Branch Office 01482 318670 or 318673