TUC

TUC Programme
TUC Education provides training for more than 40,000 union representatives, health and safety representatives and union learning representatives each year.

TUC courses encourage everyone to learn in a friendly, supportive environment, usually in surroundings designated for trade union courses. Courses are offered flexibly to suit the needs of union representatives and through the traditional day release model.

For many reps this is a second chance to learn. A range of learning pathways has been established, offering all reps the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Overall Course Aims
TUC courses are designed to achieve:
· improvements in the performance of union representatives at the workplace and in the union
· greater understanding of trade union policies and priorities
· enhanced study skills and personal confidence for all those who take part
· recognition of learning achievements through accreditation
· personal satisfaction
The TUC is committed to equal treatment regardless of sex, race, disability, sexuality or age.
The aims of the TUC programme include equal participation by all groups and delivering skills, knowledge and understanding to learners so they can assist all of their members.
The purpose of the programme is to deliver a quality learning experience, with a system of accreditation which points to future learning opportunities and qualifications.

Learning Methods and Strategies
TUC Education develops and provides student materials for all TUC courses. These are regularly reviewed, revised and rewritten with the active involvement of practicing trade union studies tutors and TUC policy experts. Evidence of learning achievement is recorded and students receive regular and appropriate feedback.

Time off to learn
Union representatives who wish to attend TUC courses in working time should first ask their employer for time off with pay. The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 section 168 and the Safety Representatives & Safety Committee Regulations 1977 give accredited union and safety representatives a legal right to reasonable time off with pay to attend courses approved by the TUC or their union. Guidance towards establishing what constitutes reasonable time off can be found in the ACAS Code of Practice.
The role of the union learning representative has been boosted by new legal rights to time off for training contained in the Employment Relations Act 2001. Nearly 15,000 union learning representatives have already been trained.
Representatives who find difficulty in obtaining paid time off to attend TUC courses should seek assistance from their senior union representative or full time union officer.
For further information contact your regional education and training officer.

Time off to learn for distance or online learning
Online learning should not be seen as an alternative to paid release from work. The law still applies, whether learning takes place away from work or in work, at a workstation or in a company learning centre.