ATL

Making sense of policies and finance in FE

FE workplace reps' residential course – 3rd and 4th July 2013 at Wortley Hall, Sheffield.

This event is designed to give reps and potential reps a deeper and broader view of the rep role and ATL's distinctive approach to local bargaining and national policies. For beginners, or members who are considering the rep role, it will supply you with stimulating ideas relevant to working in the post 16 context and for advanced reps it will enable you to extend your expertise further into new areas.

3 July: late afternoon and evening sessions (3pm-8.30pm)

How national and college policies are interpreted and implemented

This session looks at how national policies and policy drivers influence college decisions; how college policies are framed around HR assumptions about individual entitlements versus collective interests; and looking at the balance of benefits to the employer versus benefits to employees.

Who is doing what? How ATL can build a members' voice in FE

With the changing attempts to introduce a narrative around professionalism in the FE sector ATL wants to articulate a members' view of what that should look like. From CPD opportunities, lecturer practices, pay and conditions, autonomy and accountability, we need to clearly state what our aspirations are in a realistic and timely manner. This session will start that narrative.

4 July (9am–4.30pm)

Understanding college finances for the purposes of local negotiations

Most college strategies are based on or derived from financial considerations, so understanding the financial statements of your college is crucial in order to offer alternatives or to look for gaps in the employer's argument, particularly when negotiating around redundancies, mergers or restructures. This day long session will begin to unpack the key elements to look out for and how to bargain around financial issues. No financial knowledge is assumed for this course.

Overview

• Gathering information on the college where you work.
• Understanding the balance sheets.
• Understanding the profit and loss account.
• Being prepared in a negotiation.

Knowledge

The programme will cover:

• building your confidence in looking at figures in financial statements and understanding their meaning and true worth

• being aware of off balance sheet items and what they mean

• spotting hidden dangers and being aware of possible college failure

• preparing strategies before you go into a meeting with your management.

Who this course is for

New or existing FE reps who want a better understanding of college accounts

Cost

This course is free to ATL workplace reps.

Course details

3 & 4 July 2013

To book a place on one of the courses, please fill out the online reps booking form.

Travel and expenses are payable from ATL with receipts.

Thank you for your interest and look forward to seeing you there!

Any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us the learning and development team