ATL

Workplace reps - post-induction (three-stage) course

Workplace reps have four main tasks:

• to provide information to other members in the school/college and to raise the profile of ATL by updating the staffroom noticeboard with posters and newsletters

• to recruit new members into ATL membership by introducing yourself to new members of staff and asking them to join

• to act as a communication link on key issues in education between ATL and other members in the school/college

• to signpost members in the school/college to sources of information and advice within ATL.

Stage 1 - reps course (day one)

This new course has a new approach to representative training to meet the needs and aspirations of the learners.

The first day has several aims:

• to get to know who is on the course and who the tutor is

• your role as an ATL rep and how you fit within the union

• to become better at communicating.

As a union rep there are many tasks you will want to do, such as working together with members and other union reps. This course aims to give you the skills you need to actively do this and many other roles that an ATL rep performs.

Part one of the course will help you to:

• build confidence in your role and responsibilities as a union rep

• understand the role of the union rep

• find information about member's rights

• develop skills and confidence in the union rep role.

Stage 2 - reps course (day two)

This part of the course deals with issues and problems raised by your members:

• we look at how to handle these problems, and what information you would need to assist you

• this section also gets you examining your workplace procedures that deal with grievances and disciplinary issues.

We also look at preparing for and presenting a case: how to plan and how to anticipate the employer's response. This part of the course will:

• give you an introduction to employment law

• help you understand grievance and disciplinary procedures

• help you deal with members' problems

• help you orepare and presenting members' cases.     

Stage 3 - reps course (day three)

The aims for this part of the course are to build a stronger union at the workplace, which is the best way to achieve a better deal for ATL members. To organise effectively is to turn an issue into a result through active membership.

The activities in this part of the course are designed to give you the chance to succeed at organising. This may be on a local or workplace issue, or by beginning a campaign organising around a specific problem. If you do this systematically, and with membership support, you will achieve your aims.

This part of the course will help you:

• participate in meetings and develop negotiating skills

• be involved in collective bargaining and agreements

• understand organisations

• develop recruiting skills.

Who this course is for

If you are a new rep or a rep who has not attended training in the last three years you should attend the induction course in your region if possible first. If you are unable to attend you are able to start this three stage course and should sign up for stages one to three.

Cost

This course is free to ATL workplace reps.

Course details

North west

Course 2
Liverpool
Stage 1: 19 January 2012
Stage 2: 25 April 2012
Stage 3: 20 June 2012

North east, Yorkshire and Humberside

York
Stage 1: 24 January 2012
Stage 2: 28 February 2012
Stage 3: 9 May 2012

Midlands

Derby, Derby College 
Stage 1: 6 February 2012
Stage 2: 23 May 2012
Stage 3: 4 July 2012

South west

Course 2
Swindon
Stage 1: 16 January 2012
Stage 2: 23 April 2012
Stage 3: 2 July 2012

South east/London

Course 1
London, South Thames College
Stage 1: 26 January 2012
Stage 2: 6 March 2012
Stage 3: 12 July 2012

Course 2
London
Stage 1: 28 February 2012
Stage 2: 10 May 2012
Stage 3: 21 June 2012

Booking a place

To book a place on the reps three-stage course, please check the dates above and fill out the reps' course online booking form.