TASK:

During this week's conference call, you'll be asked to give a 5 minute audio presentation on the question of "How can the learning offer be used to organise?". The rest of the group will take the role of your Branch committee.

Here is some background information to help you to plan your presentation:

It's not always easy...

As the video above demonstrates, UNISON Branches and the activists who work tirelessly for our members face a multitude of challenges. They negotiate with employers to get the best deal for members in a range of areas including pay and conditions, health & safety and equalities. With all of the other issues that the union has to deal with, sometimes it can feel like it's hard to get learning high on the agenda in your Branch.

In activity 6 of your workbook, write down what issues may prevent Branches being able to support the learning agenda. It might help to thing about:

• Why might learning not be a priority with the Branch at the moment?

• Could learning be part of the solution to ongoing workplace issues?

• Who has responsibility for learning within the Branch?

Then choose one programme that is part of UNISON learning offer that you can use to make the case for learning. Write down the advantages of this programme from the perspective of the Branch, the employee and the employer.

This work will form the basis of your 5 minute presentation during the Community Call this week.