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Equality Reps - online course

The last few years have seen an increase in the amount and complexity of equalities issues at work. Union reps need to be able to keep up to date with equality legislation and handle issues such as flexible working, reasonable adjustments and discrimination. That's why unions are building the role of equality reps to help make workplaces fairer and more equality aware.

This training course will train equality reps in their new role and help them get to grips with the new and changing equality agenda. Equality reps can promote fairness in the workplace by raising the equality agenda among fellow workers and their own unions; by encouraging employers to make equality and diversity part of mainstream collective bargaining; by working with vulnerable workers and trying to ensure that every worker receives fair treatment.

• Who is the course for?
• How long is the course?
• What will the course help me to do?
• Can I get time off to learn?
• Can I get time off for online courses?
• How much is the course?
• Further information

Who is the course for?

This course is for existing, new or potential equality reps. They may be experienced workplace reps or new reps who want to take on this responsibility.

How long is the course?

This course will take approximately 18 hours to complete.

What will the course help me to do?

The course will help you to:

• understand the role of equality rep
• find out more about discrimination law
• improve equality policies and agreements
• find out about good practice and share success stories
• develop negotiating skills
• promote equality in the workplace and the union

Can I get 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 and the Safety Representatives and 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 ( http://www.acas.org.uk/publications/pdf/CP03.pdf ).

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.

Can I get time off for online courses?

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.

How much is the course?

This course is free for all recognised union reps from TUC member unions.

Further information

If you require any further information about this course, please contact: TUC Education Online e: tuceducationhelp@tuc.org.uk t: 020 7079 6929

Briefing document (500 words) issued 28 Jan 2010