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TUC Diploma in Equalities - online course

The Diploma is designed primarily for experienced Trade Union Reps whose role would benefit from a wider understanding of Equality Issues. It is intended to help students understand equality issues in the workplace, current equality legislation and how it can be applied in their own organisation.

• Who is the course for?
• How long is the course?
• What will the course help me to do?
• What subjects will be studied?
• What are the entry requirements?
• 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?

The course is designed specifically for experienced trade union representatives whose role would benefit from a wider understanding of equality issues. The Diploma also develops values and skills needed for higher level study and activism.

How long is the course?

The course is delivered over 36 weeks spread over three terms.

What will the course help me to do?

The course will help you:

• become more effective as a union representative, particular on equality issues
• promote an understanding of trade union values and policies on equalities
• deepen and extend the capacities of learners enabling them to apply for full-time officer posts or higher education opportunities
• strengthen understanding of trade union and workplace issues and offer up-to-date detail of new developments in the law and policy
• build learners' knowledge of equality issues in the workplace
• support learners' ability to build workplace equality and tackle issues at work
• develop personal/study skills, the ability to work collectively, and generally improve the confidence of learners to study at a higher level

What subjects will be studied?

The Diploma is accredited by the National Open College Network and is divided into several units - three core units and four study skills units - see below.

Equality issues at work

This module focuses on three main topics: different equalities themes; union and workplace policies and practices; and using trade union values to build the case for equality.

This module will help you to understand:

• the workplace in equality terms
• different equalities themes and protected characteristics
• union and workplace equalities and practices
• trade union principles of equality

Equality and the law

This module focuses on two main topics: UK equality legislation and UK institutions and procedures for equality.

This module will help you to understand:

• the context for legislation on equality
• current UK equality law
• equality legislation and how it impacts on the workplace
• UK institutions that deal with equality
• procedures that can be used in equality cases

Working for equality

This module focuses on three main topics: equality theory and practice.

The module will help you to understand:

• differences in the theory and practice of equality
• development of equality policies
• the use and value of equality tools
• union structures and strategies in working for equality
• the equality bargaining and campaigning agenda.

Study Skills Units

The study skills units comprise of:

Communication & Study Skills

• read and respond to written materials
• produce written materials
• prepare and make a presentation to a group
• take part in discussions and work collectively

Legal skills

• legal reasoning in case law
• locating and using legal resources
• using the law in negotiating
• employment tribunal preparation

Information Communication Technology

• prepare and input data
• display and present information
• present data
• use database, word processing and spreadsheet applications

Research Project

• project planning
• research skills
• presenting the project

What are the entry requirements?

Union representatives who wish to take this course should have:

• previously attended an Equalities Award programme or the Union Reps Stage 1 and Stepping Up Stage 2 Certificates programme; or
• achieved a suitable equivalent to the above through their own union's courses or from elsewhere.

Please note all applicants to the online course will be required to complete a second stage application form detailing the knowledge and experience that they have gained as a trade union rep. This will be used by tutors to assess applicants' suitability for the course.

Achieving the Diploma

To achieve the Equalities for Trade Union Reps Diploma participants are required to:

• successfully complete all seven modules
• gain a total of 48 credits (27 credits from subject modules and Level 3, 21 credits from study skills modules at Level 2 or 3)

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/media/pdf/l/q/CP03_1.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 and provided that your nomination for the course is approved by your trade union.

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 (900 words) issued 28 Jun 2011