Pension Champions online course
Pensions Champions online course
The combination of the financial crisis, related threats to pensions schemes and changes to be introduced by the Government have pushed pensions higher up everyone's agenda than ever before. What can we do about it? This course aims to train Pensions Champions who will be active in their workplaces in helping colleagues understand the different aspects of pensions, how much they are likely to get in retirement and what they can do to improve their situation if necessary.
Trade unions are uniquely placed to provide this support and in the process, members will value their union membership even more.
This is a practical course covering the basics of pensions, State, occupational and additional pensions, skills in working with members and presenting pensions information. Throughout the course we make use of a website developed to both provide information as well as help in developing reports for individuals detailing expected pension income and options for improvement.
- Who is the course for?
- When does the course start?
- 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
- How do I apply?
Who is the course for?
Trade union reps who want to acquire a basic understanding of the pensions world and to develop the skills in working with their colleagues to provide guidance on the issues that concern them.
When does the course start?
2 March 2009
How long is the course?
The 30 hour course will be delivered over ten weeks.
What will the course help me to do?
The course will help you:
- understand the different types of pensions
- understand the language of pensions
- understand proposed changes to pensions
- develop interviewing and guidance skills
- identify your needs as a champion
- develop presentational skills
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:
Craig Hawkins
Online Learning Officer
unionlearn*
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS
t: 020 7079 6947
f: 020 7079 6921
m: 0781 037 5087
e: chawkins@tuc.org.uk
How do I apply?
If you are interested in this course, please complete the online form using the link below.
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